Page 36 of Mother Clucker

“Trash to Treasure and no, I usually have nothing to do with actual production. What I am on staff for is to promote the company, and the shows, and to clean up any public relations messes that hit in the media. And believe me, there have been a few.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t you see? I can help you.”

“How?” As far as I knew, we had a marketing department at Strickland. The main thing I’d seen come out of it was them sending to the press the letter of public apology the lawyers had me sign.

Heather had a faraway look in her eyes. “I’ve got a few ideas.”

“Um, okay.”

“Can I have a couple of days to work things out?” she asked.

I let out a laugh. “Sure. Take all the time you need.”

This had been going on since last year. What were a few more days?

She nodded. “Okay. Good.”

I could see she’d checked out of the conversation already, thanks to visions of marketing plans dancing in her head, no doubt.

“You want to go and start, don’t you?” I asked. It wasn’t a question. I was pretty sure I was right.

“Would you mind?” she asked.

“No. Not at all.”

Cup in hand, she stood, then looked back toward me. “Will you be in town a couple of more days?”

I’d been planning on leaving, the sooner the better. Now, as I saw the excitement in her—excitement to help me, work with me—well, my plans seemed to have changed.

“Yeah. I’ll be around a few more days.”

“Good. I’ll get something preliminary to you as soon as I can.”

“All right. Thank you.”

She smiled. “My pleasure.”

The most amazing part was, she looked like she actually meant it. The woman who’d hated me on sight was happy to be helping me.

I still didn’t understand women. But I wasn’t opposed to letting Heather keep me on my toes. Not one little bit.

13

David

“Since you seem in a better mood, how about we head out for a beer that doesn’t come out of my fridge?” Drew suggested.

I lifted a brow, feeling for the first time since I’d arrived like I was imposing on Drew’s hospitality. “I’ll buy you a case tomorrow.”

“That’s not what I meant. Don’t you want to go out and see other people besides me?” Drew asked.

“I don’t generally like people.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it. You could sell ice to an Eskimo.”

“Doesn’t mean I want to drink with him afterward,” I pointed out.

“There’s a band.” Drew dangled that like it would be a temptation. “A country music band.”

That would be preferable to something else, but I still wasn’t inspired to be social. Then my cell buzzed.

---