Page 33 of Make Mine Sweet
His chuckle expands into a laugh. “My name’s Nathan Bridger.”
His hand appears in my peripheral vision, but I ignore it.
“No autographs today,” I grumble. I never really was a celebrity in my own right, and I’m even less than that now.
“But a selfie’s fine?”
I turn to find him grinning at me, empty hands raised as though claiming innocence. “I won’t. But I wanted to talk to you for a minute if you don’t mind.”
I glance over Nathan, but there’s nothing obviously worrisome about him. Probably a good ten years younger than I am, short dark hair, tattoos snaking down both arms, eyes bright. I wipe my mouth with a napkin and gesture for him to continue.
Might as well cap off this day with a request for a private guide I can’t fulfill. Or an attempt to get Vance Vickers’s personal information. Either way, Nathan’s going home disappointed.
We both are, pal.
“I work for Backcountry EMT, I don’t know if you’ve heard of it.” He pauses, and I shake my head. “We provide medics for things like festivals, concerts, and remote athletic events across the state, as well as traditional emergency services.”
My food sits uncomfortably in my gut. This is worse than any autograph hound.
“I don’t know how long you’re thinking of staying in the area,” he goes on, “but if it’s long-term, we’d love to have you consider joining our team.”
He’s recruiting me for a job? Is he serious?
“Why me?”
My curt challenge seems to invigorate him. “No reason. Only that you’re a Wilderness EMT. Have AMGA certifications in alpine, ice, and rock climbing. And you have more hours on a mountainside than anybody else in this state.”
It’s a stretch, but the guy’s done his research. Except for one small problem. “Haven’t you heard? I’m not in that business anymore.”
I keep saying it, but it’s not entirely true. My brothers would argue I’m still very much in the business, simply on extended leave. Personally…I’m not sure what I am. But a refusal is easiest when I’m trying to finish my dinner.
His gaze drops to my leg—the wrong leg, but it tells me enough.
“I heard. That shouldn’t be an issue.”
“You’re awfully confident.”
“It’s a curse.” His grin says he’s well aware.
I used to have the same cocky smile. Until my accident wiped it away.
“I know this is a poor way to ask if you’d ever consider working with us, but I had to take the chance. If you’re heading back to Durango, no worries, but a little birdie told me you might consider staying in town if you had the right motivation.”
Of course she did. “Is that little birdie named Amy?”
“Might be.”
I look around the diner until I find her hovering over a booth. She glances at me and dips her head, both confirming this is all her doing and pushing me harder toward her goal. Maybe I should be flattered she wants me to stay in town so badly, but an EMT job? Do either of them know what they’re asking?
“If she’s wrong, don’t sweat it. If she’s not…” He slides a business card over to me slick as anything. “It’s something to think about.”
I glance at the card, the red Backcountry EMT logo blaring up at me. I will not be thinking about it. That’s not even close to what I ever did. My EMT certifications were a safety precaution, not a career path. And if he knows anything about my accident, he’s already awaresafetywas a moving target for me.
“And hey, if you’re ever bored some night and want to hang out and talk, I’d be down for that, too. My number’s on the back. No pressure.”
This guy is way too eager. I nod acknowledgement of the offer but don’t so much as hint that I might take him up on it. Pretty sure I haven’thung outwith anyone since before…well, since before.
He pats the countertop and spins on the barstool to leave, but pauses. “Seriously, it’s a thrill to meet you, dude. Reading articles about you inCruxis part of what got me into climbing, and eventually wilderness first response. Is it too much if I say you were my hero?”
