“Sounds like a rewarding job.”
I can tell it’s something Collie really enjoys by the way her eyes light up when talking about it. Must be a shitty feeling knowing that’s gone now.
“Yeah,” she sighs. “It was. But there will always be other jobs, ya know? My parents always told my sister and me growing up that everyone is replaceable. I realize now how true that is.”
She’s right. It doesn’t matter how killer you are at your job—business is business. They will always find someone to replace you, and before you know it, you’re forgotten.
Business doesn’t have feelings.
“I think that’s pretty good advice,” I tell her. “You seem to be a people person. Doubt you’ll have any issues finding a new one.”
“Maybe. That’s if I stay there. Everything is a little up in the air for me right now.”
No idea what she means by that, but I have a feeling there’s a story behind it.
“So, what do you do? Please don’t tell me you’re an accountant or something.” Collie laughs, and I can’t help it; I throw my head back, a full chuckle escaping me.
“Fuck no. You’ll never catch me behind a keyboard. I’m a lineman.”
“Ooooo, football. Sexy.” Her smile spreads wide, bright white teeth on display.
“Not quite. Although now my job doesn’t seem as badass as I thought.” My laughter builds. “I’m a power lineman. I build power lines. Chase storms. Hurricanes. Snowstorms. The first responders no one recognizes.”
I laugh about it, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Firefighters, doctors, nurses, policemen—they all get recognized in times of need. Rightfully so. But no one ever talks about the lineman who chase hurricanes and risk their safety so everyone else can have air conditioning to come home to and their lights turned on.
It’s even worse when our own families are without power, and we get nothing but unappreciative commentary from customers about how we aren’t working fast enough.
“Holy mama.” Collie’s eyes go wide. “I knew the work boots meant something hot. I’d take a blue-collar man over a football player any day. And that’s definitely me hitting on you.” She blows me a kiss, and something in my chest fucking tingles. “Seems like a pretty intimidating job. Dangerous, right?”
If I were a man who blushed, I’d be fighting to hold it in right now. But I’m not. “I wouldn’t exactly call it easy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a flash blow-up in my face from two phases crossing. Or had to climb up an eighty-foot utility pole with my hooks and bucksqueeze the only thingssupporting me. Essentially, the only thing saving my life while working on an energized conductor is a pair of rubber gloves. But I love what I do. It’s a rush unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”
At this point in my life, being at the top of the pole is about the only thing that brings me any kind of happiness. Getting to witness people around you going about their day, taking in the views of Alaska, and all the landscapes I’m guilty of not appreciating the way I should. Because whether I’m in my bucket or with my legs wrapped around a pole, it’s just me up there.
The only time I get to reflect and dream. Odd as fuck to think I’m one step closer to that dream now. If only I could stop hating on myself to actually figure things out and enjoy it.
“Wow. I have no idea what any of those big words you just said are, but I’m amazed by you, Easton Voss. You’re officially a certified badass. Hard hat and all.”
I’m smiling like an adolescent boy. “Well, if Collie Meadows says it, then it must be true.”
“You got that right.” She grins. “Sooo, what’s the plan for tomorrow? I’m letting you be the guide, Ranger.”
“Oh, fuck no. Don’t give me some sour nickname like Dirty Dan.”
Collie’s smile lifts wider, and I swear to the wildlife around us, it lights a fire inside of me. “But Dirty Dan is the cutest! You can tell he takes his job very seriously,” she counters.
“The guy reeks of bug repellent. And Jesus, Collie, there’s a reason his name is Dirty Dan. He looks like he could cut barbed wire with his teeth.”
I hear the air escape from her lungs. “Oh my god. I wonder if people really do that.”
“Wasn’t expecting him to be our welcoming crew, but it is what it is.” I chuckle. “I was thinking we would go into town tomorrow and grab some nonperishable stuff to keep in the camper. Whatever you might need.”
“I can always get down with some snacks.”
“I’ll do my best to keep you fed.” I circle my gaze around the van, noticing a stillness outside. It’s getting late. “We should probably get some sleep.”
I slide the cover over the sunroof, enveloping us in the darkness of the camper. I left a pillow between Collie and me, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable, but she’s already fading.
“Okay.”
