by Hoff, Stacy
James slid his heavy video camera off his shoulder to lean forward and give Ana a one-armed hug. “Glad you made it safely.”
Tom cleared his throat. “Good to see you, Ana, but Gus is giving us only a few more minutes to film before he charges us another six hundred dollars.”
Tom gave a nod over toward Gus’ direction. Ana took one look at his body language and silently agreed Gus wasn’t a guy to be messed with.
“We’re already blowing through Mark’s budget,” Tom admitted, “so can we tape first and talk later?”
“Sure, of course. What am I supposed to do?”
Tom pointed to a table and chairs near the bar, close to the wall being painted. “Walk over there and meet . . . Where’d he go?”
“I told him to wait in the hallway,” James answered. “Okay everyone, get your cameras ready. Our man is about to walk in.” The men shifted their video cameras on their shoulders and bent their faces to peer into the viewfinders. “Okay, Redd, you can come out now.”
Out of the blackness of a dim, dusty corridor, Ana could make out the emerging figure of a hulk of a man. The closer he got, the more he drew her in. His intense gaze, imposing body and commanding presence was as striking as before, mesmerizing her once again.
“And go!” she heard James loudly whisper.
Ana felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up from nerves. Even though she had flown up here knowing she was going to be on camera, actually being taped was more disconcerting than she thought.
“Uh . . .” she stuttered stupidly, holding out her hand.
“Hello, I’m William Redding.” He seemed amused as he dropped his gaze to her face, obviously studying her. Or perhaps sizing her up. “Nice to meet you,” he said, taking her hand and briefly shaking it.
“I’m Ana,” she squeaked. “Ana Davis. I’m your partner.”
“I gathered that. You’re the only other person in here being filmed.”
Great greeting, Ana, ‘I’m your partner.’ Duh. Everyone back home will laugh their asses off when they see this. I can hear the “I knew she wasn’t cut for anything special” comments now. She was screwing up royally. Heat traveled to her cheeks. Suddenly she wanted to bolt for the door and run back to the airport.
“You can call me Redd,” he added, gratefully filling in the silence.
Thankfully she managed a small nod.
Man, she looks familiar. Redd needed a moment to figure out where he had seen the unique, beautiful woman before. And then it hit him. But she was even lovelier now than in the Manhattan deli. What the heck is she doing here? She’d come a long way to find out if potato salad and pastrami was better in Alaska.
Seeing her again, and in this bar, was one of the most surprising things to happen in his whole life. A flying giraffe couldn’t have been a bigger shock. The likelihood, out of all the millions in Manhattan, of her being here was practically zilch. If it hadn’t been for his covert operative training he never could have maintained his neutral expression for the cameras.
The woman looked completely urban, if you asked him. And kind of shy. Self-conscious, even. How could he have known this beautiful, unique woman was a skilled survivalist? Go figure. The military was right—people were full of surprises, so expect the unexpected.
Talk to her, Redd. Sure she’s pretty, but there are still plenty of things you need to know. He cleared his throat. But before he could say anything, Gus’ voice cut through the tense air.
“Your one hour’s up, guys. Either pay me for my time or put your recording equipment away.”
“Shit. That’s a wrap,” James said to Tom and Devon. “Hope those few seconds will be what Mark wants.”
“It’ll have to be,” Tom said. “Ana, loosen up, will you? The camera hates it when people are stiff.”
“It’s my first time being filmed,” Ana protested.
She looked like she was trying her best to hold herself together. At least the camera crew was giving her space to recover. They went outside, putting their equipment away.
“Now that the cameras are off, I can say that I definitely remember you from the deli,” he said with a laugh.
“I remember you, too,” she said with a large smile. “You were so wonderful with those nasty kids. Thank you.”
“I was happy to bail you out of a bad situation. Kinda like we have now,” he joked. “Our twelve days will be tough, but I’m sure you can hold your own. Bears are so much easier than brats.”
“I’m hoping you’re right. I guess I’ll find out.”
“Find out?” he said, brows furrowed. “What does that mean?” When she didn’t answer, his heartbeat sped up. And not in a good way. “Ana, you do have survival skills, don’t you?”
“I . . . er . . . don’t have any survival skills per se.”
What? He frowned. “Okay, what skills exactly do you have?”
“Isn’t it better to find out when we’re in the park? I’ll be able to surprise you, and dazzle you, all at the same time.”
I just know she’s never even set foot outdoors. I am so screwed.
Ana may look like an angel, but Teleworld was the devil who’d brought them together. To have deliberately set her up with him was callously risking both of their lives. And his goal for the prize money.
Ana studied the man with whom she’d be spending the next twelve days, convinced he hated her. His upper lip was curled as if he smelled something unpleasant. She blinked back tears that threatened to fall. Oh, God. Redd thinks I’m dead weight for sure. Now I know I’m going to screw up the show.
“I’m not into surprises, Ana,” he said gruffly. “Not when our lives are on the line. Do you have any survival skills or don’t you? I’ve got to know exactly what I’m dealing with.”
“I-I’m sorry,” she stuttered, although she wasn’t sure what she was apologizing for. Her slow response, or for not being somebody better?
“Just level with me, okay?” he said again, gentler this time. “I won’t be mad. Panicked, maybe. But not mad. At least not mad at you.” He managed to give her a small smile. She wished to God it was sincere.
“All right, I’ll level. But I hope you won’t be too upset. I don’t have any survival skills at all.”
“None at all,” he repeated tonelessly.
“Well, no. I grew up in Brooklyn. The show wants me to say I’m from Manhattan but you said you want me to be honest.”
“Have you at least gone camping before?”
“Yes!”
“Great.” He exhaled hard, his expression showing relief. “How often do you go?”
“I’ve only been once, actually. But that still counts, right?”
“That depends,” he said, looking as if he had a sudden, severe headache.
“I went during summer camp, right after seventh grade. My whole bunk slept outside. It was fun. The counselors even let us roast a whole bag of marshmallows.”
She could have sworn she heard him swallow. It was almost as if he was choking on one of those marshmallows.
“Any hiking experience?” he asked weakly.
Be engaging, Ana. Don’t look so scared. Crack a joke or something. She managed a playful smile. “Close. I’ve told people to take a hike.”
He bit down on his lip. It looked like he was in pain. “Fishing?”
“No. The closest I’ve gotten to fishing is picking up jars of herring from the supermarket.” Taking one look at his ashen expression, she added, “I’m a fast learner though. If you teach me how to do these things, I’ll catch on quick. I even managed to learn a whole lot about wilderness survival before I came up here.”
“I think I need a beer,” he said, abruptly changing the topic.
“I can get you one, if you want.” Ana felt her face go hot.
When he stepped away, she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “Look, I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted in a partner,” she said quietly. “I kinda got forced into this. With no notice for me to prepare.”
He swallowed again, seemingly making a determined effort to soften his countenance. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just do what I tell you, and we’ll get through this ordeal as best as we can.” His face was so scrunched up now he could have been a shar-pei puppy. “How’d they force you?”
“I’m their newest producer. I don’t have much track record yet, so . . .”
“That explains it.”
“Redd!” Gus called from across the bar, interrupting them. “You’re up in half an hour.”
“Up for what?” Ana asked. “Is it something I can help you with?”
“No. He means I’m up for Karaoke.”
Ana’s eyes grew wide. “Wow. You sing?”
“Not usually in public. I was trying to help your crew out. They were in a little bit of a financial pickle.”
He may seem a bit angry, but he is definitely a good guy. “I can’t wait to hear you,” she responded with a tentative smile.
She was relieved to see him give her a tentative smile back. She could only hope it would become more confident over time.
Chapter 8
Gus yelled Redd’s introduction into the microphone loud enough to have not needed the extra amplification. “All right, settle down, people. Tonight I’ve got something different lined up to entertain you. Gus’ Place has some New Yorkers here to join us for Karaoke night.”
Redd observed the surprised faces of the few dozen local folks sitting around the bar and stage, beers in hand. Some guy in the back, no doubt having been served one too many of Gus’ drinks, let out a whoop. A lady, even drunker, screamed, “Tourists!”
Gus continued speaking, unfazed by his patrons. “And we’ve got a man here from Texas, too.”
This comment was greeted by louder hoots and hollers, seemingly more heartfelt this time. Then the drunk woman yelled out, “So what? Still a tourist!”
“Ms. McConly, you’ve got to cut that out,” Gus shouted. “Don’t make me walk you out of here.”
“Fine. I’ll be nice,” the woman grumbled.
“That’s better,” Gus announced, smiling. “Our Texan is former military, so you need to show him proper respect.”
Ms. McConly shouted again, this time chanting, “USA, USA!”
“Ms. McConly, last warning. We appreciate your patronage, and your patriotism, but you’ve got to stop yelling.” He glanced over at a thin, frail woman behind the bar. “Matty, she’s cut off.”
Matty nodded.
If Redd hadn’t been so upset to be paired with a greenhorn he would have been faintly amused. Gus’ Place was a true slice of Americana, even here at the edge of civilization. An American flag was hung by thumbtacks above the bar. A Canadian flag hung next to it. Everyone was dressed casually in worn jeans, sturdy boots, and either tee shirts or sweatshirts. A few people could be farmers, given the faint smell of earth that hung about them. Some looked like they maybe ran some of the local businesses. Two of them looked like academics, no doubt from Fairbanks’ state university. All were unified in their mission to be entertained tonight at Gus’ Place.
Good luck to them. It had been a heck of a long time since he’d sang, and even longer in public. He was half surprised he was willing to do it now. Somehow, all involvement with Teleworld seemed “do or die,” including this mission.
Gus raised his voice louder, causing the microphone to emit a high squeal from feedback. “Okay, let’s give a big hand to our military man from Texas.” Gus extended an arm in Redd’s direction. Redd stepped up onto the bar’s makeshift stage and quietly cleared his throat.
Gus placed his hand over the microphone and whispered, “What’s your name again?”
“People call me Redd.”
“Get ready for Redd!” Gus called out, causing the room to break out in applause.
Amongst the audience, Redd sought out Ana. She was quirky. Spunky. Really cute. And completely clueless as to survival. Worse, he’d be spending twelve days alone with her. Twelve days to remind himself there was no possible way he was getting involved. No matter how attractive she was. No, the only “hands on” experience he’d be having would be keeping her alive.
Ana quickly realized that Redd wasn’t the only one staring at her. Everybody at the bar was probably wondering why she was standing frozen with her mouth agape. But then they might not be feeling the same pull of attraction to this enigmatic man as she was.
Although she couldn’t imagine why they wouldn’t be. Redd stood on stage looking better than any rock-n-roller could. His cut off tee shirt and tight jeans were part of the reason. His commanding presence the rest.
As if on cue, the music for Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” started playing on the karaoke machine. Redd belted out the vocals. The audience immediately clapped their approval and the drunk woman sang along loudly. Her voice was so off-key, Ana couldn’t tell whether she was trying to harmonize a duet or sabotage the performance. A moment later Ana observed Gus walk behind her, lean down to whisper in her ear, and then escort her out.
Well, good. Why throw off Redd’s song when his voice was so wonderful? Just like the rest of him. Something about him was almost sultry.
Redd’s song was quite popular, if the reaction of the listeners was any indication. “Excuse us, please,” a group of incoming people said to Ana. She stepped to the side to let them through. He was obviously drawing an audience. Maybe people were texting others to come over? Or perhaps passersby could hear through the open windows? However they knew, Ana was finding herself lost in an ever-growing crowd.
Jostled by somebody, she moved out of the way before noticing the person standing next to her was Devon. He, however, was oblivious to her. He stood as open-mouthed as she was and staring straight at Redd.
“He’s good, isn’t he?” Ana remarked, trying to keep her voice casual.
“What? Oh. Sorry, didn’t see you there. Yeah, he’s good. Real good.”
He’s as awestruck by Redd as I am. No wonder Devon and I relate so well to each other. Ana laughed. “Maybe you want to spend the twelve days with him instead of me?”
Devon nodded, though he still stared at Redd as if in a daze. “Trust me, if Mark allowed it, I’d take your place in an instant.”
“Seriously? You’d risk a gruesome death by wild bears for a chance to be with him?”
“Yup.”
Just then, Redd started the next song. Looking straight at her, he sang, “Heat of the Moment” by Asia.
She was feeling pretty hot herself. She used harsh reality to cool herself down. Redd no doubt saw her the same way everyone else did—funny and sweet but quirky, flighty, clueless and not too bright, either. No matter how hard she tried to prove them wrong. She was still no one to be taken too seriously. And when it came to Arctic survival, no one even remotely qualified. Ana exhaled hard.
“Hey, you okay?” Devon asked softly.
“Yeah, fine.”
“I know you’re scared to be out in the wild for twelve days. I would be. Heck, anyone would be. I’m sure even Redd is nervous.” He put a hand lightly on her shoulder. “You’re going to do great.”
“Devon, can I ask you a question? I want your honest opinion.”
“Sure. Shoot.”
“Why did Mark promote me?”
Devon looked at her thoughtfully, head cocked. “It’s not like Mark and I hang out, Ana. But if I had to take a guess, I’d say it’s because you have a solid reputation. You knew what the producer job entails better than anyone else who came in after Stephanie. Maybe because you actually worked with her. Mark hadn’t co
me close to filling her shoes when she quit, so after a few tries, he figured he’d try you.”
Ana was silent as she took all this in.
“He must think you’re capable, if that’s what you’re concerned about.” Devon frowned. “Is it?”
Ana nodded, her face flushing with heat.
“I’m not going to tell you something trite like Don’t be nervous or Buck up, little camper. But I will tell you that we were sent out here because Mark thought you could make the show a big hit. I’m assuming he also thought you actually being on the show would be helpful for you producing shows in the future.”
Ana’s mouth dropped open. “Do you really think so?” There is hope. I need to keep reminding myself of this.
Devon laughed. “I didn’t fly all the way out to Alaska to watch you get eaten by a grizzly.”
Despite her tension and her doubts, Ana let out a small laugh. Her heart felt a thousand pounds lighter. “Thanks, Devon.”
“No problem.” He winked. “Us New Yorkers have to band together. Especially out here.”
If Devon was right, maybe she really wasn’t seeing herself accurately anymore. Maybe she could survive not only the wilderness but Teleworld. Ana and Devon waited until Redd was done with his three-song set. He wrapped up his performance with Elvis Presley’s “A little Less Conversation.” Gus’ crowd hooted and hollered their approval. With an almost-shy nod of acknowledgment to them, Redd stepped down from the stage and walked over to Ana and Devon.
“Hey,” Redd greeted them.
“You were great,” Ana said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tom and James walk over to join them.
