Background
Previous chapter: After trip from Kansas, Danielle attended a conference meeting at Alaska University, had a playful day with Stewart, who attracted her.
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A smile and a blissful gaze filled Danielle face as she drove from the fairgrounds to the hotel. In her room she joyfully dialed for Ginger.
"You call to tell how impressive your speech was today?"
"I didn't speak to anyone today except Stewart."
"Good. You let that industrial guy know building a dam in the wilderness is no good. Right?"
"No, I didn't. But he did steal my attention. All my thought is on him." Danielle blinked and ran restless fingers through her hair as if a realization had hit her. "How come my every thought is about Stewart? No man, not even Kevin, who I almost married, ever completely melted me like that."
"Oh, so it sounds like the handsome pilot who rescued you from bears is taking you over!"
"That's not all of it either. I've learned Starla has given birth to a baby."
"Ah, you told me she is a young gal who is after Stewart and his fancy home. That bother you?"
"I suppose, Ginger, but it shouldn't. He's so, so distracting. I had a fascinating day with that man yesterday."
"Yet, you got big doubt on him. You don't know if he's the baby's dad. That's got you in a whirl."
Danielle groaned. "I'm not going to let it."
"That's the spirit, Dani. When it comes to resisting men, you are stronger at it than anyone I ever knew."
"Thanks, Ginger. Tomorrow I will stay clear of him."
After a restless night, Danielle chose to wear milder clothes than yesterday's red outfit. A pale green jacket and pants covered over a flowery shirt gave her a more relaxed appearance. The meeting began at nine o'clock and she efficiently signed up as one of the speakers.
As Danielle seated herself on the stage, she saw Stewart arrive. He raised a hand to her and chose a seat near the front row. Bright lights beaming onto the stage put faces of the audience out of focus. She felt relieved to not see his stare on her. That aided her to dwell on the words planned for her speech. Since she was the last speaker scheduled, she listened for hours. Every speech was long.
When her introduction to the crowd came, Danielle jumped up feeling natural strength was with her. Immediately, her confident voice poured out words against the building of the dam. She spoke of the massive structure being taller than Hoover Dam that serves a million people, while few Alaskans live in the area that could use a new dam's electrical power. Holding up two fingers showed how thousands of people thrived on fishing and the tourist industry. Then she began listing in detail the tragic impact the dam would have on the lives of salmon, moose, caribou, bears and the environment.
It was a short speech. When ended, the long session aroused the audience to begin leaving seats. The Chairman closed the meeting and suggested all join socially in the lobby for refreshments.
As Danielle reached the theater door, State Senator Vern Hughes rushed up to her.
"Congratulations Miss LeRoy. You were very impressive."
"Thank you, Senator Hughes. I knew I mentioned many of the aspects you shared with me at that dinner."
"What you have to say and your remarkable research on all the issues makes your service urgent. Is there any chance you could work here? I know of an open position needing you?"
She was aware the company would not approve her speech. As a matter of fact, her job may be lost. Mr. Wright had instructed her to present the advantages of constructing the dam as well as mentioning the environmental problems that may result. That definitely was not what she did.
"I very much appreciate your suggestion." Danielle's eyes lit up and a laugh rang out. "I wouldn't mind a move to Alaska."
"Well then, please do apply. I'll give you the number to call." The Senator reached into a pocket and pulled out a small notepad. He handed her an envelope that was beside it. "Mr. Bryant left early and asked me to give you this."
Danielle's hand stiffened as he held the envelope and waited for the Senator to scribble out information. As he handed it to her, other legislators and news reporters began to surround her. Questions came steadily that she impressively managed to answer. It was over an hour before she walked away to her car.
Staring at the blank envelope, she wondered if she should toss it out. But that thought brought guilt as she realized Stewart was a man who had never done her any harm. Inside the car, she said, "Why not open it?"
She did and read it to herself aloud. "Sorry, had to miss your speech. Went shopping to get a party ready for Wedding tomorrow. It's at my place, 1:00 PM. The lovely bride is Starla Frost, who just had a baby girl. Please be sure to come, Dani."
Author Notes
Character List:
Danielle LeRoy, main character
Stewart Bryant, new man in her life
Dr. Burns, college professor
Curtiss Hicks, friend at work
Social Friends: Ron,Gabe,Ivar,Rhonda,Dixie
Mr. H.T. Wright, company owner
Kevin Harbeson, boyfriend in Kansas
Ginger Kellar, housemate in Kansas
Starla Frost, young pregnant woman
Peter: worker on ranch
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