We Meet Again

I was headed back to work at the paper after lunch break, (some break, eat and run). Anyway, I was on the run back to my desk and just got sat down, when the editor called me into his office. This cannot be good I thought, but in I went to a usually surly and grim faced boss.

Don't get me wrong, I liked what a do. A roving reporter is better than stuck behind a desk all day. And most of the time Jeff our editor liked my stories. But there were those few times that I would get a grunt, a moan, and then everything that was wrong with my article. Plus I learned that one does not sit down in his office unless invited. So I stood, waiting for goodness knows what.

Finally he cleared his throat and told me that he had a pretty big assignment for me. One of our state senators was coming into the area and was having a town meeting, and he wanted me to cover it.

Wow, finally something besides the newest donut, or the newest flavor of ice cream. But little did I know that the contact person that I would be actually talking to was none other that Kim Shields. Who was none other than my former fiancé.

I thought when she broke up with me that that was it. I could move on, and I was trying to. Now I have to face her again, and actually have to converse with the lady that broke my heart.

The day came. Senator Adkins and his entourage came through the station and I had to gulp and find Kim. And sure enough there she was following close behind the Senator with photographers and reporters like me

Part of me wanted to run, but too late. Kim hollered out STEVE. Now I was in it whether I wanted to be or not. "Steve, over here". Just like nothing happened whatever, I had a job to do. "Yes thats me, I am here to cover the Senators meeting."

"Yes, I know. My assistant gave me your name". Well, this was a little awkward. What do I say. What do I do. Hi its good to see you. I need to connect with you to get.... Sorry to interrupt but we have to get to the hotel for a briefing. Just follow us and you can get the itinerary.

At the hotel Kim was rattling off the times like an auctioneer. I was writing like crazy and at the same time seeing Kim like I remember. Ok, reality. This was going to be a busy day, and I couldn't afford to miss any of it. Sleep, what is that.

Anyway, the first event was a photo shoot in front of the hotel, another shoot at the park, then the town meeting, questions and answer time, and then back on the train early next day.

I had to get this but at the same time part of me wanted to talk to Kim. Well surprise, I got my chance in the elevator of the hotel. three elevator cars and I get the one with her.

Kim it is good to see you, I am glad you are doing well. She gave me a look that I rarely saw in her. A look of both thank you and can you rescue me. So I was bold to ask, "Do you have time for a cup of coffee"? As we left the elevator, she said, meet me at Amys Coffee in 5 minutes.

As I walked into the coffee shop, I felt 100 butterflies. Why, Its not like we are strangers, although we hadn"t seen each other in about 5 years.

We sat down at a table, and for a few seconds just looked at each other. I spoke up and said, you seem to be in a rescue mode of sorts.

You have no idea, this is my first try as his press secretary, and if I don't do this right, I am toast. How about you?

Yea me too. This is my first big assignment. and I have to get it right, or I could be out.

Kim looked at me. " I can't believe you are still at that little paper. And you didn't try a bigger news outlet."

All of a sudden, I felt defensive. It seemed she was being condescending to me. But I thought, Take the high ground. You are not doing that bad. "Yea, still here. Its not bad and this is a big plus for me. Its not big city stuff like you always liked, but I like it.

"I didn't mean that Kim said. I just meant that you are very talented and can do more in a bigger city"

"Maybe, but this is my home. I love it here".

We drank our coffee, her phone went off, and off she went. "Sorry, gotta run. Maybe we can talk after the town meeting."

Yea right. I thought. I desperately wanted to talk to her about what happened between us, but it didn"t look like that was going to happen.

It was now time for the town meeting at the park. They had a section reserved for press, so I showed my pass and took a seat off the side of the podium. I thought the meeting went well. The Senator was very articulate and at least answered the questions. Which was more than most of them do. The meeting ended and off they went

I knew I couldn"t see Kim, but now I couldn"t find her. As I turned to leave, I bumped right into her. 'Well, I am here, you don't have to run me over. Kidding. Shall we?

I finally could try and clear the air because who knows when or if I would ever see her again."

"What happened to us?" " Wow you get to the point" "Sorry but I may not see you again after today". " "Never say never, said Kim, the Senator is losing points fast. The election really looks like he is going to lose his seat, which means I am out of a job.

" I am sorry. I didn't know. I usually don't keep up with political stuff". I know she said. Sometimes I wish I didn"t. But this seemed like and ideal chance to get my name in with bigger news agencies. I guess I was wrong.. He is all but blaming me for his failing, when actually it is him and his stands on key issues.

" You could always come back here. Unless this small town is still not your liking.

" I guess I deserved that. I know what I said, and I wish I could take it back. I guess its not a green on the other side as I thought.

You always seemed to be settled for this, and I wanted to explore and see if there was more. Now I wish I hadnt.

Well, I said, you are always welcome here. With your talent, you could do just about anything you wanted. "Thanks, she said in a regretful voice. I am sorry how I ended it.

" I appreciate that. I am too. I have thought about you some. Didn't know what you were doing. I figured taking on the world etc.". I wish. I do miss you. I just didn"t think I could come back and be happy. I was wrong. And you guessed, came a kiss. A meaningful one.

I knew even if the Senator lost that Kim wouldn"t want to come back here, so I finished my writing, submitted the story which surprisingly enough he liked and on with my life.

The next day I got up and went to the coffee shop on my way to work, started to open the door and there was Kim

What are you doing here? the bunch has left. I know she said. Not me. After I saw you and this town, I knew I had to come back and give it another try, if thats ok

We exchanged a big kiss which said that was ok. And well I guess you will have to fill the rest in yourself

k