Emma peered over Dan's shoulder at a computer screen containing the columns of numbers that would ultimately decide whether or not she would keep her job as a third grade teacher. The election results began trickling in a half hour after the polls closed. Now, in the depressing quietness of the Board of Education office two hours after the voting ended, it was becoming painfully obvious the school district levy was doomed for defeat.
In just her second year of teaching, Emma did not have nearly enough seniority to protect her from the massive cuts that were certain to happen. Friends and family warned her that no job was safe in the current economic conditions. But having grown up in times of prosperity, as part of a family that owned a large, successful trucking company, Emma was not used to suffering.
Her fingers involuntarily tightened on the shoulders of the assistant superintendent as the numbers got worse.
"Sorry, kid," Dan said compassionately. "Doesn't look good."
"I know," Emma answered. "I know."
The twenty four year old woman would be dearly missed by the people she worked with. Her fellow teachers—mostly female—would miss her outgoing personality and willingness to help anytime she was needed. Her male co-workers would miss one of the sexiest teachers ever hired by the district. She easily had the best combination of looks and personality among the classroom teachers. Known for her tomboyish playfulness, every guy who ever met her wanted her.
Part of her charm was the fact she was pretty without being unapproachable; she had a great body without flaunting it; and, she would flirt with anybody.
Emma normally wore her dark blonde hair in a ponytail, but not pulled off her forehead. The result was a windblown effect. Slightly disheveled. Exceedingly cute.
Her eyes were dark and penetrating. She had high cheekbones that went will with her full, curved lips, turned up at the ends in a permanent smile.
The election was Tuesday. On Friday, Emma received official notification her contract would not be renewed.
###
"Hi, Dad. How are you?" Emma said.
"I'm good Emma. How about you?"
Emma's father Tom lived on his cell phone as part of his job. About the only person he'd interrupt a call for was his daughter. Luckily, this time she called when he wasn't busy.
"Well, I've been better, Dad. They finally announced the cuts yesterday at school. I'm out of a job after this school year, I'm afraid."
The wavering in her voice was unmistakable.
Tom grimaced. "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
Emma was convinced her father would not hear her cry. "I don't know. Any districts that would be hiring should be done by now. But I guess I'll put my resume in as many places as I can."
Tom hesitated, for which Emma was grateful. It allowed her to gain a little composure. Then he said, "I know we've talked about this before, and I don't want to sound patronizing, but you know I always have a slot waiting for you if you want it."
"I know, Dad," Emma said. "And I never wanted to take advantage of you. But if I don't have a job by mid-June, I might...well, I might take you up on that offer."
Tom knew it was difficult for his daughter to say that. She'd gone to college with a purpose—get a degree in education and teach. Not live off her father's success.
"Emma, I need an assistant fleet manager. Dwight would be a good guy to work for, I think, and I can probably come darn close to paying you what you make now," Tom said. "Please keep it in mind. OK, hon?"
"OK, Dad. Thanks. It's a relief to know something's there, but let me try to teach first. Deal?"
"Deal."
The next month for Emma consisted of wrapping things up at school and receiving thank-you letters from other districts for applying. But no job offers. So it was with great apprehension that she approached her father one day and finally agreed to join the trucking company.
"I have to tell you, Emma," he said. "You won't be dealing with the college-educated people you're used to. Some of these guys are rough. I wouldn't even want to mess with the few women I've got working there. Everyone will know you are my daughter. But that won't stop them. You have to make me a promise."
"What's that, Dad?" she asked.
"Anything bordering on harassment has to be reported. Immediately. Got it?"
"Yep."
"They aren't used to having anybody around that looks like you, hon. I expect some crude remarks, at the very least," he said. "Can you handle it?"
"You forgot that I took karate at school?" Emma asked, posing in a less then formidable defensive position with arms raised and feet spread.
Tom tried not to laugh. "Yeah. Try that one time and see what happens."
"I can handle it, Dad. Besides, I could use some sexual harassment."
Tom scowled at her. "That's not funny, Emma."
Emma poked her father in the ribs and they settled on a start date and starting salary.
###
It was no accident that Emma turned out to be a pretty young woman. Tom had the confident good looks of a Fortune 500 CEO, not just the president of a trucking company. His very light brown hair went well with his tanned complexion. At forty four, he still ran 5k races in times competitive with runners half his age.
He met Emma's mother, Jean, in college. Jean was the most beautiful non-cheerleader he knew. Her wild side, combined with short blonde hair and a marvelous body, made her irresistible. A year younger than Tom, Jean had been on the verge of social rebellion since junior high. Somehow, he managed to tame her...except in bed. They had Emma when Jean was nineteen, but survived and thrived through it all. To this day they were known to have sex anywhere, anytime.
Emma took on more of her father's business-like manner, but she still had enough of her mother in her to get into occasional trouble.
Her first couple months on the job were mainly trouble-free, with only the occasional rude remark or insinuation of what one of the drivers would like to do to her. It was summer and, despite the heat, Emma was careful not to wear anything too revealing. Nevertheless, it was impossible to hide the fact she had a faultless body and she got used to the gawking.
Emma did not work directly with her father on most days. So it was somewhat unusual when she got to work one day and Tom called her into his office. He didn't have to tell her to sit—she loved the old, saggy couch along the wall opposite his desk. The rest of the office was forgettable, with bookcases overstuffed with manuals, paper piled up in every corner, and his wooden desk all but covered with junk.