Chapter Text
Emma pushed herself away from the desk causing her office chair to spin slowly. “Yes, that’s right. Your reservation is confirmed for the 8:15 Lower Loop Tour this coming Saturday.” After a short pause, “Yes, you can pack a lunch,” she breathed into the cordless phone. After another series of mmhum and ah ha’s she was finally able to hang up with a cheery goodbye. She was just minutes away from completing her afternoon shift at the West Yellowstone Bus Tours office and her best friend Ruby would soon return from her afternoon guide session. She could already see out the front window that the bus was back and Ruby was saying her farewells and accepting her tips. Any minute now they would be on their way to a well deserved drink at the Rusty Ax.
“Emma!” Ruby shouted as she burst through the side door. “I need a huge favor!”
“Sure Rubes, anything for you,” Emma said with a smile. “I’m just ready to be out of here and have that drink we planned.”
“Well, that’s just it…..” Ruby hesitated. “I kind of invited this really cute guy I met yesterday to join us for drinks and …”
“Ruby, this was just supposed to be the two of us! I’m not in the mood for one of your flirt sessions with some guy that you hardly know and will, more than likely, never see again,” Emma stated matter of fact. “You get so worked up over someone and they just turn around and leave once their vacation is over,” Emma expressed almost pleadingly in the best motherly tone she could summons. Pursing her lips and shaking her head she thought of all the times Ruby had been disappointed when “the one” up and left town never to be heard from again.
Snapping Emma out of her thoughts Ruby whispered, “He’s really cute.” Batting her eyes and putting on her best shy smile she ignored Emma’s comment about her all too familiar one or two night stands with visiting tourists. Ruby liked to think she was young and carefree and wasn’t interested in finding someone to have a serious relationship. Emma knew her well enough, however, to know that Ruby put on a good show but deep down she was sensitive enough to be affected by the guests’ departure and it would be up to her to pick up the pieces when Ruby slipped into a depression.
“And that brings me to the favor...”
Emma crossed her arms over her chest waiting for the explanation of some scheme sure to follow that, like always, involved her participation.
“I just got a call from Sheriff Nolan and he needs someone to go to the Jackson Hole Airport and pick up some federal agent for some big emergency.”
“Why can’t Neal do it? He’s the deputy,” Emma asked.
“David said they were too busy trying to contact the Ranger stations in the park and surrounding offices with some information about some escape convicts out of Montana State Prison,” Ruby explained.
“Wait! Jackson Hole!? That’s like a five hour round trip! Why can’t they fly into Yellowstone?” Emma questioned as the thought of the long road trip suddenly dawned on her.
“I don’t know. Something about wind shear or weather something,” Ruby crept closer to Emma’s seat and gave her the best puppy look she could muster batting her eyes. “So you’ll do it? Please please please?” She begged.
“This shuttle business was your idea. You were the one who said there isn’t enough transportation in this town and you were going to capitalize on it.” Emma said the last bit using air quotes and rolling her eyes.
“I know. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll make you breakfast tomorrow….” she stammered. “And I’ll do your laundry for a week.” Emma stared with raise brow waiting for her to sweeten the deal. “Okay, I’ll give you half of the fair.”
“Oh come on Ruby. You know the Sheriffs’ Office will be slow to reimburse you for the trip. You won’t see any money until next spring when the city council works out the budget. Plus you’ll owe me for gas!”
“I know but at least its money in the bank right?” Ruby said hopefully.
“What else you got?”
Ruby thought for a minute and then with a raised eyebrow and a pointed finger stated “I’ll set you up with Karen from the Outpost Restaurant. She’s always asking about you and she’s cute and really nice and…”
“No thanks,” Emma cut her off. “I don’t need you setting me up on dates. I do just fine on my own.”
Ruby and Emma both knew better. She had lost count of how many months it had been since she last dated anyone let alone slept with anyone. After moving to West Yellowstone several years ago she had realized that, although she really loved being here, she missed the clubs of Boston where she could meet women and still maintain a respectable level of anonymity. Here, she was still trying very hard to make a name for herself as a backcountry guide and survival school instructor and everyone was into your business. She realized rather quickly that she needed the locals to help introduce her to tourists and potential customers in order to build a reputation well enough to make a living. She didn’t want to be known as the lesbian of West Yellowstone who ran around breaking young girls’ hearts. Not that she had so much confidence that she thought she was some lady killer but she just wanted to keep it on the down low and wait for the right woman to come along.
“Really? You call smiling at the chick from Ernie’s Deli a date?”
“No but…I’m just selective.”
“Well, whatever. How about I get you that new day-pack you’ve been ogling over at Marco's Outfitters?”
“Oh you mean the purple one with the built in hydration system?” She thought for a moment. “It’s like a hundred bucks! You don’t need to do that,” then, realizing, “You really like this guy huh?”
“Yes, I just want to give it a shot and see where we end up.”
Fuck “Fine. I’ll go pick up Special Agent What’s-his-name but if he’s rude or pisses me off in any way I’m letting you buy the pack for me!”
“Thank you, thank you! I absolutely love you Emma!” Ruby pulled her into a bear hug and started kissing her whole face.
“Alright, alright enough!” Emma said scrunching her face and pushing her lanky friend away. “Text me the flight information and where I’m supposed to take this guy.” What a way to spend a Friday night Swan she thought. Typical.