The Calm After the Storm Tour

Double Decker Books: It’s nice to have you here today, Emma. Can you tell us about how the hurricane affected your life?

Emma: Yes. The storm affected my life in several ways. There was destruction up and down the east coast, my home town and in my own life at that time, I suppose.

Double Decker Books: Was there anything about that time period that you could look back and say was positive or hopeful?

Emma: Well, yes. I consider myself lucky in so many ways that my loved ones were safe. That’s the most important thing to keep in perspective during difficult times. That being said, I was able to get back to the basics, so to speak when I lost power. There’s something to be said for coming home and cozying up with a blanket and a reading a good book.

Double Decker Books: Is that the only positive experience that you can recall from the storm?

Emma: (smiles) No. I met the most wonderful man during that time, I wouldn’t have has the opportunity to meet Jake if he didn’t come from Georgia to help restore power.

Double Decker Books: That was admirable of him, coming up north to help out, leaving his friends and family.

Emma: That’s Jake. He’s the most selfless, caring man I have ever met. He has proved countless times that he will put his own needs to the side for the sake of others.

Double Decker Books: So…how did things work out with you and Jake, if you don’t mind me asking.

Emma: Let’s just say that it was a complicated situation. Jake has a beautiful little daughter and his entire family in Georgia.

Double Decker Books: And you have an important career in New York. I can see how your situation could be challenging.

Emma: Yes, it was very challenging. (sighs)

Double Decker Books: But true love can overcome obstacles, right?

Emma: I suppose it can sometimes, but at other times life can get in the way.

Double Decker Books: Can you give me an idea how things worked out for you and Jake?

Emma: That’s my story and Jake’s to tell. If you’re interested, you can find out if true love can overcome obstacles by reading The Calm after the Storm.

Double Decker Books: Thank you so much for joining us today, it was a pleasure to meet you. Can I just ask if you’re in a happy relationship now? Did you find true love?

Emma: (winks) You’re just going to have to read my story to find out.

Jake and his crew had now been in the suburbs of New York for a few days. His first thought upon entering this area was his surprise at the devastation. Sure, he had heard about the destruction on the news and had seen footage of the aftermath of Sandy, but it still hadn’t prepared him for the actual sight of Sandy’s rage. Telephone poles were down, trees were snapped in two, and houses were completed destroyed by the storm. Seeing all the destruction only strengthened Jake’s resolve that it had been the right thing to come. He felt proud to be able to help out and be a part of the solution to the horrible aftermath of this disaster.

As the day was wrapping up. Jake and Chris met up with some of their crew in the next town to finish one more area before calling it quits. The chill in the air was something that Jake had prepared for, but was not accustomed to. Clutching the new flannel he had purchased right before his trip, he put it on over his thermal shirt. Thankful for his thermos filled with hot coffee, Jake grabbed it but quickly tossed it aside.

“Come on, Chris! I asked you to stop drinking my coffee. Now there’s none left,” he said as he shook his head, irritated at his friend.

Chris looked up at his boss sheepishly. “Sorry, man. I didn’t sleep well last night. I needed some caffeine.”

“Well, that makes two of us.”

They rode until they approached the utility pole that needed attention. Jake and Chris were among the first to arrive and got busy setting up for the job. Within minutes, the rest of the assigned crew trickled in. The workers were now familiar with the details and routine of this job, so for the most part they worked in silence, focused on getting this last job done so that they could grab some dinner and hit the sheets. It was cold and dark, the night chill settling in upon them. Jake supervised and helped his crew perform their individual duties as quickly as possible. As they were just about wrapping things up, Jake headed over to Steve, one of the older guys directing traffic. He looked frail and tired.

“Hey, Steve. I got this. Why don’t you call it a night, huh? We’ll meet you at the hotel for some dinner.”

“Nah, Jake, we’re almost done here. I’m good,” Steve said as he looked up at Jake with glaring dark circles under his eyes.

“Steve, go. I’m serious. Get in a hot shower and we’ll meet up for dinner. Boss’ orders. Now go and take Andy with you,” Jake gestured toward another man on the crew who looked like he was ready for bed.

Shrugging his shoulders, Steve made his way to one of the smaller utility trucks, calling for his co-worker to join him. Jake took over the responsibility of directing traffic, slowing people down and stopping cars when necessary. Yawning, he waved a small SUV along, noticing that the approaching driver was slowing down, much more than necessary. Jake squinted his eyes to get a better look. The car came to a stop when Jake stepped up to it and its window rolled down. Looking back at Jake was a woman who appeared pretty, even in the diminished light. Wait, scratch that—she was stunning, with long, wavy hair and piercing eyes. His heart faltered just a bit.

“Hi. I wanted to thank you guys for all of the hard work that you’ve been doing. We really appreciate you guys coming up here. I think I speak for everyone,” she said as she smiled widely. Her smile hitched his breath ever so slightly. Jake smiled back. This was certainly a change. Since he had been in this area, some people waved, some people smiled, others remained with their eyes straight ahead, but nobody had yet offered any thanks verbally. So different from the Southern hospitality way of life where he grew up, Jake mused.

Here it was different, the pace of life was much faster. People always seemed to be in a rush, and they minded their own business for the most part. Sure, being so close to the big city must be nice and the landscape was quite beautiful at times, but he didn’t think this lifestyle was something he could ever get used to. It seemed too stressful, too impersonal. He would be glad to be back home when his job was finished.

The woman leaned over and offered Jake a box of donuts, disposable coffee cups, and a box of hot coffee. Jake was impressed.

“Thank you, that was very thoughtful!” Jake gushed, thrilled at the idea of hot coffee. He thought he felt warmth spread across his cheeks despite the chill in the air.

The woman stared back and smiled at Jake for a minute and then set her eyes on the road ahead. She waved as she pulled away.

“Wait!” Jake called out. “Wait, what was your name?” But the words were lost. The mysterious woman with the coffee and donuts was long gone.

“Guys!” he called out as his crew worked on cleaning up for the night. “Guys! Our guardian angel just appeared, and she brought coffee!”

The coffee and donuts were gladly received, but the idea that someone would go out of their way to show a random act of kindness truly touched Jake. He felt the warm liquid slide down his throat and knew that he would always remember the woman’s thoughtfulness. Who was he kidding? That woman’s beautiful face was what he would most remember. He just wished that he had gotten her name.