Connection Part 11____~SpaceCase

Upon parking her silver Seleca, Corina pulled down the vanity mirror and quickly approved of her reflection, before stepping out and onto one of the many sidewalks of Levington's bustling town square. She quickly smoothed out her shimmering, yet subtle pink knee-length skirt before focusing on the busy streets surrounding the stunning courthouse.

The county seat took on quite a different appearance in the light of day, and Corina took many mental notes as she headed toward the Levington Sun's office which was tucked nicely between Antique Annie's and an Ace Hardware store. Each of the storefronts were styled to compliment one another while maintaining an aire of distintion. What distinguished the newpaper's office from the others was the huge bronze sun that hung over the heavy wood and glass double doors. The exterior was painted in a weathered turquoise, though the doors were stained deep mahogony and newly laquered, or though it seemed.

Glenda Maxwell rose to greet her as soon as Corina set foot on the ever-popular black and white checkered tiles that floored the entire office building, as far as Corina could tell. Along the walls, Corina spied multiple awards alongside breathtaking photographs of sunsets framed in muted black and the inspirational misty mountain morning stillshots framed in buffed silver.

Glenda was pleasing to the eyes as well, in her burgandy sweater and shin-length brown suede skirt that consealed the top half of her black leather knee high boots. Her green eyes sparkled beneath a fluff of deep brunette bangs and her smile was warm and welcoming as she stepped forward to introduce herself.

Within minutes the two strangers were getting along as if they'd known each other for years. Corina found out that the paper was looking for a new owner and her heart lept like a drunken frog as she quietly imagined the possibilities. Glenda offered Corina a cup of coffee while they both waited for Nadine North, editor and chief, along with her husband and head photographer, Gregory North to arrive. Glenda added that Gregory was responsible for the fabulous shots that hung on every wall in sight as well as over half the awards.

According to Glenda, the complicated couple were never on time and on most accounts it was due in part to their endless quarreling. "I think that is why Nadine is handing over ownership of the paper," Glenda explained. "Many times she has expressed that the paper isn't worth the problems it has caused in their marriage. She knows Gregory will not step down, but she has enough money of her own to start a whole new career if she likes. If I were her, I'd spend the rest of my days out by their pool!"

Glenda went on and on, and just like any good reporter on the trail of a good scoop, Corina let her. She found out that the Norths loved throwing pool parties and were very tight with the publicans of the county, as well as many of the state's representatives. They hobknob with the mayor, local artisians, and countless others. Along with several charity events and private parties, the paper sponsered two of the dozen or so balls and street dances held through out the year.

Corina found Glenda's commentary very informative on many fronts. She enjoyed becoming more familiar with the events and social structure of the small mountain community and wanted to thank Glenda for being so kind. But as soon as she was about to do so, the door opened again and her guess was that the Norths' had just entered the building.

Glenda jumped up from the conversation area where she and Corina were chatting and quickly made way with proper introductions. Mrs. North, or Nadine as she insisted that Corina call her, was a cool, tall, willow of a woman in her early to mid-forties. With wisps of silver in her charcoal curls, high sharp cheekbones owning her beautiful olive complected face, she was a woman who quietly demanded respect, while her husband, with his shaggy sun-streaked blonde hair pulled into a half-hearted pony-tail, looked more laid back and almost a slave to her obvious dominance.

Corina felt immediately intrigued by this couple and could not wait to apply for a position on their staff. The possibility of ownership was something that could wait until The Norths' brought the subject up. All Corina was sure of, was that she was begining to feel at comfortable in this cozy little town in the hills of Arkansas and she welcomed the change of scenery and oportunity of new friendships. Levington seemed so perfect. And she had a wonderful mystery to solve about the history of her new home as well. At least she would stay busy, that is if Nadine and Gregory see it fit to hire her.

To be continued.......thanks for reading. Feel free to comment :)

>SpaceCase<

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