He tipped his head to one side. “Are you the girl everyone’s talking about? The one who wants to become a time scout?”
”Oh, God…” Insult on top of injury.
”Hey, no, don’t cry again. Honest, it’s okay. I’ve been looking for you.”
Margo blinked and stared at him. “Why?”
”I’m a scout. I’ve been looking for a partner.”
”Honest?” Her voice came out all watery and breathy It couldn’t be true-but oh, Lord, how she wanted it to be…
He grinned. “Honest. My name’s Jackson. Skeeter Jackson. I just got back from a quick run up time and heard you were looking for a teacher. I’ve been thinking I need a partner for a while-that’s why I was uptime, actually-then I come back and what do I find The challenge of a lifetime, right in my own back yard!” He grinned and held out a hand.
Margo couldn’t believe it. A week of her precious six months gone and all she’d had to show for it was a collection of insults, and now …maybe there was a God, after all. She’d be careful-Billy Pandropolous, who was enough heartbreak for any lifetime, had taught her nothing, if not that. But Skeeter Jackson didn’t appear to be hustling her. At least, not yet. She shook his hand. “Mr. Jackson, if you’re for real-well, you’ll be a lifesaver. I mean it. And I promise, I will work as hard as I have to. I’ll make you proud.” She ventured a tentative smile, appealing directly to what men seemed to value most. “I’ll even try to make you rich.”
Skeeter Jackson’s eyes were warm, friendly. “I’m sure you will. Come on, let me buy you some breakfast.”