Her phone dings as we turn off the highway and onto the streets of Wolf Valley until I see the sign for Toasty Buns.I pull into the parking lot and park, turning to face Elle when I realize she’s gone pale.
“What is it?”I ask in alarm.
“It’s from my boss.”
“Everything okay?”I ask, though I can see that it’s not.
“The newspaper is downsizing,” she says through dry lips.“I’m probably going to be laid off.”
She shoves her phone back into her coat pocket and stares out the window at the happy people walking by.
“You might not be.”
She snorts.“Oh, please.Sports will be the first thing they cut.Plus, I’m the newest hire.I’ll be laid off before anyone else.”
“Maybe not.Someone could retire or quit.”
She rolls her head along the headrest until she’s looking at me.
“Write my story,” I tell her.
She blinks, jerking back.“What?No way!I would never do that!”
“It would help you.”
Elle shakes her head.“I won’t.”
We’re silent for a minute.
“You’ll get another job.There has to be another newspaper nearby.Or something online?”I suggest.
“I don’t think I want to be a reporter,” she whispers.
“What?”
“I…don’t like it.It’s not what I expected.I’m tired, so tired.I’m always on edge, walking into rooms where I don’t belong.I’m tired of trying to prove myself, of my tiny desk, of covering topics I don’t care about.”
“So do something else,” I encourage her.“You could write a book!Or make a blog or something.There must be a lot you can do.Find something you love.”
I can’t stop rambling.
Elle stares at me.“Maybe,” she agrees.“I’d like to do something else.Something less… cut-throat.”
“Yeah.Write a book!You’re a great writer.”
She bites her lip, smiling slightly.She’s not happy, but she seems better than a moment ago.
Elle giggles when my stomach growls.“Come on.You can buy me the best burger in the world.”
“Sounds great.”
We head inside, and I take Elle’s hand as we go up to the counter.My mind is spinning with ideas of how to help her as we order and find seats.I keep her hand in mine and smile as I watch her.
“So?”she asks.
“I don’t know where to begin.What do I do on a date?”I ask.
She shrugs.“I’m not sure.I think we’re supposed to talk.Get to know each other?”
