“I’ve always been more of an outdoorsy guy.”
The maze of partitions must look like a literal hellscape to him. I can’t even see over the top of them, but I can see enough to get the lay of the land and it’s like a bad episode of The Office.
“This is where the real magic happens,” Mac says, gesturing to the sea of cubes. “Marketing. Finance. Web development. Accounting. Consumer insights. I know it’s not as sexy as screenwork, but every one of these departments is critical to ensuring Sports Stream delivers top ratings.”
It’s a subtle reminder that the intern could be assigned a writer’s desk or any number of other positions.
“I’m partial to the studios myself,” Preston says, completely oblivious as he sizes each of us up. “My father is friends with the CFO, so I got the tour ages ago.”
And he wants us to know it. To know he’s got the inside track—or thinks he does.
The guy is a creep, but there’s no denying he’s got the right look for tv. Slick blond hair. Tailored suit. Freaking dimples.
He launches into a story about focus groups, and I sneak a sidelong glance at Kali. She has golden brown skin and her dark hair is pulled back in a sleek bun, much like my own. She’s the quietest member of our group, but her dark eyes are sharp and focused. From what I’ve seen, she only speaks when she has something of value to say, which is a relief since Preston seems determined to fill the room with hot air.
Still, I can’t make the mistake of underestimating him.
Either of them, actually.
Devin isn’t my only competition, even if it feels that way.
“Shall we move on to the studio, then?” Mac asks.
There’s a murmur of assent and we take the elevator to the thirty-sixth floor where we’re granted access to the set for The Weekly Roundup, a show that reports on sports highlights, though they rarely include gymnastics.
“Damn,” Devin whispers, doing a slow turn to take in the massive set. “This has to be three times the size of the Waverly studio.”
“Four.” Mac rocks back on his heels, hands in his pockets. “Though, to be fair, the Waverly studio is impressive for a university setting.”
“You were featured on The Weekly Roundup not too long ago, weren’t you?” Preston asks, directing the question to Devin. “You got shot with a t-shirt cannon, right?”
I instinctively duck my head. But if the question is meant to embarrass Devin, it misses the mark. He just grins and says, “With any luck, I’ll be on again soon when we win the national championship.”
“That would be a real boon for Waverly.” Mac claps him on the shoulder. “And for Sports Stream, assuming you’d be willing to sit down for an interview.”
The wink-nudge is strongly implied, but I can’t fault the guy.
This business is all about networking.
We finish up in the studio and as we exit, Mac runs into an acquaintance in the hall.
“Rich! I didn’t know you were in town.”
“It was a last-minute trip.” Rich extends his hand and Mac shakes it vigorously. “Otherwise, I’d have called to collect on that lunch you owe me.”
Like Mac, Rich is probably in his forties, but he’s far more polished with thick black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a crisp ivory dress shirt that complements his olive skin.
“Interview?” Mac asks, gaze darting to the tall Black guy at Rich’s side.
“Yeah. I didn’t want Jalen facing the vultures alone.” Jalen is probably around our age, maybe mid-twenties, and he grins at the mention of vultures. I like him immediately. “Jalen, this is my college roommate, Mac.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jalen extends his hand and they shake before Mac turns to us and makes introductions.
“How’d it go?” Mac asks.
“Smooth, thanks to Rich.” Jalen hooks a thumb toward the older man. “This guy should be named sports agent of the year. He got all the questions ahead of time and set clear boundaries for the interview.” There’s genuine gratitude in his voice when he adds, “Good thing, too. You should’ve seen some of the shit they tried to slip in there.”
“That’s the name of the game,” Rich says, deflecting the praise. “Never let your guard down.”
