“That sounds like a plan.”Keith’s grin stretches wider before he takes another swig of his drink.
Needing to change the subject, I say with a shake of my head, “I met Russell on my way in.”
“Oh, you did?Those nuisance turkeys.”
I finish off my beer.“I literally got stuck trying to get here.They wouldn’t get off the road.Russell even jumped into my car, took a shit on my seat… I couldn’t get him out.”
Keith nearly chokes on his beer, a laugh escaping him.“He’s the worst.”
I toss my bottle into the trash.“I’m going to clean my car and take a quick shower before we order dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
Turning away, I head outside, but something stirs in my gut.This is it.This is where I’ll seek my redemption.
Chapter 2
Amelia
“Amelia,doyoumindcoming into my office for a minute?”Luna’s voice carries across the moderately spacious newsroom of The Pulse Bulletin.
Several heads pop up from behind their computer monitors.The newsroom is unusually full today.Hunter and Corey huddle by the coffee station, discussing the upcoming city council vote, and Olive furiously types at her desk, organized with color-coded folders and press releases.Even Detective Lawson has wandered in from the police station across the street, wanting to discuss the weekend crime report.
Everyone’s staring as I grab my laptop and push back from my desk, my stomach churning with nerves as I walk through the office.I like the feature of cubicles in the newsroom, but not when I’m getting called to Luna’s office.
Sunlight streams through the tall windows, and the glass walls with their black frames seem to close in around me.
I smooth my cream sweater, making sure it still looks neat against my black pants.Luna rarely calls anyone into her glass-walled office unless something significant is happening… good or bad.I’ve been knee-deep in an article about the upcoming welcome party, but this feels important.
“Looks like someone’s in trouble,” Hunter whispers to Corey, just loud enough for me to hear.“Maybe City Manager Ezra finally complained about that piece on the development project.”
A few chuckles ripple through the newsroom.
“If Ezra had a problem with my reporting, he’d need to read it first.”
Hunter lifts his hands in mock surrender.Corey grins.
Violet shoots Hunter a withering look before giving me an encouraging smile.Ignore them, she mouths.
Violet’s always had my back, since most people here are disconnected from me.My quiet way of working and my relationship with Luna outside of work has pissed off pretty much everyone over the years.They respect my work because they have to, as my investigative pieces bring in the readers and boost our numbers, but they keep their distance.I rarely get invited to drinks at Pulse Point Tavern, and conversations die when I walk into the room.
Olivedoesn’t even bother looking up as I pass, but I notice how her typing becomes more aggressive, her fingers hitting the keyboard with unnecessary force.
As I make my way toward Luna’s office with its clean ‘EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’ lettering on the glass door, I feel the eyes of everyone in our newsroom.I hold my head high despite the discomfort, my laptop clutched to my chest.Behind me, the whispers begin again with theories about why the boss wants to see me.
Inside Luna’s office, I settle into the chair opposite her.As always, she looks impeccable.Long brown hair falling over a beige silk blouse, big gold hoops shining in the light.Her pink nails are flawless, makeup bold yet tasteful.She leans forward, hands clasped, a bright, genuine smile spreading across her face, which comforts me.
“So, I called you in to let you know I’m scaling back,” she says, her eyes focused on me.“I need someone to help lighten the load.It’s starting to feel like too much, especially now that I’m getting older.”
I’m surprised.At fifty-one, she’s not what I’d call old.But I get it, running a growing company isn’t for the faint of heart.
“I’ve decided to hire someone for my role part-time,” she continues.“I’m pulling people in individually to see if there’s leadership potential.If you’re interested, I’ll be keeping a closer eye on your work moving forward.”
The idea of being both a journalist and a part-time editor-in-chief makes my heart race in the best way.“I’d love that opportunity,” I say, barely containing the excitement in my voice.
“I’m pleased.After twelve years, Amelia, you’re practically the foundation of this place.I remember when you covered that shop fire your first month here.Look how far you’ve come.Your knowledge is irreplaceable, and that network of contacts you’ve built across Pulse Point to the surrounding towns takes years.The newer staff may not realize it, but half of our scoops come from relationships you’ve made.”
My chest swells with pride.I sit a little straighter, feeling that rush of validation.Maybe this is it… my shot at something more.I’ve earned it.
