“Metric hasn’t been the same without you. It’s not as much fun,” Natasha said. It was weird, but the comment stirred up pride in Ivy. She had been responsible for looking after the junior associates.
“There are other agencies out there. Go somewhere else if you don’t like it,” Ivy said.
“Yeah, but you know, few are hiring right now,” Emery said.
“I meant for Natasha. Lots of junior positions out there.” As Natasha glanced away, Ivy drowned the last inch of amber liquid in her glass.
“You got a promotion? Oh. Well, I’m happy for you,” Ivy said.
Natasha blushed. “I got lucky and followed your advice of trading for a better story. I kept a caught-with-your-pants-pulled down out of the press.”
“What was the trade?” Ivy asked.
“A tip-off for a story about the lead singer of Drill Strikes sleeping with the lead guitaristanddrummer.”
Ivy laughed. “Good job!”
“She learned from the best!” Emery’s dark eyes glowed.
“Another round?” Natasha asked.
“Please!” Ivy raised her empty glass.
“Be back in a sec.” Natasha headed off to the bar.
“So, you and Gabe?” Emery asked, her eyebrows shooting up to her curly bangs.
“Don’t want to talk about it.” Ivy glanced out the window.
“Okay.” Emery squeezed her hand.
“Here we are, ladies, cheers!” Natasha set the drinks down. Ivy threw the glass back in one swallow and winced.
“I’m going to be late!” Natasha drowned her white wine. “Thanks for inviting me, but I got to go. I’m meeting someone for dinner.”
“Oh, a new love interest?” Emery teased.
“Yes, a hockey player.” Natasha grinned.
Emery caught Ivy’s eye, and the women laughed. Both of them had been hit on hockey players over the years, and the experiences were always memorable.
“Have fun,” Ivy said.
“Oh, I plan to. While it lasts.” Natasha waved.
Ivy envied her carefreeness and the bounce in her step. “That woman is going places.”
“Yeah, but she’s not as good as you. They needed to hire two junior associates, one senior PR person and a guy who worked in advertising to take on your list.”
Ivy grinned. “I need to order food to sop up all this alcohol.” She waved a server over.
“What can I get you?” The server swept up their empties.
“Appetizer sampler, please. And another.”
“Sure.” The server smiled and left.
“Going a little hard?” Emery asked.
