“It means I can finish setting up my studio, pay someone to work in the office, and plan for the future.”He still couldn’t believe the county had approved his application.After months of doing everything he could think of to attract their interest, he’d finally done it.
Ethan held up his hand, high-fiving Theo.“Congratulations.That’s one less thing to worry about.”
He looked at the letter, still not quite believing it was real.“I couldn’t have done this without Barbara.”
“As the person who recommended her, I’m extremely happy to say I told you so.”
“That’s fine by me.”Theo pinned the letter to the bulletin board above his desk.“If all your advice was that good, I’d be a millionaire by now.”
Ethan laughed.“And then there’d be no stopping you.I was going to suggest we go out tonight and celebrate, but I’ve got a feeling you have other things on your mind.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Steve McGibbons won’t get away with what he’s done.After all the dust has settled, your name will be cleared and you’ll be able to focus on the radio station.”
Theo wasn’t sure it would be that easy.“Mud sticks, especially if you’re a journalist.Living here has given me a chance to prove myself before most people hear about what happened in New York.If McGibbons’ story spirals into something no one expects, someone will write a story about it.And then I’ll be back to where I was twelve months ago.”
“Not necessarily.”Ethan picked up a trophy Theo had won during his internship atThe New York Times.“At the heart of who you are is a person who looks for the truth.You don’t back down when it gets tough or give in to financial or political pressure.If you don’t want someone else’s story to hit the headlines, you need to finish what you started.”
“I don’t work for the newspaper anymore.”
“You weren’t fired, you resigned.Call your editor.Give him a reason to publish the final chapter in the Steve McGibbons’ saga.”
Theo crossed his arms in front of his chest.“Having a friend who has a psychology degree comes in handy sometimes.”
Ethan placed the trophy on Theo’s desk.“Just remember that when I say something you don’t like.Do you feel like going for a run tonight?”
“I’ll meet you at the entrance to the trail at six o’clock.”
“Sounds great.Remember to let me know what your lawyer says.”
Theo nodded and walked Ethan to the front door.“I will.Enjoy the workshop.”
After Ethan had gone, Theo returned to the studio.Even though Barbara was busy with her sisters and Mom, she’d appreciate hearing the good news about the funding.Before he returned to his editing software, he sent her a quick text.
Hopefully, by the end of the day, he could send her another one telling her the defamation case was over and Steve McGibbons was about to be arrested.
KATIE WIGGLEDout of the fourth evening gown she’d tried.“I hate to say this, but I don’t think we’re going to find our bridesmaids dresses in Emily’s boutique.”
Diana sighed.“I think you’re right.The dresses are lovely, but not what we’re looking for.”
“What about the peach, pink, and blue dresses we tried?”Barbara asked.“They were completely different styles, but they looked okay together.”
Katie looked over her shoulder.“I don’t think Penny liked them,” she whispered.“She had a frown on her face when we stood together.”
“I saw her expression, too,” Diana said with a sigh.“We thought it would be difficult to find something to wear, but this is ridiculous.There must be three dresses that are a little similar that Penny likes.”
Mabel opened the fitting room curtain.“How are you doing”
“Not as well as we thought.The last dress you gave Katie was too tight around the hips.”
“Can it be altered?”
Katie pulled on her T-shirt.“I don’t think so.The side seams are too narrow.I don’t think we’re going to find what we’re looking for, Mom.”
“Katie’s right,” Barbara said.“The dresses are gorgeous, but most of them don’t look like bridesmaids’ dresses.”
Instead of looking disappointed, their mom had a twinkle in her eyes.“I thought you might say that it.Emily has come up with another option.”
