I watched him leave, waiting until he was gone before I glanced back at Mr. James, finally taking a casual sip from my coffee.
“You’ve always looked for a story,” I said, simply. “And when you speak, the world listens. So when I got your message…” I paused, setting the coffee labeledHopperbetween us. “I figuredif anyone was going to reportthescandal, it should be you. And maybe, for once, you could write about something good.” I smiled.
He blinked. Still stunned. “So… that’s it? That’s your ending? You disappear, and this is it? How did he propose? When did you say yes to being with him? The reports end with you getting on the plane. The world has been left hanging for a year after you turned downthemost eligible bachelor.”
“Some things are better kept a secret, Mr. James. Besides, I know Ambrose. He likes to chase.”
Patrick’s tongue darted out to wet his lips as he scoffed, looking away before snapping his head back to me. “You know, I was promised a story if I helped him.”
“No, Ambrose promised you a story. And you got it. And from what my people tell me; your paper has never had more eyes on it than it does right now. So, this is the story you will tell: the one no one knows anything about. Not even yourself.”
“That is underhanded.”
“That is smart business, Mr. James.”
He exhaled a laugh, recovering his composure. “One last question, if you don’t mind?”
I nodded, gesturing my hand for him to continue.
“There are rumors,” he said carefully, “of an exclusive app. Something that works with those unable to contain their pheromones. Something yourhusbandwas allegedly involved in. Do you have anything to say about it? Can you confirm the app’s existence?”
I leaned in slightly, slow and deliberate, until I knew I had his full attention.
Then I smiled.
“No comment.”
