I’ve got something for you, said the message from Lisanne.
Cool, she texted back.What’s up?
You know that story I’m working on?
Nadine stuffed thehow can I notdeep, deep down.Of course!
It’s bigger than I thought. I could use some help on the political side and Daniel said he’d give you a byline. Thought I’d give you a hand getting back in the game.
Nadine felt her face tighten, then her entire body. She didn’t need Lisanne’s pity or help.Sorry, she wrote back.I don’t think that will work for me.
The reply came in seconds.What? I went on a limb to ask Daniel.
Nadine flushed.I never asked you to.
No but you need a push. You can’t duck out of every opportunity because you’re a little anxious. I’m trying to help.
Lisanne had some nerve.I don’t need your help, thanks.
You do because otherwise you’ll hide away on the night shift for the rest of your career.
Nadine didn’t answer. She turned off the notifications and put the phone face down as Wes came in.
“Nothing in the upper library,” he reported, switching on the fan and angling it toward her. He stopped when he saw her face. “What happened?”
“Work.”
He grimaced. “Want to talk about it?”
“No.”
“Too bad. I claim question privilege.”
She knew if she pushed back, he’d be sensitive enough to let it go, but Wes had shown that he understood her stew of nasty emotions. She told him about the conversation and Lisanne’s big chance, keeping it vague because she couldn’t leak Lisanne’s story to a reporter for theSpear, no matter how upset she was.
“I get it,” said Wes cheerfully when she finished. “You wish it was you.”
Nadine was astounded. “What?”
“Come on, Nadine. You tried to beat me for a decade. Do you expect me to believe your competitiveness shuts off like a tap?”
“Fine.” She bit her lip. “Part of me does. I would never say it to Lisanne because it would make her feel bad for being awesome, and I would look like the world’s worst person.”
“I think it’s fairly common, but no one likes to admit it.” He gave her a look. “That’s not all though.”
“Isn’t that enough?” she asked morosely. “Plus how do you know?”
“You talked about how you felt about putting yourself out therewhen we were getting heartburn at the diner.”
“Worth it.”
“Nadine.”
She snorted. “I’m not worried about working on the story if that’s what you mean. I just don’t want her success rubbed in my face, and I don’t want her thinking I need her help.”
“Nadine.”
“What?”
