Page 101 of The Truths We Find

Gavin’s hand brushes mine briefly. “We’ve got this,” he whispers.

I nod, trying to breathe.

“I’m not going to let him take you off your shows. It wouldn’t be fair. You earned that spot. I promise. I’ve got you.”

I give his hand a quick squeeze. “Thank you.”

We reach Mr. White’s office and Gavin gives the door a quick knock.

“Come in!” Mr. White yells from inside.

Gavin opens the door and clears his throat. “Sir, do you have a quick second?”

“Sure. Come on in.” He waves us in and signals to take a seat. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. We need to bring some developments to your attention.”

He raises a brow.

“So, um,” Gavin starts. “We are here to formally notify you that Dani and I are in a relationship.”

Mr. White doesn’t show any reaction. “Alright. We’re going to need you to fill out some forms, legal stuff for HR and such.”

“We expected that,” I chime in.

“And then we will need to discuss the change in producer lineup. Figure out where to put you, Dani. Maybe on the weekends.”

“Excuse me?” Gavin says before I can.

“Well, she can’t work under you if you’re dating,” Mr. White says nonchalantly.

I knew this was going to happen. Heaven forbid I have my career and a love life.

“What was that, Dani?” Mr. White asks.

Crap. Did I say that with my outside voice?

“With all due respect, sir, my career shouldn’t be punished because of who I’m dating. I worked extremely hard to get that position. I was hired long before Gavin showed up. And I’m being moved, not because I’m not the best person for the role, but because of who I happen to go home with at night?”

“There’s an image problem with favoritism.”

“Mr. White, I have a lot of respect for you. But you and I both know that if Gavin’s and my roles were reversed, you would not be moving him to a different show. The woman always gets punished. I’m bringing in some of your highest numbers in years on the afternoon shows. You’re really going to risk ruining that because of our relationship? Also, we have been quietly dating for months, and not once has it impacted our working relationship. The only reason we’re bringing it to your attention now is because it’s getting more serious.”

Mr. White nods, not necessarily in agreement, but as if he’s actually listening to me. “I must say, Dani, I haven’t heard you stand up like this before.”

“I just don’t think you’ve been listening enough, Mr. White.” Gavin smiles at me. “On my first day here, you told me Dani wasn’t authoritative. You couldn’t be more wrong.”

“I’ll make you a deal. I’ll keep Dani where she is. But the minute I hear or see issues with the chain of command, I’m making changes.”

I nod. “That’s fair.”

“Now get out of here. I’ll have HR send over the paperwork.”

“Thank you, sir.” Gavin reaches over and shakes Mr. White’s hand.

I offer him a smile and make my way out of the office with Gavin.

We’re walking down the hall when he leans over and whispers, “I’m so proud of you.”