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My midterms are next week, so I’m gonna keep this one short. I’m buried under study cards and running solely on caffeine, and I don’t think I’ve changed out of the clothes I’m currently wearing in . . . oh god . . . three days. Please don’t try to picture me right now; I’m so gross.

So you have a folder on me too, huh? Guess we’re a good pair, then.

Can’t wait to read you next week. You, but also your articles. You have a way with words. Your last piece might be your best work yet.

Oh, and give my best to Emile.

Xx,

Charlee

Attached article

It's a man's world: How do you navigate the business world when you have a vagina?

Chapter Nine

REGRET ME

Charlee

What is his fucking deal?

First, he disrespects me, refusing to work with me for god knows what ridiculous reason, and now he’s running away?

The nerve of this guy.

What? Can’t fathom working with a woman? Is he that obtuse? I thought we left sexism in the past with the boomers, but clearly, between him and Trevor, I’ve been naïve.

Donna is still standing awkwardly in front of me, forcing an equally awkward smile onto her face. “Ms. Fletcher, I’m very sorry about that. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. Please, please, take a seat.” She gestures toward the chair on my right, and I sit down while she rounds the table to take a spot in front of me.

“Thank you so much for making the trip all the way to Vancouver.” She drums her fingers on the table and casts furtive glances at the door. “I want to make sure that you know your presence here means a great deal to us. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that? Because from the looks of it”—I nod toward the door—“I don’t think I’m very welcome.”

“Oh, that?” She shakes her head, and the white curls around her face jiggle. “Just a silly misunderstanding. He’s thrilled to go off the grid for two weeks. Trust me.”

I narrow my eyes, holding her gaze, and after a few seconds, Donna caves. “Okay, okay. I’ll confess that I’m as much in the dark as you are. I don’t know what that was about, but it doesn’t matter, because we’re going forward with the docuseries, whether he likes it or not.”

“Knock, knock.”

I turn around and find Emma in the doorway.

Donna stands. “Ah, Emma. I’m so glad to see you. Come here.” She hugs the woman warmly. Seeing my confusion, Donna explains, “Emma and I have worked on a few projects before. Have you two been introduced?”

“Yes,” I say, “we rode together from the airport, along with her crew.”

Emma and Donna exchange a look.

I glance between them. “What?”

“Oh no, I’m just picturing you stuck with Trevor for forty-five minutes.” Donna laughs drily. “Must have been fun.”

As if on cue, Trevor walks in, flanked by Axel and Nick. “Donna,” he booms. “Always a pleasure.” He pulls her in for a quick hug before he comes behind me, one of his hands falling on my shoulder. I barely stop myself from gripping his wrist and twisting it behind his back. I exhale through my nose. “Have you gone over the assignment with Charlee yet?”

“Not yet,” Donna replies. “We’re just waiting for our reporter to join us. He’s the one who’ll give you the training today and assist you during filming.”

Trevor claps. “Great, let’s get started, then. Oh, Donna. Can you please grab us some coffee before we do? I don’t want to snore in the middle of the presentation.”