Page 29 of Chandelier Enthralled
“I asked for something I might not know about you. We dig. That’s what we do.”
Dig.Such a crude word for her.
“In an interview, there are questions the law prevents me from asking. Therefore, we get around such restrictions by asking applicants to offer up anything of note.”
“I…relocated to California for work. I mean, in hopes of getting hired here.”
“We just interviewed a Yale grad for a position. She has recommendations out of Washington.”
“D.C.?”
“What are your thoughts on nepotism?”
I swallowed hard, questioning whether now would be a good time to mention I was the youngest daughter of Raif Cole.
No, don’t be baited.
Instead, I said, “Are you suggesting this other applicant is using her family to get ahead?”
She nodded. “I am.”
She was too elegant, too confident. Someone like her could easily have benefited from nepotism to climb the ranks. But I wouldn’t say so and risk offending her.
“I have no opinion either way.” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “I have a knack for storytelling. My hope is to have your viewers glued to their screens, unable to look away.”
She raised an eyebrow in a silent challenge. “And where did you learn to chase stories, Willa? From the comfort of your ivory tower?”
“Excuse me?”
“You were able to pay your own way at Brown. No loan or grants. Which means you come from a wealthy family.”
“I believe that’s irrelevant.”
She sat back, gesturing between us. “No part of this is irrelevant.”
“I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“How does it feel to be probed?”
“Unpleasant.”
She smiled.
“Being in the public eye makes you a target,” I said, trying not to cringe. “Sometimes our ability to investigate helps those who can’t help themselves. We expose the truth.”
“Expose is an interesting verb.” She pursed her lips. “Do you mind being exposed, Willa?”
“I do, actually.”
“Then let’s hope you don’t ever give the press reason to investigate you.”
“It was Pulse360 that reached out to me.”
“Stand up.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’m guessing you want to become a news anchor?”
