Page 30 of Chandelier Enthralled
“Eventually. When I’ve earned it.”
“Then stand.”
I pushed to my feet, suddenly unsure as to where to place my hands.
“Come here.”
I walked over and stood in front of her, trying not to show any signs of nervousness.
“We have millions of viewers who watch our channel every night. Do you think they care about the looks of the person who delivers the news?”
“Yes.”
“Take off your Chanel jacket.” She stared at it. “That is one hell of a vintage piece.”
A gift from Aunt Rose, but that was irrelevant right now.
I shrugged out of it and draped it over the back of an office chair, then stood straight again.
“You’re very pretty, Willa.”
“So are you.”
That made her smile.
“Stay still. I want to look at you.” She got up and prowled around me like a hunter assessing its prey. “Chin up.”
I was close to telling her how weird this felt, but I resisted the urge. I’d blow this chance if I refused to play along.
“Do you have what it takes to get the story?” she asked.
“I believe I do.”
“Then tell me something about yourself that would prove it.”
“I have brothers. I know what it takes to stand out and make a difference when competing with extraordinary men.”
“And how do you stand out?”
“I’m well read, I stay current on political affairs, I am discreet and honest and hard working.”
“You exhibit a stark confidence, Willa.”
“Thank you.”
She pulled a stray hair off my shoulder. “I see myself in you when I was your age.”
I sensed in her a fusion of strength and sensuality. The embodiment of power in a woman who ruled the boardroom.
She sat back down at the table. “What drives you? The thrill of the chase?”
“I want to make a difference.”
“I like that,” she said, smiling.
“I want to give a voice to the voiceless.”
“Tell me something else that will persuade me to give the job to you and not to ‘Yale.’ Her friend works here, so she does have that advantage.”
