Page 31 of Ink & Ambition

Alex looks over at me. “Why can’t we just let that happen naturally? I mean, we seem to have a pretty easy rapport going as it is, sunshine.”

“Yeah, frat boy?” I cock my head to the side. “You want to just bully each other relentlessly on camera?”

Alex laughs and it loosens something in my chest. “I guess not, although I do enjoy it.”

Ignoring that comment too, I continue on. “I just think it’s best that we establish our roles early. Like I’ll be reading the questions that people send in and, obviously, you’ll be answering them.”

“Well, yeah, but there has to be some conversation afterward, right? No one is going to tune into me just spewing nonsense the whole time.”

“You clearly underestimate the female student body of TU,” I mutter and immediately regret it when that shit-eating grin transforms Alex’s face. But he doesn’t say anything, just looks at me with that expression until I give in from stress.

After thirty seconds, I’ve had it with the loud silence. “What?”

“You think I’m pretty.” His smile continues to engulf his face and I would never admit it to him but it’s an amazing sight. Heisan incredibly attractive man and honestly, his personality doesn’t suck either, but I would never tell him that.

“Can we get back to work, please?”

“That’s not a denial.” Alex kicks back in his chair, putting his feet up on the table and his arms behind his head.Okay, maybe his personality can use some work after all.

Taking the computer back with a huff, I click open a document I created with submissions that I thought were actually worthwhile. “How willing are you to give out your phone number on the air? There were dozens of responses requesting it.”

“Not happening,” he says casually, as if he’s asked that every day. “What else you got?” He reaches into his backpack to grab his water, taking a sip.

Oh, what else do I got? Buckle up, pretty boy.Laughing, I leave my document and click back into the submissions pageon the website. “Well, one girl namedKittyxowants to know if you’ll come over and ‘stroke her’.” Alex chokes on his water and the sound of his reaction has me pulling up more of the ridiculous requests. “There’s a comment here just referring to you as ‘hot butt’ oh, and someone namedSexy69is asking if you’ll let her use her toys on you, specifically her ten-inch dild–”

“Okay, okay, enough!” Alex sputters, dropping his legs and sitting up in his seat. I get an immense amount of pleasure at watching his discomfort grow. The usually cocky and confident Alex Prescott reduced to a stammering fool.I could get used to this.“Please read some of the real submissions before I completely regret this decision.”

“Whatever you want, hot butt,” I giggle, pulling my document back up.

Alex leans his elbows on the table across from me. “I do not accept that as a new nickname,” he mutters, his fingers slowly rubbing his eyes and his chin resting on his palms.

I laugh again, “Fair enough.” Alex sighs in relief.

“I went through all the submissions and categorized them. The completely outlandish ones I didn’t even include and then the rest are categorized by topic, relatability, and significance.” I pause, giving him a minute to make fun of my category system but he doesn’t. He just sits there, listening to me. I clear my throat as I continue, “With attention spans being what they are these days, I think we should keep each episode to about thirty minutes and that should give us time to discuss at least three questions with some banter before and after.”

Alex is looking at me and I can tell he’s actually listening to what I’m saying, instead of just feigning interest like Danika does when I talk to her about the books I read. He nods his head but still doesn’t say anything, as if he’s just waiting patiently for me to continue. So I do.

“In the first episode, we’ll have to establish our brand, our conversation style and let the audience know what they’re in for by jumping straight into the deep end. We need to make it clear that this is an advice podcast and not a free-for-all about Alex Prescott, but it’s important to know…how much information are you willing to give?”

“What do you need?” He asks earnestly.

“Well, based on the types of questions we’ve been getting, I think it would really help our listenership if they can get a glimpse into your personal life if they listen to our show. But, of course, only what you’re comfortable disclosing.”

Alex thinks for a minute before responding. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem. We’ll keep things light and I’ll sprinkle in some seeds of interest about my life throughout the show. Whatever will keep them coming back for more, right?” He gives me a smile and I return it with my own relieved expression.

“Right.”

For the rest of the hour, Alex and I parse through the categorized submissions and decide which questions will be best to answer in our first episode. We banter back and forth about what we might say and it’s already like a glimpse of how the show will be. For a minute, I delude myself into thinking it might actually be fun, but then I think back to public speaking class and my excitement dwindles.

When the time is up, Alex and I pack up our things and head out of the library. Sydney and Danika are both waiting for me this time and it’s apparent who’s driving by the emphatic honks that keep sounding from the car.

“I’ll see you Saturday, then,” I say, giving Alex a wave as I head toward the car.

Alex’s voice stops me. “You’re not gonna come to the party Friday?”

I turn to face him but continue backing toward my impatient roommates. “Can’t. Gotta prepare for recording on Saturday.”

“We just did that!” Alex shouts, sounding exasperated. The farther I walk away, the louder his voice becomes. “Plus we’re not filming until the afternoon. Come on, sunshine. Just come!” His voice is loud enough that people passing by look over in his direction.

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