Page 4 of Breaking News

“I could offer to do the interview by email?” He raised both eyebrows in a hopeful stare. “So it would take up less of his time?”

“Yeah, and then you’ll never hear from the guy again.” I glanced at my watch again, knowing I was going to have to cut this pep talk short. “If you’re really that worried about it, you’ve got time to choose someone else who’ll be more enthusiastic. I wouldn't blame you. But interviewing people who’d rather not speak with you will be a great learning experience.”

He tilted his head back with a groan. “Now I really don’t know what to do.”

“You’ll figure it out,” I said, tucking my laptop case under my armpit. “Anyway, I have to get home. I look forward to hearing about your decision on Monday.” There. That ought to end the conversation.

Unfortunately, Reese followed me all the way down the hall and through the parking lot to my car, weighing his options aloud every step of the way. I half-expected the kid to follow me home, but thankfully, he said goodbye when I opened my car door.

I dialed Andrea the second I pulled out of the lot.

The thing I’d said about her “having my throat” couldn’t have been further from the truth. I was probably supposed to hate my ex-wife, curse her name, and compare her to Cruella de Vil or something, but Andrea didn't deserve any of that. We were highschool sweethearts, marrying when we were just twenty-one. We didn’t even wait until we were done with college.

And then we didn’t just grow older—we grew apart. We gave it our best shot, trying to stay together for the kids, but ultimately decided it was better for everyone if we split.

The divorce was hell. But both of us came out on the other side of it in a much better place. And now we could sit together at Olivia’s choir recitals, or bitch about Caleb’s baseball coach like a couple of old friends. Because that’s what we were.

“Hey, Andrea,” I said when she picked up. “I’m running about ten minutes late. I was talking with a student.”

“No problem. Did you have something in mind for supper, or should we hit a drive-through first?”

“Oh, I’ve got a pizza and movie night planned,” I said, grinning as I pulled onto the highway. I was excited—our first movie night in the new house. The kids were with me on moving day, ensuring everything was put in its rightful place in their new bedrooms, but we didn’t really get to hang out. In fact, it had been a few weeks since one of our legendary pizza and scary movie nights. And now that Caleb was a little older, it widened the selection of films to choose from.

Tonight’s pick?It.The classic one, of course. I couldn’t wait to witness Caleb’s reaction to the infamous storm drain scene.

“Tell Olivia I’ll get those garlic knots she likes,” I said.

“She’s with Richie.”

At the mention of that name, I let out a sigh that would’ve sent Reese into a full-blown spiral.Richie.“I thought Richie was history?”

“They made up.”

“Super.”

“Don’t be so sarcastic, Graham. He makes her happy.”

“He’s a delinquent.”

“Well.” She knew she couldn’t disagree. Last I knew, the kid was doing community service because he got caught with weed at school, embarrassing Olivia so much she broke up with him during his suspension. Maybe she’d changed her mind since school was out for the summer. With a little grunt, Andrea said, “Let’s just let her get through her bad boy phase. It won’t last.”

“Let’s hope not. So she's with him tonight—where?”

“A friend’s house.”

“She’s still coming to my house after?”

“Yes. She has her bag packed.”

Well, at least I would still get to see her. I knew when she got into high school and started dating, I’d see less and less of her, so this was inevitable.

It still sucked.

Andrea’s car was already parked in front of the house when I pulled into the driveway. I was a little surprised to see Pete step out of the passenger seat, shoving his hands in his back pockets as he glanced up at the house. “Someone’s got that CEO money now,” he said with a wink as I approached.

I wanted to tell him this new house was the smallest on this street in terms of square footage. That, and it had more to do with a dead wealthy grandpa than the interim CEO nonsense.

But we didn’t have all night.

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