Page 145 of All Too Well
“Of course you did. That’s why this article reads like a love letter.”
I shrug because that’s exactly what it is, and when it prints in three days, he’ll see exactly how I feel as I’m standing at his door.
“I think it was you who said writers who speak from their soul tell more than an article. They tell a story that’s rich and engaging ...”
“I was drunk.”
A laugh escapes from my lips. “I don’t think so.”
“No, I wasn’t, but ... I may have been hard on you, Ainsley, but it’s because I saw true talent. You were able to take a mundane topic that would be black and white and paint it in Technicolor. You’re gifted and I hate the idea of you leaving.”
I hate the idea of it, but not the reality. I want to continue doing what I love, especially now that I have free rein to write what I want, but at the same time, it’s not what I need.
I need Lachlan.
I don’t want to go back to a life without him.
“Would you give up everything for your wife?”
Mr. Krispen sighs. “I’m assuming there’s no way to change your mind on it?”
I shake my head.
His buzzer cuts off any chance at a reply. “Mr. Krispen, umm, a Mr. Knight is here. I’m sending him in.”
My boss’s eyes go wide as saucers. “The owner is here. Shit.”
A moment later there’s a knock on the door and Mr. Krispen nearly hurdles over the desk to get there quickly.
“Mr. Knight, hello.”
A very handsome man with light-blue eyes nods and smiles. “Charles, good to see you.” Then he looks to me. “Hello, I’m Carson Knight.”
I take his extended hand. “Ainsley MacKinley.”
“Well, this works out great,” Carson says. “I actually came here to meet you.”
Mr. Krispen clears his throat. “I apologize if I missed an email.”
He shakes his head. “You didn’t.”
Watching my boss nearly crap himself is pretty entertaining, but as intimidating as this man is, and he is, he pales in comparison to the Admiral.
“You wanted to meet me?” I ask.
Carson turns his attention to me. “Yes, I received an advance copy of the paper, as usual, and read your article. I wanted to tell you that it was outstanding, and my wife agreed as well. She said I was an idiot who should pay closer attention toMetro NY, since the talent is underappreciated.”
I smile at that, sounding like something I would say. “It’s an honor to meet you, and I wouldn’t say we’re underappreciated, but happy for you to see how great we are.”
He chuckles. “So tell me, Ainsley MacKinley, how long have you been a member of the team here?”
“About six months.”
“Six months and this is the first article I’ve read?” He turns to Mr. Krispen. “How is that?”
“She’s actually had quite a few articles printed, but this was the first time we gave her a human-interest piece.”
Mr. Knight nods. “Impressive. Well, now that I know what great staff I have, I plan to have you write more of these.”
