Page 113 of The Thorne at My Side
I laugh, "DCFox."
"Same thing," he shrugs. "Have you met him?"
"Not yet,” I pause. Do I tell Austin? Would it make him jealous? Do I want him to feel jealous? I think I might. Maybe I’ll figure out how I feel if I can figure out how he feels. “He messaged me to say he's going to be somewhere tonight and I could meet him if I wanted to."
"So he's putting the ball in your court. That's a bold move."
"Confident," I amend.
"Cocky. But hey, maybe you're into that kind of thing." He’s quiet for a few paces and then asks, "What have you two been talking about lately?"
"I dunno, mostly surface level stuff. We still don’t talk about details in our lives. There was something I wanted to discuss with him, get his perspective on.”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“I umm, I got an offer to do a book, actually from TCM."
"My former employer."
"Former? Since when?"
“January.” I knew AI Media was shut down but I didn’t realize he doesn’t work there anymore. “I’m investing in something new that's a little different from what I've done in the past."
"Care to elaborate?" I ask as we turn another corner.
"Not right now," He tosses a quick grin in my direction. "What was your offer from TCM?"
"To write a book about the campaign. I think they want the scorned former staffer angle and that's just not who I am. I know things didn't end up the way I wanted but I still believe in President Quinn and want her to do well."
"That’s admirable, Maggie." He says and he looks at me for a few paces. I turn to him and smile quickly before focusing back on the path ahead. "It sounds like you've already decided not to write it."
"I think I have."
"But?"
"Well, I kind of wanted his opinion on it." We come to a stop at a light and I cover my face with my hands. "Is that crazy? I mean he's a stranger, I don't know him, but I value his opinion. Ifeel like he'd know me well enough to help me decide what to do. It’s hard to pass up, it's a good paycheck."
"A good paycheck for bad work is a backwards way to live if you can help it." He says, and I look over at him. He's looking across the street at the signal but his eyes are off even further in the distance.
There is so much about Austin that I don't know. I dismissed him initially because he was my nemesis. Then because I didn't think he was capable of substantial conversations like the one we're having right now. Since coming back into my life a month ago he's proven himself to be a good friend. Reliable, insightful, generous with his time and, I think back on the Prada bag sitting on my coffee table, his resources.
I watch the side of his face and am desperate to know what he’s thinking. Am I the girl he was talking about on the podcast or not?
I'm about to ask him why he left TCM, which feels like a safer topic than if he likes me, check yes or no, but he starts running away. It takes me a beat to realize that the light has changed and it is our turn to cross. I hustle up to him and match my pace to his.
"What's on your mind, MC?" He asks.
"Why did you leave TCM?"
"It's a little early for those questions don't you think," he tries to deflect. I can see vulnerability flash through his eyes.
"No, you made me talk about DCFox and the book deal. Tit for tat."
"Tits are on the table?"
I playfully shove him sideways, he laughs as he smoothly recovers his stride.
"Alright, no tits. But, forthe record I'd be game if you were." He says like it’s a question. I shoot him a sideways glare because as much as my body wants that I want his answer more. "Fine, fine. I left TCM and AIM because I didn't believe in the work I was doing."
