Page 59 of Checking Mr. Wrong
“Hey, Frank,” I say, forcing cheer into my voice.
“Mabel, that quote you turned in from Carson Crane and the way this piece is coming together? Fantastic work. Really, top-notch stuff.” This man is never one to mince words. His voice is warm and encouraging, the kind of tone that makes me feel proud.
“Thanks,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “I still have a couple more parts to wrap up.”
“No rush,” he replies. “I liked the quotes you grabbed from the goalie, Clément, too.Très bien. But, you know, if you can aim to get this done by the end of the week, that’d be great. You’re close.”
“I’m speaking with the Ice Breakers player assimilation liaison, Bailey, today to get another point of view and I was thinking of interviewing their social media manager as well. What do you think?”
“Well rounded. I like it.” He pauses and clears his throat. “I also think that your old TV station called us today and asked if you were under contract, that’s what I think.”
Frank’s words slam against my ear. “What?”
“You heard me. They’ve had a shake-up over there. Apparently, your ex has done it again. He got caught with another woman by the producer he was seeing after you two broke up. She’s walked off set, and is refusing to work with him.”
“Karma at its finest.” I let out a slow whistle. “He’s such a turd.”
“He’s being called worse.” Frank chuckles. “Anyway, I’m buddies with their boss and had a drink with him the other night. He brought up your name.”
I hesitate. “They really want me back?”
“They do. Apparently, there was some backlash when you were let go, and they kept it under wraps. A lot of people wrotein, wanting the woman who tossed water all over her cheating partner to come back.”
“They did?”
“Yep. I know you’ve got some ‘children should be seen and not heard’ trauma swirling inside from your small-town beginnings, but Mabel, you’re popular with a lot of viewers because of what happened. It may not have been the most professional move, but you earned some fans, that’s for sure.”
“And that makes them want me back?” Apparently, I’m still in shock.
“That and the fact you’re an outstanding journalist with an amazing work ethic who performs under pressure all the time.” He chuckles, and I can hear the pride in his voice. “This is amazing, Mabel. You deserve it.”
I’m silent, unsure of how to respond. “So what happens now?”
“Well, if you want me to, I’ll call them and let them know you’re interested, but it’s solely up to you.”
Never in a million years would I have thought this was on today’s bingo card.
“May I have a few days to think about it?”
“You got it,” Frank says, not able to hide the surprise in his voice, yet he asks no further questions. “But listen, Mabel. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s what you want. Not what you think you should want, not what someone else wants for you. Make it about you. Got it?”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Got it. Thanks, Frank.”
“Anytime. Now get back to work, superstar. Get that article done!”
We hang up, and I’m left staring at my phone. My head’s still spinning, but Frank’s words linger. My old job. I can have it back. But, do I want it? For so long, the answer has been obvious: career, success, recognition. But now, with Asher in the picture, everything feels so much more complicated.
The sound of the front door opening jolts me out of mythoughts. “Mabel? Are you home?” My mom’s voice rings out, followed by the click of her heels on the hardwood floor.
“In here,” I yell out, setting my phone down.
Mom breezes into the room, all energy and purpose, her hands full of papers and her face lit up with that trademark smile. “Just popping in between meetings. Oh, you’re working. I’ll be quick.”
“It’s fine,” I say, even though it’s not. My mom’s definition of “quick” usually involves a detailed rundown of every social committee event within a fifty-mile radius.
“Fine is usually reserved for moments when you’re trying to gloss over some details,” she says, dropping the papers on the counter. “Is that what you’re doing?”
I force a smile. “You know me too well.”
