Page 66 of Always a Chance
“What did you expect?”
He shrugged. “I was hoping for someone extraordinary, something that would make readers click.”
“Extraordinary,” I scoffed. “What does that even mean? Johnny Kelly is a good man who loves his family, loves the ocean, and is a brilliant writer. What’s more extraordinary than that? He’s been hurt in life.” Mostly by me. “And yet, he moves on, keeps going. He still believes in love enough to write these beautiful stories. If you don’t post this feature, you’re making a huge mistake.
“This is what readers want. To know their favorite author is just like them, not some kind of celebrity. This article is the truth, and it deserves to be told.”
My chest heaved, and I tried to gain control of my breathing.
Mr. Irons looked at me, curiosity in his gaze. “That passion, that’s what we need for the digital team.”
“Thank you,” I snapped, unable to rein in my indignation. “I appreciate you saying that.”
He laughed. “You’re a good journalist, Talia. You write the facts as you see them, but for our new digital platform, we want writers who truly believe in what they’re saying. We want passion.”
“I can have passion.”
“Clearly.” He shook his head with another laugh. “Okay, I’ll check with legal one more time to make sure we can’t get ourselves into hot water with the publisher, then I’ll post it.” He stuck his hand out. “Welcome to the digital team, Talia.”
I stood. “I won’t let you down.”
“It won’t be any easier than print. We’re transitioning to a whole new model of business in our cost-cutting measures.”
“I understand. I can do it.”
“I believe you can. Now, it’s a beautiful day out there. Go enjoy it. I’ll be in touch about your next assignment.”
I walked through the nearly empty offices. More space was cleared every day as they moved to a work-from-home model and prepared to sell the building.
As I pushed through the double glass doors, I expected some sense of relief. I did it. Johnny would get his article, and I got to keep my job. But not even the vivid sun or the sounds of the city could brighten my mood.
I made my way along the crowded sidewalk and down into the subway tunnel. A few stops later, I was near the place I lived with Barrett.
The moment I made it inside, he came bursting from his office. “What did he say?”
“He’s going to print it.”
He let out a yell of excitement and picked me up, spinning me in a circle. “Tali, do you know what this means?”
I did. I’d always be known as the journalist who uncovered Trinity’s true identity. It would lead to bigger stories, more notoriety. “It means it’s truly over.” There was no more reason to talk to Johnny. Over the last week, we exchanged a single email when I sent him the article.
Barrett put me down. “Hey.” He nudged my shoulder. “What do you say we go get some chili cheese fries? My treat.”
That was sweet of him, but all I wanted to do was curl up in bed and wait for this day to end. As soon as we got to the city, we’d had the talk that was a long time coming. This quasi relationship of ours was no longer working. We were fooling ourselves to think we could just use each other to feel less alone until someone else did that.
But the friendship, that didn’t disappear. “I’m kind of tired.” I peeked into his office. “And aren’t you working?”
“Yeah.” He laughed. “I sort of forgot. You go lie down, and we’ll go to an expensive dinner tonight.”
“One of those places where you pay more for less food?”
He nodded. “Maybe even the kind where we’ll be judged hardcore.”
I trudged to my room and fell face-first on my bed, exhaustion weighing me down.
I’d almost fallen asleep when a buzzing sounded through the apartment.
“Tal, I’m about to jump on a call,” Barrett yelled. “Can you get that?”
