Page 35 of Nolan
“Really?” I’m aware of Amber Rivera because of the pro-bionic podcasts I’ve listened to previously. Everyone who knows anything about BioNex or androids seems to know of her. Her pieces are usually pretty objective, from what I understand.
“Of course,” Amber reassures. “The story’s already been told from every angle, the mayor will cool off, and everything will blow over in a couple days. I’m here to write Jessica’s official response—so she can actually get a word in—and about Cyber Street, how it’s growing. Jessica tells me you’re the new marketer.”
“And junior designer,” Jessica adds.
I perk up considerably at junior designer. While I haven’t sat down and worked on a clothing line for Cyber Street yet, just that title—designer—gets my heart all a-flutter. Did I just get a promotion?
Amber seems intrigued. “You design?”
“Yes, I try to when I can,” I reply, sputtering a little.
“Good. You know, there’s this big design convention up in New York in February. It’d be great to see New Carnegie represented,” Amber says. “Let me make a few calls. I think it’s time people understood we don’t just make gorgeous state-of-the-art robots. We contribute to arts and fashion and history just as much as anywhere else.”
She slides her sunglasses back on. I’m speechless, unsure of what to say as she turns away to address Jess. “Looking forward to when my order comes in.”
“Of course. Shall I have it delivered to your home directly?”
“Yes, if you wouldn’t mind. I can’t wait. Your autumn line is absolutely charming.” Amber adjusts her purse and heads out the door. “Ta-ta!”
My jaw’s on the floor as I stand in front of Jess, placing my hands on the counter. “What just happened?”
Jessica just grins. “Amber’s a friend of mine. We went to school together, so she pops in every once in a while. She just wanted to stop by and tell me what I already knew.”
“Which was?”
“C’mon, Mia,” Jessica says playfully. “All press is good press. They’ll churn out stories and try to make something controversial about what Nolan did, but ultimately they’ll die out and move to the next thing. We’ve got more online orders in the past twenty-four hours than I know what to do with. I’m going to run out of stock soon at this rate.”
That reassures me. Maybe today won’t be a total bust. Which reminds me . . . “Jess—I’m really sorry about this morning.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just—I should’ve picked another time. What with, you know, what’s going on. We should’ve been celebrating, not worrying about all my baggage.”
“It’s no big deal. I’ve been giving myself time to let it sink in. Honestly, I didn’t know how to feel at first, but I think this is a good thing, and I’m starting to get excited about it. When I’m not throwing up, anyway.” Jessica shrugs, braiding her hair to one side out of her face. “Really, don’t sweat it. I wasn’t planning on telling Apollo today.”
“Are you sure?”
“A surprise baby deserves a surprise announcement, and I want to make it special for him.” Jessica’s eyes glint with affectionate mischief. “What do you think? Want to help me plan it?”
“Absolutely! I could do that,” I agree. “But . . . I probably need to talk to Apollo.”
“You do.” Jessica nods. “But he needs to talk to you too. The sooner you guys can work this out, the better.”
“You don’t mind that I’m talking to Nolan, do you?”
“Talking?” Jessica’s smile turns impish. “Not kissing?”
My cheeks heat. “Okay, there was some kissing.”
She laughs. “Of course I don’t care. I think it’s great. And Apollo will too, just give it time. Now, relax your face and unclench your jaw. You’ve looked like you wanted to punch someone all day.”
She’s absolutely right. And I kinda do want to punch someone—the mayor. How can someone as cool as Amber be related to a politician? Ew. Forcing myself to unwind, I breathe out. “Sorry, just have a lot on my mind.”
“I believe it.” Jessica stands next to me and gently rubs my back, which helps the tension evaporate all the quicker. “Now, show me what you’ve been working on.”
We work hard for the rest of the day and return home together. I exchange messages with Nolan throughout the day, but it’s nothing too deep, not while I’m focusing on trying to harness this newfound publicity into sales for Cyber Street. He seems just a busy as I am. All I want to do is flop onto my bed and text him until I fall asleep. We may not be solving world hunger together or anything substantial, but our conversations makes me feel interesting. Wanted. Alive. It’s enough to keep me going.
Apollo is already home for dinner, which is normal on the weekdays. We all love to sit together and eat the glorious meal Laolao made for us. And after a day like today, they’re already getting started when Jessica and I arrive.
