AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, I’m glad you’re back.” He folds his wiry arms across his chest. “I was starting to worry about you. We were trying to get your attention for a while now.”
“We?” I ask, seeing a few of my other co-workers standing nearby, all sharing the same concerned expression. Was I that spaced out from lack of sleep?Alex, you fucking goddamn tweaker. “What’s going on?”
“Editor-in-chief wants to speak with you,” he clarifies.
I look up from my computer screen, a surprising feeling of trepidation flickering through me. Though I’m not sure why, as I’m confident my output is top-notch. But I can’t afford to lose my job; I needsomesort of income, after all. “Do you know why?”
He shrugs. “Don’t know. He just asked to see you.”
Maybe I’ll finally get a raise; I definitely deserve one. I stand up and follow him down the hall, receiving a sympathetic wave from my colleague, Molly Perez, as I pass. We make it to William’s office, and David gives me a nod.
“Good luck in there,” he says, departing.
I knock on the door. “It’s me. Blake.”
“Yes, yes. Come in.”
I open the door. William is at his desk, talking on the phone. He gestures to the chair in front of the desk, and I sit and wait patiently for him to finish. Once he hangs up the phone, he turns to me, a big grin on his face.Here we go, I think.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Holloway?”
“Call me Billy,” he corrects.
I fight the temptation to roll my eyes. “Right.”
“Thank you for coming. I’ve been reading your work. And I have to say, Blake, that I’m very impressed.”
“Thank you,” I beam, failing to be modest—because why should I be? I take the shlock written by the others and ascend the material. “I do my best.”
He leans forward on his desk, fingers steepled together. “You have an undeniable talent for writing.”
“Thank you,” I say again. Damon wants to smirk proudly. But Blake is humble, so I tone it down, only allowing a small smile to pull at my lips.
“I’d like to offer you a promotion as a staff writer,” he says. “What do you say?”
Part of me can’t believe it. I’d only been working here for a short time, and already, I’ve proven myself more competent than some of the senior staff. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. And to think, not only do I get to write the news now.
I get to stage it.
“I’m honored,” I reply.
“Welcome to the team! I think you’ll do a great job.” He takes a sip of his coffee and regards me thoughtfully. “I’m excited to see what you can do. About time we have some talented fresh blood around here.”
I can’t help but chuckle at his unintended pun.You really don’t know how right you are. “You have no idea what this opportunity means to me, sir—I mean, Billy. Truly.”
“You don’t have to be so formal. Or modest. I offered because I believe you’re up to the challenge.” He shoots me another grin and swivels his chair back toward his computer. “You’ll officially start the new position tomorrow, and your paychecks will begin reflecting your new rate then as well.” He takes another sip of his coffee. “You’re dismissed.”
I mumble another thanks and walk out of the office. As I return to my desk, some of my co-workers stare at me expectantly. So goddamn nosy.
“So?” David asks, rolling his chair toward me. “What did he say?”
I smile. “I’m getting a promotion. You’re looking at the Fallbank Chronicle’s new staff writer.”
“No shit,” he remarks. “Congratulations.” He pauses, thinking for a beat. “We should celebrate. Go out and get drinks or something. What do you think?”
I consider his suggestion, knowing that I have to take the time to cash my check today. Unfortunately, it’s an arduous process. Since I can’t open a bank account under my fake name, I have to make the drive to another town and get my money through a cash-back place to minimize the paper trail. Then I can put some money on a preloaded card.
“I have some things to take care of after work,” I reply. “But I don’t mind hanging out for a couple of hours this evening.”
