Page 30 of The Truths We Find

“We better get back.” I pull away.

“Uh yeah. Good idea.” Her cheeks are red. Her breath ragged.

We walk in silence back to the booth, leaving behind our perfect little moment.

It’s Friday night, and more people than I expected took me up on my offer to watch the special in the station’s conference room.

The table is lined with pizza, soda, chips, and various kinds of candy. I figure if they work hard for me all week, the least I can do is treat them to dinner.

Nearly a dozen people file in just before the eight o’clock showtime, including our guests of honor. Dani and Alexa settle into seats in the back of the room, both of them looking beyond worried. I grab two plates and walk over, handing one to each of them.

“You both look like you could use some comfort food,” I say with a smile.

“Thanks,” Alexa murmurs.

I glance between them, then lean closer to Dani. “Uh, is she okay? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that volume come out of her mouth.”

“Just nervous.” Dani shifts in her seat. “This is the biggest story either of us has ever done. And with the last-minute addition, Tate is not going to be happy.”

Alexa got a call last night while we were at the bar from an anonymous source. They claimed they were willing to go on camera, as long as their face and voice were distorted, with hard proof showing Tate bribed them for their vote. Alexa scrambled to set up the interview first thing this morning, while Dani verified that the evidence was legitimate.

I helped them weave it all into the special, and we got the final cut to Master Control barely an hour before airtime. To say we’re tired is an understatement.

“Tate is a slimeball who did a really bad thing,” I say. “He needs to be exposed. Hopefully it’s enough for the DA to finally press charges.”

“We’ll see,” Dani sighs.

All I want to do is pull Dani into my arms and make the worry disappear, even if only for a moment. But I don’t. I can’t. We’re friends, and whatever happened at the bar came dangerously close to crossing a line. Not physically, but emotionally, which somehow feels worse.

I’m already pushing my luck just being allowed back into her life at all. Dani taking a chance on us being friends again feels fragile—like something that could shatter if I’m not careful. I won’t risk losing that by letting myself fall any deeper than I already have over the last ten years.

“I’m sorry Sam couldn’t come watch tonight.”

I’m totally not.

“Thanks.” She smiles warmly. “Last-minute deployment prep stuff.”

Our eyes connect and suddenly it feels like there’s no one else in the room. I try to pull my gaze away, but for some reason, I’m physically incapable.

“It’s starting!” Alexa squeals, causing Dani to break the connection.

I rub the palm of my hand over my chest, trying to get my heart to calm down. How does something as simple as her eyes have this kind of effect on me?

We all turn to the mounted television, and for the next hour, I’m pretty sure no one in the room breathes.

Chapter 11

Dani

The clapping sounds snap me out of my trance, pulling my gaze from the television. I blink to refocus and realize everyone in the room has gathered around Alexa and me, cheering and applauding. I turn to her and can’t help but laugh as I pull my best friend into a hug.

“I can’t believe we pulled it off,” I say in disbelief.

“Hell yeah, we did!” She smiles as she pulls away.

Gavin holds up his arms to get the room to quiet down. “Can I have everyone’s attention please? I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t think this story had legs when I started earlier this week.”

The room erupts in boos from everyone. I purse my lips to hold in my chuckle.