Page 50 of The Truths We Find

“We’ve got this,” she assures me. “Come on! Let’s get in there.”

Gavin holds out both his elbows, gesturing to escort us inside. We each take an arm and make our way inside.

The grand ballroom is dimly lit, with purple and gold lights projecting against the walls. Dozens of round tables draped in black cloths fill the space, each set to hold ten people. The tables are neatly covered with silver plates and silverware, wine and water goblets, and purple cloth napkins to match the lighting. In the front of the room is a stage, with a podium and microphone, so the winners can give their acceptance speeches.

Gavin leads us to the check-in area at the side of the room so we can get our table number. We’re the only ones from KSSD here tonight, so we’re sitting with nominees from a station in Palm Springs.

We make our way to table five, and see the others already seated. It’s a newscast team nominated together for a breaking news broadcast they did on a huge wildfire. I remember that fire, and their coverage. They were on the air nonstop for twenty-seven hours, making sure people knew about evacuation updates and unfortunately, entire neighborhoods that were lost. It was heartbreakingly impressive and extremely well done.

Before Gavin, Alexa, or I can get out a hello, a redheaded woman on the Palm Springs team lets out a small squeal. “Oh my God! I’m so excited you’re sitting with us. I was really hoping to get to meet you tonight.”

The three of us just glance between each other as we take our seats. Alexa speaks up first. “Us?”

“Well, you,” the woman says directly towards Alexa, “but I’m guessing you’re all responsible for the Robert Tate scandal story since you’re here.”

“Oh wow,” I chime in. “You saw our piece?”

“Are you kidding? Everyone in our journalism networking group has been talking about it.”

Alexa’s and my jaws drop. Gavin laughs.

“I’m Sarah, Executive Producer at KRPS in Palm Springs.” She holds out her hand. We each take turns shaking it before she introduces us to everyone else at the table. We make small talk for a bit, and I make sure to compliment their amazing fire coverage. We’ve had to do similar stories in San Diego, but nothing like what they did.

“Thanks,” one of their anchors Jill says. “It wasn’t easy, and at times I honestly wanted to crawl under the table and cry, but I’m glad we were able to help people in some way by getting the information out there.”

“Well, we’re rooting for you guys tonight.” Gavin smiles.

“Can I just say,” Sarah chimes in, facing Alexa, “your interview was absolutely amazing. The way you tripped Tate up and got him to all but admit what he did was one thing, but how the hell did you get that anonymous source to go on camera and show the emails between them?”

“I really want to say I’m just that good,” Alexa says. “But honestly, it was sheer luck. And the whole thing wouldn’t have happened without these two.”

“Well…” I wince, turning to Gavin.

“You are never going to let that go, are you?” He shakes his head.

Sarah leans in towards Alexa. “What’s the story there?”

“Gavin here tried to kill my story.” Alexa grins.

“I did not try to kill it. I just⁠—”

“Yes,” Alexa and I say at the same time, cutting him off.

“—thought a rattlesnake story was more important—and tried to stack it higher in the show and give it more time…” he trails to a whisper.

Gavin’s met by boos and flying napkin balls from the Palm Springs team.

“Am I going to get that reaction every damn time?” he asks.

“I sure hope so,” I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days.

As we keep talking, I feel my phone buzz in my purse. I pull it out and see Restricted flash on the screen. My heart leaps, knowing this must be Sam.

He did remember!

“Excuse me,” I say to the table. “I need to take this call.”

I quickly make my way outside the ballroom and answer the phone, “Sam?”