Page 13 of Drop Pass

I laughed. “Sorry, should I let you struggle next time?”

She giggled. “No. I really appreciate your help. I would have been sleeping on the floor if you hadn’t stopped by.”

“No problem.” I stepped back and turned to head out.

“Can I get you dinner?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s okay.”

She nodded once. “Well, thanks again for stopping by. It was fate.”

Sure, it was. “See you.”

I walked out and down the hall to my home. I’d done my duty. She knew where I lived and if she really needed help, she knew where to come, but from what she said, I doubted she would take me up on it again. That didn’t matter though. I could tell Hartman I’d gone above and beyond his request and even helped her tonight.

Maybe I could get an award from the team for that.

The thought actually put a smile on my face.

5

Elena

This was it. I smoothed my jacket one more time before stepping through the front doors of SLBC. I was wearing a cranberry pant suit that was slimming and chic and professional and I felt like a million dollars.

The shops below me had almost a dozen stores perfect for restocking my wardrobe. I was now the proud owner of modern, slim cut pant suits in eight colors...and counting. A few of the saleswomen wrote down my name and number to let me know if they got different colors or patterns. They were smart to catch on, and I was grateful I was finally going to feel like myself in front of the camera.

“Hi, how can I help you?” The young receptionist greeted me with a stunning smile. I reminded myself he was probably ten years younger than me before replying.

“Hi, today’s my first day. I’m looking for Dean Rhodes.”

The man-child stood up. “Of course. Ms. Curtis, follow me.”

He set off down the hall with efficient speed. I followed behind taking in the door plaques as we passed trying to memorize my surroundings.

“Here you are.” He gestured to the open door to his left.

“Thanks.” He winked before turning and hurrying back to his desk. I glanced in the empty office and took a cautious step in. Was this a setup? A hazing?

“Elena! There you are. We’re running through things up here.” A petite woman with a jet black pixie cut hollered into the office, much more energetic than anyone should be at three-thirty in the morning.

She took off down the hallway in a different direction from where I’d come and I had to take long strides to keep up with her. “Dean won’t be in until eight so you can worry about paperwork and stuff later. I need to prep you for the four o’clock slots.”

I cringed. “I’m going on this morning?”

I was hoping there would be a grace period. Time for me to observe and get a feel for how they did things. A chance to get to know the weather crew and get my bearings.

That didn’t look like it was happening. I straightened my shoulders and shook off any doubts. I’d done this thousands of times over the years. I could adjust to a new backdrop and system. Plus, generally the four am audience just wanted to know if they needed to wear a jacket or not. They weren’t looking for detailed information. They’d get that later when they were awake enough to care.

Sure. I’d keep telling myself that.

“Here we are.” She turned and opened a door for me. I stepped into what looked like the women’s dressing room. “We have a locker here for you.”

She pointed at one of the baby blue lockers on the top row. “Number five is all yours.” She spun around. “And you can use this chair.” She patted one of the swiveling chairs facing the three mirrors. “It’s rare everyone will be in here at the same time so feel free to claim an area, just be courteous to the others.”

I nodded and looked back at my locker. “Can I store my makeup bag in here?”

She nodded. “Of course.” She pulled a piece of paper out of her front pocket and handed it to me. It was a combination for the built-in lock.