Page 16 of Pure Recklessness

‘And it’s not an excuse,’ I continued, ‘but after embarrassing myself in front of you so spectacularly, my head wasn’t in the right place. I normally prepare thoroughly for interviews and not having the opportunity to do that put me at a disadvantage. All I’m saying is if I had more notice and was given something to write that I had more knowledge of, like something related to books or publishing, which I understand is the division you head up, I would’ve performed better. I’m not entitled, I’m a hard worker. I really need this job. And if you gave me a fair chance to prove myself, you’d see that.’

There.

Done.

My shoulders loosened. At least I’d leave this job knowing that I’d said my piece and stood up for myself.

Mr Devlin fixed his gaze on me as if considering my response.

It was so intense that it felt like he was staring into my soul.

I shuffled in my seat uncomfortably.

He was clearly going to give me the boot, so I wished he’d just hurry up and get it over with.

‘Who are your favourite authors?’ He leant back in his chair.

Wait, what? He was asking me a question rather than firing me?

This was a welcome surprise.

‘I studied English Literature, so I love the classics like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.’

‘And which modern authors? More specifically, which modern spicy romance authors do you like?’

‘Er…’ I stuttered. ‘I… I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any yet, but I can change that. And I’m a really hard worker. If you don’t think I’m ready to write articles, I can do admin whilst I learn the ropes. Stuff envelopes, do photocopying, and I make a great cup of tea. Please. I really, really need this job. If you give me another chance, I’ll prove myself to you.’

The silence stretched for what felt like hours.

Then he finally opened his mouth.

‘Clearly you don’t have the knowledge required to write articles for us, so you can help the press office. They’re short-staffed and need help with preparing some author PR boxes. When you report to me tomorrow, I expect you to have researched Sated thoroughly. Understood?’

Oh my God! He was giving me a chance. I wasn’t getting the boot!

‘Absolutely!’ I jumped out of my chair with excitement. ‘Thank you!’

‘Our PR Director, Calista, is off sick so Valerie will tell you who to report to.’

There was a knock at the door.

‘Enter,’ he barked.

A tall handsome man walked in. Although he had brown eyes instead of blue and looked younger than Mr Devlin, the resemblance was striking. He was clearly one of the other brothers.

‘Afternoon.’ He smiled at me.

‘Hello,’ I said, thinking that he was more polite than his sibling. ‘I was just leaving. Have a good day!’

As I exited the office, my stomach fizzed with joy.

Despite the odds being stacked against me, I’d kept this job.

A day’s pay meant I was one step closer to being able to cover the rent and stay in London.

Today may have started badly, but it’d just got a whole lot better.

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