AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We would like to add items that would be beneficial to a wider audience. Not just one subset of women.” I swallow, afraid I’ve overstepped and sabotaged my chance at Paris.
Cynthia examines me for a few moments, and just as Rose opens her mouth to speak again, she finally nods. “Okay. Submit your list to me next week. If I’m impressed, I’ll pass it along to the junior editors to vet.”
Although my instinct is to stand and do a happy dance, I temper my excitement and simply smile. “Thank you so much. I’ll work with Sophie on it this weekend.”
She nods. “Enjoy lunch.”
I stand at her dismissal and shoot Rose a winning smile.
Instead of responding in a similar manner, all she does is narrow her eyes.
“Have a good day, Rose,” I say sweetly, then I stride out of the office.
28
CHASING PAVEMENTS BY ADELE
CAT
“She really wants to see it?” Sophie asks again, shocked.
I dragged Sophie downstairs for a cup of coffee and a gossip session before I have to head to lunch with Jay. Thank God for the excitement over Cynthia’s interest in our Christmas list. Otherwise, I’d be panicking about how the next couple of hours will go.
“Yes, Soph.” I take a sip of the perfect pumpkin spice latte and sigh. “And she mentioned Paris. Paris! She takes two interns every spring,” I whisper, because I’m not sure that’s public knowledge.
Her eyes bulge. “I thought you were crazy when you suggested expanding the list. I figured Cynthia would shoot you down before you even finished the pitch. But maybe you’re onto something. Can you imagine?”
I smile so big my nose scrunches. “Honestly, I’m more excited about this than the potential of being chosen for the Paris trip.”
She hits me in the arm. “Shut up! Let’s do both!”
I laugh. Yeah, let’s shoot for the moon.
* * *
My anxietyfinally spikes as I walk into the Beacon Hotel, prepared to meet Jay.
I give my name to the maître d’, and he smiles as he leads me to the table. “Mr. Hanson should be here shortly,” he tells me.
With a curt nod, I settle in to wait. It’s Friday, so the lunch crowd is a little on the rambunctious side. Most people have drinks in hand, likely getting their weekends started early. Not me, though. I need all my faculties when it comes to Jay.
The waitress delivers an iced tea, and I bite back a smile. Asshole ordered for me already.
I squeeze the lemon and then take a sip, closing my eyes as I do. I’m taken back to the front porch of our house in Bristol. I was probably four, cuddled on my mom’s lap, baby Cash was lying on her shoulder, and Carter was playing baseball with my grandfather in the yard.
My phone buzzes, and I wince.
Jay: Running late. I ordered food. Enjoy.
I close my eyes and breathe. I’m not going to let him get to me. He doesn’t want to have lunch with me, fine. I can eat alone.
The waitress arrives with a large tray. “Mr. Hanson ordered two of everything.”
My eyes bulge at the assortment, and I’m not the only one taking in the sight. The women at the table beside me look on with pity in their eyes, likely thinking I’ve been stood up. And I suppose I have.
On second thought, I don’t want to eat alone. And I don’t have to. I pick up my phone and make a call. Then I shoot Jay a text
Thanks. My date and I will enjoy. Have a good day, Mr. Hanson.
