Page 9 of The Golden Scoop

I know you’re probably enjoying a delicious strawberry daiquiri before dinner right now, but I have some news about work I think I should share with you and Harrison.

Her reply comes through in mere seconds.

JULIA

It’s actually a piña colada.

You’d think the sun in Mexico wouldn’t be different from the sun in L.A., but I am proof it is.

Currently lying in bed, sprawled out like a star, with lotion all over my crispy red skin.

And you know what’s worse? Harrison has a perfect tan after ONE day! As if English folks aren’t meant to be pale.

Anyway, forgive me. I’m in mild pain. What’s up?

I bargained my way into a promotion today.

JULIA

OH MY GOD!! Emma!! Congratulations!!!! That’s amazing!!!!!!

I type up the next message, hesitate, then send.

Yeah… except it comes with one condition.

JULIA

Which is?

Martha wants a full feature, front cover, about… Matt.

And whatever it turns into, I can’t compromise my journalistic integrity.

So, before I start, I wanted to make sure this wouldn’t hurt us.

JULIA

Go for it. Honestly? I think this might be a blessing in disguise. Matt will probably surprise you x Josh.

For the longest time, only Julia knew what I actually do at work. Even my family’s been kept in the dark. That was until Harrison moved here, and I slipped up enough times for him to join the dots. I thought I was done for. He was going to take it personally, and my secret would be splashed across the news the next day.

But it turns out, he’s as much a fan of the truth as I am.

Matt, on the other hand… if he ever finds out, consider my career over.

JULIA

What he said.

I doubt it, but we’ll see… if we don’t kill each other on day one.

I’ll let you go. Enjoy your romantic dinner!

And even more so, your hottie husband.

I do love a good dessert.

I toss my phone onto the couch and pick up my fried rice takeout container. Just as I’m scraping the last little bit, my email pings.