Page 33 of The Truths We Find

The spell finally breaks with a thunder of applause and the sudden weight of Alexa launching herself into me.

“Oh my God,” she screams at me.

I shake my head and finally come back to reality. “Oh my God!”

“Please don’t be too mad at me for not telling you I did this,” Gavin laughs. “I didn’t want you to be disappointed if the nomination didn’t come through.”

“Best boss ever!” Alexa cheers.

Gavin stands between Alexa and me, wrapping one arm over each of our shoulders. “We are going to Doolies to celebrate when the afternoon shows are over. Anyone who is off shift is welcome to join, and first round is on me!”

The entire newsroom explodes in more cheers.

The Emmy Awards. They’re not the big ones you see on television every year, but still not any less important. Each region of the country has an awards ceremony for local broadcasts, and if you’re lucky, you go home with a shiny gold statue. After nearly ten years, this is the first time I’ve been nominated.

“I am very proud of both of you,” Gavin says, swiveling his head to give us each a smile, lingering just slightly longer on me. His blue eyes burn holes in to my soul, and it causes a weight in my chest to start to lift.

Chapter 12

Gavin

Doolies is packed. Everyone came out to celebrate the big news. Although, me offering to buy everyone’s first round probably had something to do with it too. I make my way to the bar and pull out my credit card.

“Hey, Jones.” I smile at the bartender who regularly helps us. “Can you put everyone from the station’s first round on this card? But keep the tab open for Alexa, Dani, and me please. And let me grab our usuals before the masses take over.”

“Sure thing, Gavin,” he says, taking the card and heading off to start making our drinks.

I turn around, resting my elbows on the bar behind me as I lean back and take in my coworkers. They’ve claimed every table in the center of the room, crowding around Dani and Alexa, talking their ears off about the announcement. According to Mr. White, it’s been a long time since the station even earned an Emmy nomination, let alone brought one home, so this is a huge deal.

My gaze catches on Dani. If there was a blackout, her smile could light this entire room. She looks so happy. Happier than I have seen her in a long time. Even before Sam left, the spark I remember her having was missing from her smile. This is the first time in the last month or so since I’ve been here that I’ve seen it.

“Here you go,” Jones says, breaking my trance. I spin to find three drinks on the bar top.

“Thanks, Jones. I apologize now for the hoard of orders you’re about to get.”

“No worries. Just tell them to tip well.” He winks.

“I got you, my friend.”

I grab the drinks and start to walk to the tables our group’s taken over.

“Tab is open, ladies and gents,” I yell over the various conversations. “Go grab your drinks, and don’t forget to leave your appreciation for our buddy Jones in his tip jar over there!”

Almost everyone stands at once and makes their way over to the bar.

“I got these for you,” I say, sliding Alexa’s and Dani’s drinks across the table.

“Much appreciated.” Alexa grins, while Dani adds, “Thanks!”

I lift my whiskey glass. “Cheers to⁠—”

“Kicking ass and taking names!” Alexa interrupts, her voice full of energy.

Dani laughs, and I can’t help but smile at the sound.

“Works for me,” I reply, and we clink glasses.

We spend the next hour talking logistics about the awards. The ceremony is in Las Vegas in about six weeks. I let them know that I’ll coordinate with Mr. White, getting us flights and hotels. I have a feeling the station will be willing to spend the money, considering the marketing this kind of nomination will bring, even more so if they win.