Page 84 of Speak from the Heart

“I’ve heard of you,” she says after introductions.

“Because I just quit or because of my work?”

“You just quit?” The fifty-something brunette stares at me over horn-rimmed glasses which look trendy and stylish perched on her nose. She dresses like a power-bitch, and she’s something I’ve never aspired to be, but I admire her tenacity and her climb to the top. “Tell me what happened.”

Speak from your heart. Tell it like it is. Say what you want. Nana’s advice rushes back to me.

I explain the years of dedication and disappointment while the box sits on my lap. I’m not looking for her sympathy, just stating the facts. I’m a journalist, so that’s what I do. When I arrive at the issue at hand, I try to keep my voice steady—and fail.

“I can’t let some man write her story. And if it can’t be me—as it obviously won’t be—I also won’t approve of it.”

Estelle narrows her eyes at me and tilts her head. “Sometimes, family is too close to a situation to write objectively.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but in this case, I respectfully disagree.” It’s my only defense, but a plan is forming. I know how I’d write Nana’s story. I’d incorporate her column. There’s your wisdom, Emily. I can already see it laid out in my mind’s eye, and excitement over the possibility blooms in my chest.

“Let’s do this—you write me a proposal of how you’d outline the book and submit it directly to me. Then we can talk.”

It’s more than I could have hoped for, but I have another demand. “I’m not returning to that office. If you accept my proposal, I’ll be employed as an independent contractor, and I’ll be working remotely.”

She continues to stare at me. She notices my fingers gripping the corners of the cardboard box on my lap. It’s the most unprofessional position I’ve ever been in, yet somehow, it’s completely satisfying.

“We have writers based all over the world,” she states. “Keep the column and write me a proposal for the book.”

This is the push I needed. See, Jess Carter? Being pushy has it benefits.

And in the land of make-believe, it’s time for me to chase some new stars and wish upon a few of them.