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I took one of the two chairs facing her desk. Her office was cramped. She barely had enough room to make the turn from the door into her leather chair. There was a tall, skinny window on one side, the other the window to the reporters’ world.
“You’ve had quite the day.”
“Yes. A busy one.”
“First there was the commissioner’s press conference, followed by the trailer park feature, and now the scoop on the resort contractor. I’d say it’s taken three months, but you’ve finally found your groove here.” She smiled at me.
“I’d like to think so.”
“My philosophy is when something is working you don’t interfere with it. I want you on everything and anything to do with the resort development. I don’t know how you got that Mason Lachlan interview, but get another one. Dig into Hattman and Jones. Track down more residents who will be displaced. Everything. All of it. It’s your baby.”
I looked at her, unsure of what to say.
“If you think there is something with the Rodriguez story, go after it. Follow your instincts. They seem to be right so far. I shouldn’t have held you back earlier today.”
“My instincts?”
I thought about what damage my instincts had done. They had betrayed me. I had fallen into the arms of a serial player. Lulled by his insanely piercing eyes and his deep voice. Seduced by his hands and his lips. My instincts told me I could trust him with my secret. I had thought if he held me it meant he was listening. He cared. What I knew is that my instincts were total crap. I couldn’t trust Mason. His agenda was clear.
“Yes, those go-getter, follow-the-story instincts. Your writing is strong. I wouldn’t have hired you otherwise, but since you’ve been here I’ve seen how you’ve struggled with what story to chase, what angle to write. You’ve got those instincts. The past week proves it. Turn out more pieces like you have, and I’ll let you write whatever features you want.”
“Are you serious?” My mouth had to be agape. I reminded myself I was in a meeting with my boss and tried to rearrange it into a smile.
“Have a good night, Paige.” She dismissed me quickly. Alice wasn’t the type of boss to sit around after work and chat. She had too much on her plate.
“You too.” I wiggled out of the seat and maneuvered to the door. “Thank you, Alice.”
“Just keep bringing it.”
“I will.” I closed the door behind me.
I walked to the car, my feet barely touching the asphalt. I wasn’t going to think about the subject or how long I would have to follow the resort story. If I could give Alice what she wanted, then I could focus on something other than Mason’s grand resort. I smiled. Suddenly, the sun didn’t feel blistering, and the steering wheel was bearable. I turned the radio up to seven and let my hair blow in the wind as I steered home.
I didn’t consider myself a beach novice, but I had never been to a bonfire party. Maybe tonight would be the first of many. I held up a pair of cutoff shorts and then a sundress. I opted for the shorts and a shirt with a wide collar that hung off my shoulder.
I fastened a pair of hoops on my ears and grabbed my bag. I was already running late. I sent Eden a quick text. I didn’t want her to leave without me.
Five minutes later I parked in front of the Palm Palace office. I tried to pretend it didn’t bother me. Who was I kidding? My eyes were fixed on Mason’s door. My heart beat rapidly when I walked closer to his staircase. I didn’t want him to walk out and see me, and yet at the same time he was all I could think about.
I shook my head. The light was on. He was probably buried over a stack of financials. Or worse, he had someone with him.
Eden waved from the top of the boardwalk. “Hey, you made it!”
“Yes. Sorry I was running late. I didn’t really know what to wear.”
“That is perfect. It’s still hot on the beach even when the sun goes down. Grey’s already there helping Pick and Conner get set up.”
“Is it a lot of work?”
She shook her head and I followed her steps onto the beach. We sank into the sand. Eden immediately shed her flip flops and carried them in her hand. I did the same.
“The guys collect driftwood and save it for nights like this one. I hope you ate.” She looked over her shoulder at me. “No food, only beer and some lime drink Marin makes. I have no idea what’s in it, but it’s my favorite.”
“I had something before I left my apartment.”
“Good.” She pointed next to us. “That’s where Grey and I live.”
I took in the blue beach house. It looked like an ideal place to live with the man you were madly in love with. There was no doubt they were crazy about each other. “It’s cute. I want to see inside some time.”
