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Chapter 24
Even in the middle of an East Coast winter, Manhattan vibrated with energy. Nothing had changed in the years since Brooke had last been there—pedestrians crowded the streets, cars and taxis clogged the snow-covered roads, and everyone moved with the tense urgency of needing to be somewhere five minutes ago.
She checked into her single room at a budget hotel several blocks from the Marquis Marriott. Hating the way she and Sam had left things, she’d called him last night, but his phone had gone to voicemail. The only communication she’d had with him had been a “safe travels” text he’d sent her before she’d boarded the plane.
She changed out of her travel clothes and into a suit, then made her way to the convention. Though she felt her big-city anxiety surge back to life as she navigated crowds and crossed busy streets, she was looking forward to revisiting some of her favorite restaurants and shops. Her time in New York had ended badly, but she’d lived here for three years—long enough to establish a cache of good memories.
After registering, she spent the morning at various panel discussions and workshops. She took copious notes, ran into former colleagues and acquaintances, enjoyed the free coffee and pastries bar, and found the courage to introduce herself to several prominent editors.
By the end of the second day, she was glad she’d come. She texted her parents that everything was going well, and she pondered a text from Michael:Dinner Wed? Want to discuss yr proposal.
Dinner didn’t mean she was agreeing to anything. Sam’s criticism was still running through the back of her mind. Then again, so was her own belief thatEmpirewas a step in the right direction.
She’d written out a list of the reasons why, and another list of Michael’s more positive qualities, which includedambitiousandknows good writing when he reads it. Plus, she knew her own strengths. She’d be an excellent contributor toEmpire.
But for her own well-being, she needed to shift the dynamic and let Michael know that she wouldchooseto write forEmpire, and only if she wanted to. He didn’t get to accept or reject her or her writing.
She texted him back.6 works for me. LMK where.
He responded withHarvest, a fine dining restaurant in Rockefeller Center. Brooke added it to her calendar. Before going to bed, she called Sam again, but he didn’t pick up. She left a message and went to sleep with the hopes of waking up to a response.
The next morning, there was nothing.
Not that she was surprised. She should have seen it coming, actually. A man who didn’t know what love looked like, who thought it was a lie, would naturally assume that one quarrel would sever all ties between them.
Not to mention, she knew he still had no idea what to do with her declaration of love. He might have been trying to widen the distance between them. She couldn’t close it again until she got back and was able to talk with him face to face.
She showered and dressed, then headed out for her third full day of workshops, panels, and networking. As she was taking a lunch break and checking her phone, an email message sent a shockwave through her whole body.
The sender was Jillian Powers, who, as far as Brooke was concerned, needed no introduction. But Jillian introduced herself anyway.
Ms. Castle, I’m the senior editor of Clarity magazine. We received your application for ourfeatures writer position and would like to find out if you’re available for an interview.
Pleasecontact my assistant at the number below to set up a time. Thank you.
After riding out a wave of excitement so intense it was almost nauseating, Brooke called the number and spoke with Jillian’s assistant, Mandy.
“We’re scheduling interviews through the end of the month, Ms. Castle,” Mandy chirped. “Would Thursday the twenty-first work for you?”
Thursday the forty-eighth would work for me, if that’s what Jillian Powers wants.
“Yes, that works. I’ll book a flight for the previous day.” Brooke twisted the strap of her satchel around her fingers. “I am in town right now for the Freelancer’s Convention, if anything happens to be available within the next few days.”
“Oh, Jillian’s calendar is full this week.” Mandy sounded regretful. “I’m so sorry. I can let you know if anything opens up.”
“Of course, I’d appreciate that. You can reach me at this number.”
“Lovely. We’ll plan to see you on the twenty-first, then. Ten a.m. in Jillian’s office on Liberty Street.”
“I’ll be there. Thank you.”
She ended the call and immediately tried to reach Sam. Nothing. She didn’t leave a message, wanting to tell him herself.
She resisted the urge to call her parents and grandfather—they’d be so excited and hopeful, but of course an interview was not a job offer. And no doubt there was a massive pool of candidates, so—
Brooke shook her head to stop the negative train of thought. An interview was one step closer to getting hired.
She sought out the workshop on the international freelance market. She also attended Michael’s panel discussion on magazines, which involved him and three other editors.
