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She nods. “We were told to bring all the ideas to you, and you’d make the final decision. Said he trusts your choices in life.”
I could laugh at that. “When did he say that?”
I’m betting it was before our argument on Saturday.
“This morning. He sent an email to all of us. Told us you’d make the final decisions on the cover choice and what order to run the articles.”
“Oh, right. In which case, I think we run with the Falcone.”
“Good choice,” Eric says, tapping the mock-up near his head. “That was my story.”
“What about the Paris show in the mud?” Jo asks. “That was insane. Wouldn’t people want to know that? Intrigue them with mud on the cover?”
“I see where you’re coming from,” I say, folding my file shut. “But Tonia Falcone never gives interviews, and she’s giving one to us. She’ll never speak to us again if we don’t make it the cover story. The mud-walk can be the second lead. Is that good enough?”
“Hey, don’t ask me. You’re the boss.”
“Apparently so.” There’s a snort from the far end of the table. “Did you want to say something?” I ask, looking at Buffy as she sneers back at me.
“No, nothing, boss.” The word boss is spat out like poison.
“Come on, share with us all. Do you have a problem with my decision?”
“Not at all. I’m sure I remember not that long ago, you said you had no interest in taking over here.”
“I don’t. I really don’t.”
“Yet here we all are being told what to do by you. Funny position to be in when you’re not in charge. Choosing the next cover, picking which articles go in. I note you haven’t picked mine, but you’ve also got a wedding ring on your finger. Fucking your way to the top, is that it?”
“Look, Buffy. I know you’re not happy Melanie’s gone, but that’s in the past. You need to be professional.”
“That’s rich.”
Everyone’s looking at us in silence now. I don’t want to have an argument with her any more than I wanted one with Hunter, but apparently, it’s already happening. “Can we just get back to work?”
“Shouldn’t you have been arrested by now? What did you do? Sleep with the detective so he’d leave you alone? Is that your method?”
“Get out.”
She gets to her feet, grinning at me. “Can’t control your temper? Why am I not surprised?”
“Out.”
She strolls out slowly, leaving the door wide open. I sink back into my chair. “Let’s get back to work,” I say without looking up. “Could I have the room for a minute, please?”
I hear them all heading out, whispering. A shadow falls over me. “I said leave me alone,” I snap.
“Thought I was your boss.”
I look up. Hunter’s standing there, smiling at me. “Tough morning?”
“What are you doing here?”
“Came to see if you want to get breakfast together.”
“No, I don’t. I’ve got way too much to do if we’re going to meet the deadline for the next issue.”
“Suit yourself.” He heads over to the door. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
