AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How did it go?”
I lay the menu down, sighing. “Exhausting.”
“I told you it would be. The process is grueling, and there are a lot of applicants. You should be proud that you got this far.”
“Thanks to you.”
Erin looks at me from over her menu. “Sasha, you got this far because you are talented,” she says, “and there is nothing wrong with having connections. If they didn’t think you were qualified, they would never have contacted you.”
“I really appreciate everything you’ve done,” I say sincerely.
Erin smiles at me, her brown hair fluttering in the wind. She looks happy, and I can’t help but remember what I heard in the record store… that Jack bought a ring. It kills me not to say anything, but I confirmed that he hadn’t asked her yet by covertly checking out her ring finger. It’s not my place, so I shove that knowledge to the back of my mind and focus on my own issues, which is this internship.
“I didn’t have anyone that helped me when I was starting out. It’s rough to navigate this business, and I just want to give you the opportunity that I never had.”
“How did I get so lucky to be the one to serve you drinks at that bar in Austin?” I wonder.
“It must have been fate,” Erin shrugs.
“That’s the second time someone’s mentioned fate in the last couple weeks.” I think about what Gabriel said, how you can’t run from it.
“Whatever it was, I’m glad for it.” Erin smiles at me.
“Whatever happened to that band,No Cover?” I ask, remembering how great they were in that bar in Austin. They were really getting a following.
“I introduced them to Wade and Adam trying to get them on the label, but I’ve been so wrapped up in other stuff that I haven’t had a chance to ask them,” Erin says. “Oh, and speaking of bands, I’ve been working on an article for another band,Zero to Sixty.”
“I haven’t heard of them,” I admit. I’ve been out of the loop for a little while, wrapped up in my own things… mainly Cash.
“Well, soon you will.” Erin has an excited look on her face. She reminds me of Cash, the way they talk about music.
“Oh, do tell.” I prop my elbows on the table.
“Their manager, Bobbi Samuels, reached out to me.Zero to Sixtytoured withTurn it Upand have gained quite a following,” Erin says excitedly.
“Turn it UpI know. I haven’t been living under a rock.” Even though I have a soft spot for a certain former bassist, I can’t deny the dreaminess of their lead singer, Jack Krazinski.
“So tell me about the interview.” She settles in, giving me her full attention.
When the waitress comes by, I order the first thing I see on the menu and start to tell Erin everything I can remember about the building, the people, and how much they liked my portfolio. I showed them the pictures I took of the graffiti, the festival, and some photos I’d taken in Austin.
I take a bite of my burger. “I was careful not to show Gabriel, but they love the photos I took of the graffiti,” I say with my mouth full. “Sorry,” I swallow. “I can’t help it, I’m so excited.”
“It sounded like you were on the fence when you first got the news. It’s really good to see you excited,” Erin tells me.
I set down my burger, realizing she’s right. “Once I started talking to the creative director about my vision and why I love photography, it just felt right. I guess I was just nervous before. It’s all happening so fast.” I cast my eyes to my plate and push the half eaten burger away from me, my appetite suddenly extinguished.
“There’s a ‘but’ in there,” Erin prods me.
“Did Jack say anything to you?” I ask.
“About you and Cash?” She gives me a knowing look but doesn’t wait for my admission. “Yes, but I didn’t think it was my place to say anything. I just hope you know what you’re doing,” she warns.
“He told me about the Bobby Hanson thing and the lawsuit,” I redirect, not yet ready to go any deeper.
“Oh.” She settles back into her chair. “Then you know I can’t comment on it.” Her demeanor shifts from friend to journalist.
“I respect that,” I say. “But Jack and Cash…”
