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“You’re right. Although I’m not sure how quickly we can get an interview scheduled on such short notice.”
“Pretty sure she’ll agree if the editor in chief ofJoliecalls her,” Jay says from where he’s propped himself up in the doorway. His arms are folded across his chest and his expression is unreadable. In his black suit with the white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, he looks like sin.
“I can have Cynthia call,” I agree.
Jay shakes his head. “She’s not the editor in chief any longer. I’m sure Sienna would much rather hear from the newly appointed one.”
I frown, confused. Cynthia hasn’t mentioned the change, and nothing official has been announced.
Jay holds out his phone. “I saved her contact information when I had her design Chloe’s dress. Why don’t you give her a call?”
I swear my heart stops. “Me?” I squeak, pressing my hand to my chest.
Jay wears the widest grin I think I’ve ever seen. “Yes, Catherine. You,our new editor in chief. Effective today.”
“Really?” I ask, breathless. I have to plant a hand on the table to keep myself upright.
“Really,” Cynthia says, peeking out from behind Jay.
Screeching, I run at her, shocked to see her. At her appearance, the truth finally seeps in. I’m really editor in chief. All these years—all the hard work, the late nights spent studying fabrics and colors, weekends lost to fashion shows, sore feet from stalking around in heels all day—my dreams have finally come to fruition.
“You did it,” Sophie says from the hall.
I squeeze Cynthia once more and book it toward my best friend.
“We did it,” I tell her as she pulls me against her.
“Little girls all over are going to want to be you,” she whispers.
“Us,” I remind her. “Without you, I never would have stayed.” I swipe away a rogue tear.
“You’re right,” she laughs. “I really do deserve a raise.”
“Done,” Jay says from behind me. When I turn around, he holds out his arms. “Congratulations, Kitten,” he murmurs when I lean into his embrace. He smells of coffee and waffles and all my dreams coming true.
“Is this real?” I whisper, burying my face in the crook of his neck.
I don’t just mean the job. Becoming editor in chief is such a small part of this moment, but it’s a symbol of everything I wanted. The day I walked intoJoliefor the first time, I knew I wanted to be Cynthia, but at the time, I had no idea what that entailed.
Years ago, I wanted people to fear me. But the way the people around me look at me is so much better. Their expressions emanate reverence. Love. Adoration.
Being feared has always been a powerful aphrodisiac, but being loved has set me free.
Free to step down from the burdens I’ve put upon myself to be perfect. Free to accept my flaws. Free to walk around in flats or even barefoot rather than the sky-high heels required to keep up with a persona I’ve created that really isn’t me.
Jay cradles my face. “It’s a dream, beautiful. Your dream. But yeah, it’s all real. And it’s all because of you. Now go make that phone call, because I have a celebration planned.”
I peck his lips and snatch his phone from his hand. As I saunter from the room, I shoot over my shoulder, “I’ll see if I can schedule you in. I’m a very busy woman.”
He smacks my ass, causing a round of gasps from all those watching our exchange. “You have an hour, Chief.”
My steps falter and my jaw drops. That might be my favorite nickname yet.
57
SAY YOU WON’T LET GO BY JAMES ARTHUR
Jay
