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His lips rub across mine, and he turns me so my back is to his front, hiding the bulge in his jeans. Easily, he maneuvers us through the crowd and back to our table.
“We could probably have gotten in trouble for that extremely public display,” I whisper to him, feeling my face blush.
“Don’t give a fuck. Served several purposes. First, every fucking dick in this place knows you’re taken. Second, no room for misinterpretation on my status either.”
Nate shoves my phone I left on the table at me. “I think you need to check your messages. Someone’s ass is on fire because it’s buzzing off the hook.”
Quinn runs up, waving her own phone. “Crystal says we need to find Shana’s station and turn it on quick! Like 9-1-1 quick!”
I scroll through my messages while she looks up the channel. I have three missed calls and five texts:
Shana: Devon, if you can get to a TV, turn to my station at 11
Shana: Haven’t heard back- you around?
Shana: Shit! Never mind… You’re with Bryce this weekend. Call me when you can. I have news!
Shana: (Group message) Crystal, Devon, Eric, & Kenny- try to find time to watch the 11 news segment on the national station. I’ve been harboring a secret and want you to know first. I get a pop on the rest of the mentors. Touch base on Monday. Quinn Jackson, if you’re seeing this, girlie, I’d better see your name.
The last message is from Crystal.
Crystal: (Quinn & Devon) – check your fucking phones and get to a TV stat!
Everyone at our table looks at the television above us when Quinn begs the waitress to turn it. The closed caption runs across the bottom, but Quinn shoves one of her ear buds at me, streaming from her phone. We watch the host introduce Shana as a special correspondent.
The camera spans to Shana’s face, and the closed caption is delayed by at least five seconds. I close my eyes and listen to her open her segment about her time in Brazil and the projects she has been working on the last few months.
Her face shines with delight, staring at the screen with confidence and poise. I gasp when she specifically gives the name of the blue team she worked with in Rio and announces our accomplishments since returning to campus. This is my national spotlight. Quinn elbows me in the side and points to the screen right as my name flashes across the CC banner.
Our group goes wild, and Dean orders a round of shots from the clearly confused waitress. We continue watching, a crowd forming around us.
Shana’s eyes glance downward for a split second before she smiles bigger and brighter than I’ve ever seen. She looks straight into the camera, and excitement seeps into my bones. She’s talking to me.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’ve achieved a lot of things in my career but none as exciting as this. My network peers and I got together and over the last few weeks have created an accredited internship program for students in both undergraduate and graduate programs to join our four networks and work under us collectively. As a beta program, we have chosen to work with the University of Virginia for our first year. We will, of course, release the specifics as we go forward, but I will be honored to work with these talented young folks again as we cover the Olympic Games together.”
As if her words weren’t enough, she makes the motion I do every day. She spins a ring around her finger. An enormous, blinding diamond sparkles so bright the TV dims a bit. To the average viewer, this is nothing, but Quinn and I reach for each other.
I forget the crowd hasn’t heard and is reading, and when I’m lifted and thrown around, the ear bud rips out. I scream, surprised to see Nate with his arms around me.
“Fuck, you’ve done it. I have about two point four seconds before Bryce pushes me away, but GOD, I am so happy for you!” His eyes start to glisten, which sets me off.
I’m shifted, and Bryce has me over his head, not caring about the tears streaming off my cheeks and landing on his face. He instead twirls us until I beg to be lowered.
I catch Quinn’s eye, and they are wet as well. This is not only about us, but Shana is marrying the love of her life. The ring was a statement.
“What exactly does this mean, girls?” Nicole yells over the excitement.
“It means these two are going to be working with the most respected journalist in the industry and going to cover the 2016 OLYMPICS!” Bryce answers her, spinning me again.
Cheers erupt, and the celebration begins. One shot after another is served as we explain the whole situation to everyone while I’m nestled in Bryce’s lap. I try to move several times, but he holds me close. Finally, he lets me up to go to the restroom.
The girls follow me, giggling. We get to the door at the ladies room, and Liza stops us, glaring at me.
“You know Shana Willis?” she questions acidly.
“Yeah! I do, and I love her to pieces! You know her?” I slur slightly.
“Figures the cheerleader would idolize her. Bet she’s going to help you get a fancy job on TV.”
