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I could feel my heart swelling with pride and relief. Despite not loving Emily’s strategy of using this as an audition for the promotion, this was a huge accomplishment for me, and I knew that it wouldn't have been possible without Emily's encouragement and support.
"Thank you, Emily. I really appreciate this opportunity. It means the world to me.”
"I know it does," Emily replied warmly. "And I'm here for you every step of the way. Whatever you need, just let me know. Use whatever resources you need for the trip. Just remember to be yourself. Because, Maya, you are an amazing reporter and writer and I can’t wait to see what you do with this story.”
We chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. I sat back in my chair, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a clear direction and purpose in my life.
Days later, I barged into the frosted glass doors of the private office. My best friend, Brielle, looked up from her desk where she was examining a glossy spread for the next issue.
Despite trying to distract myself with the latest local celebrity gossip for the trashy section of the magazine, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jack and what I was getting myself into. I needed to call in reinforcements. Brielle had known me forever, long before Jack and ever since Jack, and I knew I could count on her to talk me through this challenge.
Brielle was one of the few women I knew who could pull off a yellow top in November. She paired it with a gorgeous burgundy blazer and I knew she had on perfectly fitted matching slim pants. Her long dark hair was artfully twisted into a bun on top of her head. She was sunny and classy, which matched her upbeat attitude.
She flashed a sympathetic smile that let me know my eyes probably looked a little too wild. She gestured to the seat in front of her.
"Hey there, Maya. What brings you to my office?"
I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves.
"I'm a mess, Brielle. I'm supposed to interview Jack for the magazine, but I don't know if I can handle it. Seeing him again after all these years...I just don't know if I'm ready for that."
Brielle leaned forward, her expression serious, and she took one of my slightly shaky hands in hers.
"Jack? THE Jack? How the hell did you get that story? We all know he's the biggest, most gorgeous businessman in the area. Maya, you can do this. You're a professional, and you're great at what you do. Just think of him as just a guy you dated briefly in college. That's all he is. He’s just a guy. A guy who, might I add, you do not need. He is not worth getting tangled up with. In fact, I would rather a little karma come his way.” Her right eyebrow lifted in a knowing look.
She sat back in her chair and gestured to my generally off-kilter vibe.
I rolled my eyes, but Brielle's words did help to calm me down a bit.
"I know, I know. It's just...as you might remember, we didn't exactly end things on the best terms."
Brielle chuckled, shaking her head, and setting off the delicate gold hoops in her ears.
"And remember," I continued, "hehasexperienced terrible tragedy, losing his wife a couple of years ago. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."
"Oh my god, yes. I totally forgot about that." Brielle put her hands to her mouth in a huge gasp. "Okay, I take back that karma comment. That's enough suffering for one person for one lifetime, for sure."
"Yes, and besides that… Now he's this big-time, super-rich CEO, and I'm just a lowly magazine writer. It's intimidating."
"Oh, please. You're not 'just' anything. You're a talented writer, and you've got plenty of spunk and personality. And as for Jack, well, he's just a guy. A very handsome and successful guy, yes, but still just a guy. You've got this, Maya."
I nodded, feeling a bit more confident.
"Thanks, Brielle. You always know just what to say."
“Well, of course, I do. That’s why I’m your best friend, right?”
Brielle grinned, and I couldn’t help smiling back at her.
We both laughed, and I felt grateful for her friendship. She had always been my rock, my cheerleader, and my sounding board. I took another deep breath and stood up, smoothing out the skirt of my dress.
"Okay, I can do this. I'm going to rock that interview and show Jack just what I’m capable of, and let’s be honest, what he’s missed out on all these years.”
Brielle stood up too and gave me a high five.
“Hell yeah! Speaking of, what are you planning to wear? You know, I always say when you look good, you feel good.”
At my panicked look, Brielle’s smile faltered.
