Page 90 of The Fake Out Flex

We've spoken a few times about her low ratings, so I'm guessing it's probably got something to do with that. Unable to offer any specific assistance or advice, I go with, "Look, whatever it is, you're strong, Evie, and I'm sure you'll be able to handle it."

She yawns, and as much as I want to keep talking and reassuring her, it's late.

"You need to get some rest."

"I really do. I'll need it for tomorrow."

"Let me know how it goes, okay?"

"All right. I'll text?—"

A guttural growl bubbles up in my throat.

She must hear it because she stops, then amends. "Fine. I'll call."

"Good—" I grunt, then snap myself out of my unexpected detour into caveman land.

Since when am I a grunter?

"Goodnight, is what I meant to say."

"Uh-huh. Okay. Goodnight, Fraser, and congratulations again on an awesome game."

Evie

I head toward Margo's office, my belly fluttering with nerves. Despite feeling a bit better after Fraser's assurances last night, I get the feeling I should prepare myself for some bad news.

Margo's been in LA all week, meeting with the network bigwigs. It's not a coincidence she's scheduled a meeting first thing in the morning on the day she returns.

I stop before reaching her open door, take a deep breath, remind myself that I'm strong and can handle whatever comes my way, and step inside.

"Hey, Margo."

"Hey, hon."

She gets up, and I assume she's coming over to greet me with a hug, but nope, she walks right past me and closes the door instead.

Yikes. A scheduled closed-door meeting. This is serious.

She gestures toward the L-shaped sofa in the corner of her office. I plop down on the couch, and she joins me a few moments later.

"I have some bad news, I'm afraid."

"You went ahead with that hideous back tattoo and now you're regretting it?"

She has the grace to smile at my weak attempt at humor. "We can revisit my pre-midlife-crisis plans some other time. As you know, I've been in LA."

"I do."

"What you may not be aware of is that ad revenue is down across the board, affecting almost every show."

"How bad is it?"

"Terminal. The network needs to make some cuts."

"Oh no." I cover my mouth. "I'm getting fired."

"Not yet. I managed to buy you some time."

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