Page 62 of Breakaway

“Correct.” Kai smiles. “You listened. You nodded. You said ‘got it’ several times…and since then, everything has stayed the same.”

“I thought being in charge was the more challenging job.”

“It is. And you’re doing great as a manager. But what about you being a journalist? About you finding joy in writing?”

“My last piece, about the best places for a date, did great. It got a lot of buzz on social media,” I argue. “And I enjoyed writing it. I promise, Kai. I love what I’m doing.”

He sighs and leans forward, placing his elbows on the table and locking his hands in front of him. “Nevaeh, I hired you because I saw potential in you. Your article about bullying in schools, the one you submitted when you applied for this job, is still my favorite. It’s powerful. It has a soul. Why don’t you want to go back to writing things like that? Moving stories are what you do the best.”

It’s so much more taxing to write about my personal experiences. About things I’ve witnessed myself. About things I’ve done myself…even if I’m not proud of them and won’t ever be. And writing those “moving” stories also makes me incredibly vulnerable. Opening up, letting people see me for who I am, judging me? It’s terrifying.

“Nevaeh, look at me.” I meet Kai’s gaze, biting my bottom lip in annoyance. I’m not annoyed with him though, only with myself. This isn’t the first time we’re having this conversation, and I always backtrack like a coward.

Instead of putting in the effort and pushing for more, I settle for the options that are within my reach.

“How about we do this,” Kai says. “For our special edition, I want you to write something different than what you’re used to. Something that will leave people in awe. Something that will leave an impact on them.” I open my mouth, but he tilts his head in warning, and I close it again. “I’m not going to tell youwhatto write about. I want you to figure that out on your own. To choose a story you want to tell and work your magic. Because even if you’ve forgotten, I remember how beautifully you can write.”

I turn my head and look out the window, following the cars driving down the street with my eyes. So many daring and ambitious thoughts swirl inside my head, it makes me dizzy.

Kai always keeps me on my toes, testing my abilities. He always encourages me and tries to motivate me to do more, tobemore. He knows I’m hiding my true self behind lighthearted articles about art exhibitions, new restaurants, and local events. He’s giving me the chance to show what kind of journalist I can be. To prove not just to anyone, but to myself that I can be the person I’ve always aspired to be. Someone who can make people feel every emotion with just my words.

That I can be an author one day.

Bringing my gaze back to Kai, I nod. A smile breaks over his lips, and he leans back, relaxing into his seat. “Fucking finally.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “What happened to your ‘no swearing in the office’ rule?”

“My best journalist finally agreed to do what I’ve wanted her to do for months. I’m ready to do a happy dance right now, Nevaeh.”

“That would be quite a sight. I’m sure some of the girls would do anything to see it.”

Kai arches an eyebrow, and that’s all it takes for me to understand that I’m walking on thin ice. He acts like my friend on so many occasions, but he’s still my boss. I better remember that.

“Sorry, I got carried away.” I start collecting my things and slowly stand up from my chair. “Can I go now?”

“Of course. Sorry for keeping you late.” Kai stands up as well, grabbing his laptop from the table. “I’ve been meaning to ask, but haven’t had the chance: Are you and that developer still together?”

“Why?”

“He usually waits for you after work, bringing you flowers or coffee at lunch. I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Kai and I walk out of the conference room and stroll down the hallway. I peer at my boss, craning my neck a little. I swear, every man in my life lately makes me feel short...because they are all so darn tall.

“We broke up.”

“Why? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Travis is a good guy; he’s just not the one for me.” I stop at the door to my office and put my hand on the doorknob. “It’s for the best.”

My boss pauses too, looking at me calmly. “If you think so, then I’m happy for you.” Kai nods and walks down the hallway to his own office. “Bye, Nevaeh.”

Walking to my car,I keep my eyes glued to my phone. I’ve been texting with Angie about lunch tomorrow, trying to decide where to go. She wants to know everything about Roman and me, and I’ve avoided talking about it at all costs. At least until I see her.

Roman isn’t some dirty secret. He’s not a conquest either. Whatever this is between us it feels larger than life. And I’m here for it…as long as he is too.

I quickly slip my phone into my purse and take out my car keys. Looking up, I freeze in my tracks. Travis is leaning on my car, his hands hidden in his pockets.

“Travis?” I mutter, clearing my throat. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

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