Page 86 of Exposé

"That makes sense." I pulled my aviators off my head and tucked them into the front of my shirt as we walked toward the parking lot.

"I had fun." She spun around as we stopped at her car. "I'll see you around. Okay?"

My brows raised. "Yeah." I pulled her close.

What's happening here?

Is she ditching me?

Did I do something to tip her off?

Her lips touched my cheek, and before I could grab her, she opened her door, slipped inside, and shut the door.

The engine started, and she backed out of her parking space, speeding off down the road like she'd catch an STD if she stayed any longer.

What the hell just happened?

17

Ava

Islouched over my desk—the statement buckle designed to accentuate my waist, digging into my bloated, miserable stomach. The feather earrings brushed against my cheeks with each slight movement, their natural sway hindered by the chunky infinity scarf wrapped around my neck.

Why did I think they were a good idea?

My phone vibrated on the desk, causing it to shimmy across the surface. My eyes flicked to the screen, locking onto Nate's name in bold letters.

Not now.

I can't...

"Conference room. Everyone. Now." Whitney's distinct voice penetrated the tense floor.

"I hate Mondays." Aria leaned against the cubicle wall as I swiped my phone off the desk.

"At least you only have one left."

"That sounds like I'm doomed to die."

We walked into the windowed room with laughter under our breaths and took our seats next to Whitney despite avoiding her and her endless reminders of my deadline today.

The scent of fresh coffee mingled with the faint odor of printed papers Whitney tapped against the conference table with impatience.

She adjusted her reading glasses as everyone shuffled in, finding their seats, some yawning and whispering to each other.

"Alright, let's get started." Whitney's crisp voice cut through the low, chattering hum like a paper guillotine. "Oktoberfest's coverage was solid—good job with the photos, Jake. That shot of the Mayor holding the oversized pretzel. Gold."

Jake, the staff photographer, grinned and held up his camera like a trophy. "Small-town drama at its finest."

"Speaking of drama." Whitney searched the room and landed on her next target. "Erin, you're on follow-up duty for the vendor dispute at the festival. I want to know why there was a shouting match and if anyone's filing a complaint."

Shouting match?

Did this happen after we left or while we were—

"I've already got a lead from a witness." Erin scribbled in her notebook.

"Great. Now, what about the economic angle? Kat, dig into the revenue numbers. How much did the festival bring in compared to last year? Check with the Chamber of Commerce."

---