Page 14 of Books and Hookups

“Got it, boss.” I saluted. “See you guys next week.” I hadn’t unpacked my bag, so I slung it over my shoulder and waved as I walked out. After a quick stop at our admin’s desk, I had a flight booked that allowed me enough time to go home and pack before jumping on the train to the airport. Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” was the soundtrack on my speed-walk back to my place. I was unstoppable, and I was going to kick ass on my story.

6

Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

I hope people remember that I ensured everyone in this state plays by the rules and that I blocked those who would try to exploit vulnerable people for political gain. If they say I left the system a little fairer than I found it, that’s enough for me.

Jane Coffey, State Attorney General

LUCIE

Late again, I scanned the restaurant for my friends. Tessa’s distinctive red hair was easy to spot, sparkling copper in the March sunlight near the window. I clutched my satchel and traipsed to the table.

“Lucie, there you are.” Savannah leaped up to hug me. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”

I hugged her back. “I’ve been busy.”

“I saw your story in this morning’s paper.” Tessa patted my shoulder. “Nice work.”

I grinned. “Thanks.” Sacramento had been worth the trip. Not only had the immigrants’ story turned into a piece I was proud of, but the migrants were getting their temporary work visas expedited and had found sponsors to help them settle into their new homes. And the state attorney general had launched an investigation into whether the right-wing organization who’d flown them from El Paso to Sacramento would be charged with kidnapping.Take that, Tad.But he’d been on flipping paternity leave, so he’d missed my big-dick-energy at the office.

Carly kissed my cheek. “Sit down. Have a mimosa. You look tired.”

“Good tired, though. While I was in Sacramento, the attorney general agreed to let me interview her for my book. After I turned in my story, I did some work on it.” I’d ridden that wave of energy from my one excellent night of sleep as far as it would go. I was ready to crash. Though some time with my besties might give me a boost.

“That’s fabulous,” Savannah said. “I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait to read your book.”

“Thanks.” I ignored the gnawing sensation in my stomach. I had months before my deadline in November. I’d finish it on time.

Tessa handed me a mimosa. “You look like you could use this.”

“I don’t look that bad, do I?” I glanced at the window, but my reflection was too ghostly to see properly.

“You’re a little pale,” Savannah said. “And you’ve got shadows under your eyes.”

I smirked. “Maybe I need a product recommendation, Carly.”

“I know just the thing. It’s got vitamin C, and it’ll perk up your skin like you wouldn’t believe. I’ve got a sample at home.”

As Carly extolled the virtues of the cosmetic, I sipped the mimosa. It tasted funny, too acidic. Had the orange juice gone bad? Tessa sipped hers like nothing was wrong, but I set mine down and chugged my water instead.

“Your sales pitch would be more convincing,” I interrupted testily, “if we didn’t know your glowing skin comes from getting good dick on the regular.”

A throat cleared behind me. “Good morning…ladies. Are you ready to order?”

Of course we weren’t, so we sent the server away. Savannah hid her red face behind her menu. “Lucie, have you ever considerednotsaying exactly what’s on your mind?” she mumbled.

“What’s the point? No one looks twice at a man who’s direct. If I hid behind nice words, I’d be stuck at the Features desk covering who wore what.” I winced. “Shit. Not that that isn’t important, Carly.”

She waved a hand. “It’s not as important as a planeload of kidnapped people. Besides, I do think my skin looks better these days.” She whipped out a small mirror to admire her flushed cheeks.

“Are things still going well with Andrew?” Tessa asked.

“We’re figuring it out. Like the other day, we were walking along the Embarcadero, and I mentioned the old freeway, then I realized he was born after the ’89 quake.”

“No!” Savannah said. “Even I remember that, and I lived in Georgia. I was watching the World Series with my dad.”

“What about you, Lucie?” Tessa asked. “You’re thirty-nine, so you would’ve been little. What do you remember?”

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