Page 10 of Doesn't Count

“Ew! Okay, bet.” He holds his hand out and I shake it.

Jake rolls in his chair back over to his desk, pretending not to watch Blane’s door like I am. It’s nearly an hour later, four minutes past my scheduled meeting time with him, that Justina finally walks out. Jake and I both pop our heads up, inspecting her.

Other than a few strands of hair out of place, which she fixes immediately and a lack of her lip gloss – which she was wearing when she walked in – we can't really decipher who wins the bet.

Marcy laughs. “I guess you both lost.”

“I don’t know, I’d argue that her hair wasn’t as perfect as it was going in.” He persuades.

“Okay, perfect? Really?” I scoff.

He shrugs as I push myself to stand.

“Wish me luck.” I call back to both Jake and Marcy.

They send me off with reassurance as I make my way to Blane’s office, my gaze fixed on Justina. I can’t help staring at her lips, wondering if they look different than before she went in there. She probably thinks I’m in love with her.

Passing her feels like slow motion, the corner of her mouth tugs up in a conceited smirk as we brush shoulders. Two young talented women fighting for the number one spot in the Company, and I intend to be it.

I knock on Blane’s door; his burley voice orders me to enter.I find the Henry Cavill look-a-like sitting behind his mahogany desk, the skyline of Chicago and Lake Michigan his backdrop.

If being the boss isn’t intimidating enough, his looks can bring you to your knees. He smiles, his white teeth stunning against golden skin. His slicked back dark hair and perfectly trimmed scruff brightens his blue eyes that glitter like the water outside his windows.

I slide my palms down my shirt to dry the sweat and walk into his office, taking the seat in front of him on the other side of his desk.

My heartrate kicks up a few notches as he stares me down. Cliche intimidation tactic.

“So, you’re interested in the GT Project.” He quips.

I nod, “Yes. I think I’ve proven myself over the last couple years to be a strong writer. I’m consistent with all my deadlines and always exceed expectations with my pieces. I am incredibly ambitious and take my job very seriously. I know if I’m given the chance to join this team, I can make you proud.”

He chuckles, rubbing his chin in thought. “Are you comfortable with travel?”

“Yes, sir.” I nod my head.

He schools his face, never giving away his thoughts.

“Are you good with a camcorder?”

"Yes, I’ve also dabbled in editing from time to time. If that’s needed.” I add.

“We have a team here that can do that. We just need the raw footage.” He jots something down on his notepad in front of him with a pen that probably costs as much as a diamond ring. “Are you willing to do whatever it takes to unveil what might be considered private information?”

I hesitate. Unveiling private information directly violates the moral code I’ve set in place for this job. It can be a brutal industry and I always wanted to be the good one. Is that beingtoo naïve? I don’t want it to be the reason I lose this opportunity.

“I’m willing to provide content that keeps our audience captivated.” I say instead.

He rubs his chin, a sound between a sigh and a chuckle escaping him.

“Look, Ashton, I’ve read your articles from time to time and they’re all great, but I’ve noticed a trend. It seems like you struggle with taking risks, afraid to offend your interviewees, and sometimes the cost reflects in the loss of your readers.”

I absorb his words, and the realization that good guys always finish last is a real thing. He sighs again and I know I have to make up my mind this second. Do I take risks and forego my moral guidelines, or do I pass up this opportunity and let Justina win?

“Blane, sir.” I clear my throat, sitting straighter. “I know I haven’t been a risk taker for the exact reasons you mentioned. It’s been my persona since I started here, my readers rely on me to be authentic and true. I get that the truth isn’t always sexy, but I’ve remained one of the top three journalists in the last two years. If I get hired on for this project, I can promise you that I will rebrand Ashton Crawford. I’m willing to take those risks for the progression of my career.”

He nods his head, a small smile fighting to break free. He places his pen down on his desk before standing.

“You’re in.” He states, reaching his hand over his desk.

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