Page 89 of Between the Blue
I didn’t think it was possible to feel a more intense feeling.
Until the day it all came crashing down.
twenty-five
HER
I was convinced that everything was about to come crashing down.
“Of course,” I told Rick, following him back to the arena office.
All the time and effort spent to make this internship work, every bit of myself that I gave up to get just one step closer to my dreams of COBO, I saw it gone in a blink the moment I heard Rick say he wanted to speak with me.
In fact, I was so busy watching it all flash before my eyes, waiting for it to be torn away, that I didn’t even hear Rick when he told me how impressed he was with my latest post.
“It was completely out of the ordinary.”
“I know.” I shake my head. “I’m sorry.”
“Why?” Rick asks, bringing me back to reality.
I look up at him, my brows scrunching together.
“This is exactly what we wanted out of you, Addie. You’re bringing fresh ideas and creativity. That post had incredible engagement. I want to see more like it.”
“Really?” I question him.
“Absolutely,” Rick insists. “I’ll get you a budget set up to continue creating booths like that one, or to use for any otherideas you may have. And I’ll make sure you get reimbursed for what you already put in. Incredible job. I like your initiative. And your photos have all come out fantastic. Show us what else you’ve got.”
“Okay,” I nod, still processing that I’m not fired. “Yes. Absolutely, I will. Thank you.”
“Glad to hear it,” Rick says. “Now, I’m sorry, but I have another meeting I need to get to.”
“Sure, of course.”
We both stand up from our chairs and exit the arena office space we borrowed for our talk, each of us going separate directions.
In my daze, I barely register the older man standing just outside the door.
“Excuse me,” I murmur, stepping around him.
I only get a few paces away before I hear Rick’s voice behind me. “Good afternoon. You’re a few minutes early.”
“Always am,” the man responds with a kind chuckle.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to grab a drink before our meeting.”
“No problem at all.”
“Great, see you in a few Mr. Moreno.”
My feet skid to a stop.
Mr. Moreno.
I turn around slowly.
Mark Moreno?
