Page 67 of The Last Dance

17

Biggest Competition

Ambri

‘What’s this?’

I’m standing in Jimmy’s office, his computer monitor turned towards me with my emailed story plastered across the screen.

‘What happened to the Dangerous thing? I think our readers would have flocked to that story, Ambri. Instead I’m now publishing a story about some snot-nosed teenager who wants to be the next cable-TV reality superstar that will fade into nothing not even an hour after her episodes air?’

‘That’snotgoing to happen and she’snota snot-nosed teenager. She’s lovely, actually.’

I can’t believe he’s being such an asshole about this. The Taylor story is a good story. Surprisingly, even Trevor agreed. We can get Portland to rally behind one of our own and create a buzz about a possible up-and-coming singer. And if she wins…come on. Hands down a good story.

‘I know for a fact you got that Dangerous story and I want it on my desk in the next hour.’

Damn it, Trevor. I knew he’d tell him. I knew he couldn’t keep it a secret. That’s why he was so supportive over the Taylor story when I showed it to him. He already knew it wasn’t gonna fly.

‘I can’t write the Dangerous story, I’m sorry. The Taylor story is good. Trust me on this. I have a good feeling.’

‘You have a goodfeeling? Feelings don’t pay people’s wages, Ambri.’

How dare he pretend that it would be my fault if he can’t afford to pay us without the Dangerous story? If that’s the case, then he’s fucked this website over far more than he’s let on. I know I know nothing about how the website makes money but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t depend on just one story.

‘I know that,Jimmy. But neither will you if you don’t run the story I’ve written.’ I snap it out like poison. I’m tired of being abused by him on a daily basis. The site’s success or lack of is not my problem. I’m only a small piece of the puzzle.

‘Nowyou’retellingmehow to run my own business?’ he snaps back, jumping out of his chair.

‘Apparently you’re not very good at it…’

Clearly, I’ve lost it. It’s my time to snap. I take a step back out of his office, for an easier getaway considering how mad he seems.

He takes a breath, slowly walking my direction. ‘I’ll tell ya what, Ambri. You’ve got two choices. One, you can write the story no matter what kind of dirt you have on someone and keep your job.Or– and this would be the dumbest decision you’d ever make – you decide to stand up for your friend and lose your job. Take your pick.’ He’s holding out his hands, an invisible option in each one.

I glance between the two. I kind of need a job. I also kind of don’t fuck over my friends.

‘I choose my friend.’

‘Get out!’ He points towards the main entrance doors.

‘Good. I’ll take my Taylor story with me too.’

‘What will you do with it? Read it on the toilet?’

I groan to myself as I pack up my desk, everyone in the office now watching. What am I gonna do with the Taylor story? I feel like I can’t let her down now that I’ve gotten her all excited for a string of stories on her progress. I guess I could post it myself. Yeah, I’ll do exactly that! I’ll make my own damn website. I shove the last few things from my desk in my bag and turn to Jimmy, who is still standing in the center of the room after following me to my desk.

‘You just met your biggest competition.’ As the words leave my mouth I realize I’ve never said anything with as much of a hateful tone as I just used.

‘We’ll see about that. TREVOR!’ He screams his name even though he’s literally sitting a foot from him.

Everyone in the office is now pretty much cowering in their cubicles hoping not to be his next victim.

‘Yeah?’ Trevor stands slowly, not quite as eager to fawn over Jimmy as usual.

‘Write the damn story! Make it up if you have to, just get it to me in the next twenty minutes!’

‘Your dream come true… a promotion by default,’ I say to Trevor with an evil smile. ‘Good luck.’ He’s gonna need it.

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