Page 47 of The Last Key
“I’m good. And you?”
“Good, thanks.”
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m calling. I’d hoped HR would’ve reached out to you, but apparently, they didn’t.”
“Uh, no.”
“It turns out you weren’t the first to file a report against Mike Hunt. They investigated and quickly found several other situations in which he’d been inappropriate with staff. He’s been let go, along with a few of his protégés, who were found assisting him and engaging in similar behavior. There’s a huge restructuring happening in the company now, and I’ll be taking over his position. I’m setting up my senior editors, and I’d really like one of them to be you. Of course, I can’t just give you the job, but if you’re interested, I’d love for you to come in and meet with the managing department heads and our editor-in-chief.”
What the freaking hell?
“I…”
“Listen, Kennedy, I know it was awful how you were treated, but the other department heads and I, along with HR, are working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
“I appreciate that,” I say, finding my voice. “What would the job entail?” I know generally what senior editors do, but I want to hear some specifics before I get excited. Even though my stomach is in my throat in a mix of excitement and nerves. Not sure why I’m nervous, though.
“My intention would be to have you as senior editor overseeing book reviews primarily, along with some television and movies. You’d get to interview authors. I know you want some meatier stories, so I’ll do my best to get you more of that too, and it’s possible that moving into another department would be an option, eventually.”
Devon looks at me curiously as he parks the car.
“When would you need me to come in?” I ask hesitantly. Generally speaking, this is where I want to go in my career, but something in my gut feels off.
“We’d need you to come in this week.”
“Is there any way I could do a video meeting? I’m in California currently.”
“I’m sorry, but they want to meet with everyone in person before final decisions are made. If you’re interested, it would have to be this week. This would be a big step for you, Kennedy.”
The dream job.
So, why do I feel hesitant?
“We’re scheduling people on Wednesday and Thursday. Could you do either of those days?”
I bite my lip. That would be before the reunion. I’d have to fly out and fly back. And I have the book club on Tuesday night.
“Can you hold on a moment?”
“Sure.”
I mute my phone and look at Devon.
“What is it?”
“My old job wants me back. They fired the guy who let me go and they want to make me a senior editor—but only if I can interview in person on Wednesday or Thursday.”
“This week?”
“Uh huh.”
“Do you want to do it?”
“I don’t know. I would need to fly out and back before the reunion.”
“That’s not what I asked you.” He sweeps some hair off my cheek and looks into my eyes. “I asked if you want to.”
I bite at my bottom lip. “I feel like I should. It’s a really good opportunity. What I’ve been working toward.”
