Page 49 of Jockstraps & Newspapers
Cass let out a pained laugh as she nodded, signing into the guest log.Lyra leaned against the counter, schmoozing the receptionist."She's a hardcore killer, you know, the perfect Journalist.Ruthless, only wanting the truth and nothing but the truth!"
"That's what I'm saying!"the receptionist cheered, wiggling happily in her seat."I love it, the whole sweet and dainty look but a vicious pen?That'll get you far, girlie."
Not far enough to save my skin from Mr.Pearson.Cass flashed her the best smile she could as she took the guest lanyard from her.Lyra gave the receptionist a two-finger salute and a wink."Thanks, Barb.Have a good day!"
The elevator ride was oppressively quiet and Cass was a wound coil of anxiety.Silver walls enclosed around her.Lyra's hand found hers the second the doors clicked closed.Cass clenched her hand tightly.They didn't need to speak.Lyra knew, she'd always known.Cass just hoped beyond hope that she meant what she said.It's always you, Cassiopeia.The elevator dinged over their heads, and she exhaled loudly moments before the doors peeled open.Lyra spared her an apologetic look.Cass tried not to choke on her own anxiety as they stepped into Mr.Pearson's office.
"Morning, ladies!"Mr.Pearson was furiously typing on his crystal pad, waving them inside swiftly.The pair of sisters sank into the leather, plush seats.
I'm toast.
Mr.Pearson didn't look up for two more minutes, clearly in the middle of an intense email.
I'm never going to work in this town again.
He finally sent the email and looked up to the pair.
I've ruined my life forever.
"Fantastic.Aqua, please hand Cassiopeia those papers."The door behind them opened.Cassiopeia turned into a stone statue, palms up.A stack of papers was plopped sweetly into her lap before an assistant handed Mr.Pearson a basket with food in it."Thank you, how did you know I skipped breakfast?"
Aqua, a purple haired, blue-skinned, fiend in a pencil skirt smirked."Sir, that's my job.Payroll called up and said they've got it good to go for the next check.And HR is ready for her when you're done."
"Thank you, Aqua."Mr Pearson raised his breakfast burrito to her like a champagne flute before taking a huge bite.
Cass finally looked down at her lap and found an employment contract."What…what is this?"
"A job offer," Mr.Pearson murmured through a mouth full of eggs, bacon, and cheesy potatoes.Lyra glanced at Cass as she flipped through a heavy packet of parchment.The lines swirled before her eyes.She handed the packet to Lyra.
"Why?I-I-I thought I didn't…I thought I was still on a trial period?"Her throat nearly closed as she rubbed her sweaty palms against her slacks.
"Well, I don't think it's needed anymore.You've more than shown you've got the chops to work with us.You stuck to your guts, kept yourself levelheaded, and you can write.So, we're moving forward to bring you on board."
Lyra held up a page, "You have the hire date set for last month?Is that intentional?"
"Last?Month…" Cass blinked, looking between the two of them."When I interviewed?Why?"
"So that way, if McMatterson comes for your throat, you were always an employee of Salamander, and therefore, untouchable."Lyra put the papers back into Cass's lap.
"And Payroll is going to get you that backpay on your next check, and HR has your employee packet ready for you."Mr.Pearson shoved more of his breakfast into his mouth.
"So…is this to protect me, or because I earned it?"Cass darted her attention between Lyra and Mr.Pearson.
"Both," they answered in unison.
"So…I'm not fired?"she exhaled, looking at the pen that Lyra smoothly slid into her hand.
"Quite the opposite," Mr.Pearson returned to his crystalpad."Fuck McMatterson."
"You mean it?I'm a journalist for Salamander Press?"
"Ms.Darling," Mr.Pearson snorted, "You're not only a journalist here, but you're going to write me a piece forKing's Falls Dailythe moment this season is over.I've already got a few juicy stories for you to chase.You're gonna be a name in this city, Cassiopeia Darling, and people are going to want to snatch you up.So, you better remember who fostered your growth, and helped you get there…and, of course, sign that employment contract.You belong to me, Ms.Darling, for two years minimum.After that, we can talk about a non-exclusivity contract."
Cassiopeia glanced at Lyra.She mouthed, 'do I sign this?'. Lyra nodded with a warm smile.Her sister mouthed 'good deal' to her and gave her approval.So, Cassiopeia Darling put pen to paper and signed her way into the life she'd always dreamed of…she was a journalist for Salamander Press…she was somebody now.Her name meant something.
Her name in flashing lights glittered behind her eyes as she curled the last edge of her name.
"Todaywassooooolong,"Cass groaned, head hung back.They'd been through the whole building.From Payroll to get her set up to direct deposit so they didn't have to print her checks.To HR, where Lyra got into arivetingword battle with the man behind the desk.Terry was nice, but Lyra was a lot to handle.Then, the pair grabbed lunch in the employee cafeteria.Their pasta bar was fabulous and the two sat there, talking forever about steps going forward.Lyra had thoughts about all her online content and how to protect her copyright.Then, Mr.Pearson asked her back in to discuss a small suit McMatterson already filed about defamation.It was currently being seen by the Council.Lyra wasn't worried, citing it would get thrown out.Cass wasn't so sure.Lyra made a great case, but money was money.And Marvin McMatterson had a mansion full of gold, a stadium, and hungry lawyers on his payroll.Lyra, however, mentioned that no one got to threaten her sister or her client and get away with it.
