Page 2 of The Ending is the Best Part
I have never swivelled round on my chair so fast in my life, because right there is my worst nightmare.
‘Xander, what a wonderful surprise,’ I say with such pleasantness I surprise myself.
He raises a dark eyebrow, looking impressed with my acting skills.If Meagan doesn’t promote me, maybe I’ll have a chance for some supporting role as a lady’s maid or healer inClaim to Power.
‘Ah, Xander, nice of you to join us, please take a seat.’ She gestures to the one next to mine.
I’m sorry, did she just say…join us?! I keep my face composed, not wanting to show any hint of irritation.I don’t dare to look next to me, as I can feel his gaze burning on my face.A million things are running through my mind.The first thing that pops up is the worst-case scenario:Are we both getting fired?
But then my thoughts spiral and I think,What if it’s worse than that? But what is worse than getting fired?Maybe blacklisted from the industry, but then what have I done to deserve being blacklisted?Okay, sure, I’m not great at responding to emails quickly.And although I keep getting told characterisation is one of my strengths, I know my plotting could be better.A few of my suggestions have been rejected recently, but that’s normal, right?It’s all part of the writing process.But, of course, it’s alwaysWhat a great point, XanderandYes, mate, that really progresses the action. Classic boys’ club.Even with Meagan in charge, she can’t change everything—
A throat clears and I realise that I was lost to my thoughts and must have spaced out.Meagan and Xander have been talking this whole time.About what?God, I don’t even want to think about how my face looks right now.Especially in his presence.Why do I always embarrass myself like this when he is around?I’ve been staring blankly for a good couple of minutes.They seem to have come to some agreement.Xander looks delighted – good, not fired or blacklisted then.Meagan is smiling broadly, nodding at me.
My eyes dart around the room and I see two pairs of eyes looking at me expectantly.I let out a startled chuckle.
‘Yes, so…’ I start, hoping one of them takes the lead and carries on the conversation.
‘This could be such an incredible opportunity – for both of you,’ Meagan says with such joy in her face that I can’t help but return an enthusiastic smile.‘So, what do you think of the idea?’
‘Oh, right… The idea, which issogreat by the way… I am one hundred per cent on board.’
‘Yeah?I’m glad that you think this idea issogreat,’ Xander says, amused, tilting his head.I look into his eyes but there’s an emotion I can’t pinpoint.Almost smug?It’s like he can see straight through my act.He folds over his Moleskine notebook and puts it in his back pocket, the pen behind his ear.Who does he think he is?Jack Kerouac?
‘Yep, isn’t that what I just said?I absolutely love it.’ I know that I am probably doing too much, but I can just add it to the list of things I will lose sleep over tonight.
‘Well, that’s great news,’ Meagan responds.‘I’m glad you think so because I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried.I know how you and Xander butt heads, but that’s exactly why I need both of you on this.’
So we’re working together on something.That’s just brilliant.What is it?The cogs of my mind are turning at an alarming speed.What have I just agreed to?Have I just sold my soul to the devil?
I look to my right and I see Xander staring at me.I feel like he’s rifling through my thoughts and I blush instinctively.He stands relaxed, hands in his pockets with his artfully scruffy band T-shirt and faded blue jeans, his eyebrow quirked.I hate how he can at the same time look so casual but also like he’s just stepped out of aGQmagazine shoot.Between strands of his tousled black hair, I can see a glint in his eye.I’m really glad he is finding this funny, because amusement is the last thing I’m feeling right now.
‘So, I’ll leave you two to work things out between yourselves, but I trust you completely.Remember, I want to see what you’ve put together in six weeks’ time.’
Six weeks?A month and a half to do what?I’m glad Meagan thinks that we can work together without ripping each other’s heads off.It would help if I knew what she was talking about.But right now, the only thing I can do is smile and nod enthusiastically.
It is safe to say that this is not what I thought would happen when I walked into the office today.Somehow, instead of getting my dream promotion as lead screenwriter, I’m being forced to work with my arch-nemesis.And I don’t even know what on.It could be anything.A tricky scene, maybe?Or are we to start an initiative to recycle coffee grounds?
‘Well, this has been enlightening,’ Xander says to wrap up the meeting.‘Thanks so much, Meagan.’
My nose flares at his tone.Whatever I’ve been roped into, why does it have to be with him?
Meagan claps her hands together with excitement.No matter what it is, I will just grin and bear it.I aspire to be like her one day and I’m sure that she’s had to do her own fair share of questionable tasks.Maybe one of those included working with someone who annoys the living daylights out of her.
Xander has already stood up ready to leave and I rise from my seat to exit too.Surprisingly, he rushes ahead to open the door for me, and I can’t help but be suspicious of his sudden show of chivalry.
‘Thanks,’ I say, begrudgingly.
‘No problem, Yazza.’ There he goes with that nickname.
Xander chuckles and I feel myself getting redder by the second.
The minute we are out of earshot, I turn round and, as casually as I can, say, ‘Hey, so what do you think about what Meagan said?’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ he says.‘Or maybe I should say, you have no idea what Meagan was talking about?’
‘What?I—’ I can only defend myself in splutters.‘I just wanted to know what you thought!’
‘Oh, Yara, I could tell from your face that you weren’t listening to that entire meeting.What exactly were you thinking about, huh?Anything exciting?’
