Page 113 of My Rock Star Neighbor
“No.”He laughs.“I’m not running a charity.Nick didn’t even ask me for help with that YouTube star.I interviewed that older couple on my own initiative to prove Nick wasn’t her boyfriend.Nick has been suspiciously reluctant to introduce us, not that I’ve been in town much.But hopefully you can come by my office tomorrow, and we can discuss the position.I’m hoping you’ll accept.Nick did say he’d bet your network against mine any day, so I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
We set a time to meet after the Twyla Jackson interview.A potential job atThe Carrier Pigeonand an interview on network TV…I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight.
Tasha and I are sitting across from Twyla on the set ofSpill the Tea with Twyla.This is a total “pinch me” moment.Her skill at interviewing is really something to emulate.I feel like I’m talking to a friend.Twyla wanted me to discuss it as I discovered each clue so viewers could feel the thrill of the investigation.
Tasha explains how she alerted me to the possible corruption when she found out I was a reporter.I explain each clue as we found it, and the audience gasps when Tasha and I re-enact with Twyla how I pickpocketed the envelope from Beatrice and the photo of the message flashes on the screen.
I also explain that we’ve since found out that Ward paid Demoraux to frame Galliano.
I’m still on a high after my interview with Twyla.When I leave the studio, people want my autograph.I’mnotbehind the scenes anymore.And I think I’m okay with that.
The Carrier Pigeonoffices are close toThe Intelligenceroffices and right near City Hall.As I walk into Tristan’s office, I do a double take.He’s attractive—not as attractive as Nick, obviously, but he definitely commands the room.I’d researched him to prepare for the interview, reading his most recent articles, but when I tried to find out anything personal, I had to wade through so many articles about who he was dating or not dating and how magnetic he was that I didn’t find much, other than he’s a good reporter himself.I should have been prepared for his presence, but I didn’t expect the articles to be right.
“Please take a seat,” he says after I hand him my resume.
The office is modern and has an airy feel with the huge windows, but the minimalism and lack of any personal touches also make it feel as if this is a recent or even temporary arrangement.
He waves at some boxes in the corner.“Our main office is over by Wall Street.But if we want to cover City Hall, we also need an office here.We’re expanding to cover local politics now, as I mentioned.I was impressed by your investigation and the story you wrote.It was clear and persuasive.But I also need to have people I can absolutely trust.”
He thinks I’m trustworthy, even after all the report-liar signs?
“Here’s the position description.You would be responsible for building our team here as a senior reporter–city politics.”He explains that I will report to a well-respected reporter in Washington, D.C.forThe Carrier Pigeon.
He must see the question in my eyes.
“She wants to move back to New York City for a few years.”He hands me a position description with a salary that is more than what I’d make even if I were promoted atThe Intelligencer.
He asks me to meet her in the next room.That is a real interview, and she asks me some tough questions, but we also click.She escorts me back to Tristan’s office and says, “It was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to working with you, so I hope you accept.”
“The sooner you can start, the better,” Tristan says.He radiates a confidence that I will accept the offer.
My phone beeps.The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is indicting Deputy Commissioner Ward.I explain to Tristan why I have to go but that I’ll get back to him tonight.I need some time to think it over.It should be an easy decision, but I’d grown up as a reporter atThe Intelligencer, and even though I’d felt betrayed lately, I still had this feeling of loyalty.I’d always envisioned myself as anIntelligencerreporter.And what if this venture didn’t get off the ground?The Intelligenceris established, although Tristan seems sure that he will succeed.Plus, it makes sense to wait and not accept immediately to convey that I have options.
After I cover the indictment and write up an article for tomorrow’s paper, Jing comes by my desk.
“The interview with Twyla was great.And you looked healthier than you’ve been looking.”
That’s a polite way of saying I look much better with my hair washed.
“Amazing how they can cover dark shadows with makeup,” I say.
“How are you doing?”she asks.“My mom made you some dumplings.We could eat them in the park outside.It’s not that cold out today.”
“Sounds great,” I say.
We walk over to the park and sit on a bench to eat her mom’s delicious dumplings.The chicken broth inside feels like it’s replenishing my strength.I tell Jing all about the offer to work forThe Carrier Pigeonand that I plan to accept it.She agrees that I should.
“You can’t report to Hayden,” she says.“He has no loyalty to you.”
“I know.I’ve realized that one of the most important things in a job is having a boss who cares about you, at least in terms of your career development,” I say.
“I wish they were hiring for their business section,” she says.“But those positions are practically impossible to get.”
As we savor the dumplings, I say, “I wish Nick and I hadn’t broken up.I made a mistake in questioning our relationship.I should have trusted in us.”
“Well, you can still get back together,” she says.“If you resign, you can give two weeks’ notice and take your vacation time and fly out to wherever he is performing.”
“Tristan said he wants me to start as soon as possible.But that would work because I have to give two weeks’ notice,” I say.“What if Nick has moved on?”
