Page 54 of Royal Pain
“Yes. Were you planning on being there for the coronation?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Alright. Let’s concentrate on this story. It’s the one only you specifically have eyes on. Think about the slant you want to take. There’s a new monarch. Highlight the things that are going to change. And look for the things others have missed. Write about the personal side of things. What’s the new king like? We know he’s young and handsome. But what about his struggles? Find the things that haven’t been written about before. But you already know that’s what we’re about.”
“Alright. I’ll let you know my itinerary and send updates when I’m there.”
“Good. That’s all,” she says with a wave of dismissal.
Walking out of the office my mind is going a hundred miles an hour. I’m happy for the assignment, which gives me more time in Africa with Zan. And my trip will be paid for. I’ll take the plane ticket fare and use it for per diem. I want Zan to see I don’t expect him to pay for every damn thing. The hope of him accepting even the smallest gesture on my behalf is laughable, but I’m at least going to try. He will reject any offer I have of flying coach. That one I know without asking.
Soraya is visible through her open door as I approach. WhenAsk Idaretired and Soraya took over the column things changed. Time spent at the office has actually decreased. As the assistant, she was required to be here every day. Now she picks her spots and lets her assistant do the things she was once responsible for. It’s come full circle. She looks up from her computer.
“What’s Ask Ida up to today?” I say, standing in the doorway.
“Same old problems. My man isn’t treating me right. My children don’t appreciate me. My girlfriend may be cheating. I think I may be still in love with an old boyfriend who I looked up on Facebook.”
“I like the ones that come out of left field.”
“You mean like ‘How do I get my girlfriend to like pretending to be a dog?’”
“That’s the one. Your response was epic. ‘Let her use your penis as a chewy.’” I laugh at the memory.
“How did it go in there?” she asks, lifting her chin toward Carol’s office.
“Great,” I say, closing the door behind me. “I’ve got the assignment to cover the coronation. And the implication was to mine for more.”
Narrowed eyes question my response to our editor’s directive.
“I’m aware. She’s not getting anything Zan wouldn’t want to be public knowledge. There’s no reason for that. Besides I haven’t detected any signs of misfeasance. I’m a journalist who’s intelligent enough to read the room. These people are authentically straight. Their moral compass is impressive.”
“What about Kwai?”
“I’m sure his past is rife with misbehavior. But that’s not a story I’d be interested in writing. It’s lazy writing in my opinion. The readers might like some dirt, but that’s not what I want to be known for. Or the reason I was hired.”
“You’ve got enough of a story with the close proximity to the family, right?”
“Yes. But for the blog I’m concentrating on the coronation.”
“Well then, you’re golden.”
“The thing is I’m hoping for a more in-depth piece that I’ll save for a wider audience. I won’t be limiting myself.”
“Smart.”
“I’m going to tell Zan tonight to book my ticket the Monday after my brother’s wedding. And it can’t come soon enough.”
* * *
“Hi, baby.”
“I miss you,” he says softly.
The voice sounds tired. I know he’s drained emotionally.
“I miss you more. Tell me about your day. It sounds like it may have been a rough one.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” he says unconvincingly.
