Page 84 of Secret Nights and Northern Lights
“Not to worry, that article is why I’m calling.”
My palm is suddenly damp as I clutch the phone a bit tighter. “Oh? Please know that article is a first draft. I would definitely polish it more.” Then I surprise myself by adding, “However, if you think it’s too personal forAround the Globe, I understand, but I’m not willing to change it.”
Across from me, Jacklyn’s eyes widen, and I don’t know if it’s an expression ofGood for you!orWhat the fuck are you doing?until a slow grin curves her lips.
“Well, itiscertainly personal.” Suki’s unwavering tone masks if this is a positive or negative in my favor. “And raw and honest and vulnerable.” I hold my breath through her pause. “I think it’s exactly whatAround the Globeneeds as we head in a new direction.”
“Really? Because Calvin would’ve hated it.” I have no clue why I’m arguing against myself, other than I guess I still have a way to go with this self-confidence thing.
Luckily, there’s a crack of laughter on the other end. “Calvin was a jackass, and everyone knows it. Listen, Mona, travelisincredibly personal. There’s a reason people have bucket lists and places they return to time and time again, why they save up their vacation time and spend their hard-earned money to see the world. Experiences matter. And showing our readers we understand that passion is the exact direction I want to take the magazine in. I think your article will be the perfect way to kickstart that change.”
“You are aware I quit, right?”
“I am. I’m asking you to come back.”
Sparks flare in my chest, everything within screaming at me to say yes. But I hesitate as I picture Ben and me standing at the site of an active volcano, his arms wrapped around me while he whispered in my ear that I can do anything I want in this life.
“I have some conditions,” I say.
“Name them.”
Having put seven years’ worth of consideration into what would makeAround the Globethe dream job I thought it would be when I started as an intern, I don’t hesitate. “First of all, I want the promotion to the international division. No more weekend festivals.”
“Done,” Suki replies with no hesitation.
Jacklyn beams at me from the end of my bed, looking like a proud mama bird whose baby just flew from the nest for the first time.
“Secondly, I’m never planning another office party again. Not to get all T. Swift on you, but I mean never. Likeever.”
Jacklyn laughs, but it’s Suki’s response I need to hear.
“You drive a hard bargain, but I think we can make it happen. What else?”
This one might be pushing it. “I want upgraded airline seats and lounge access for the Locals, even if I’m not one any longer.”
At this, Jacklyn gives me a double thumbs-up and mouths, “Yes, girl.”
Suki is silent for a beat, so I press. “Just because the Locals don’t travel internationally doesn’t mean they are less than or don’t work as hard. If the company can afford to do this for some, they should do it for all, and I really—”
“Mona, I agree with you,” Suki interjects. “And I want you to know, there area lotof things that will be changing now that Calvin’s gone. The culture he created here is not one I want to continue.”
“Oh.” I didn’t expect it to be that easy. “That’s good. Okay then.”
“So, is that it? Are we all good here?”
I sigh, because there is one more thing, but this one is out of Suki’s control. “I, uh, need to talk to Benjamin Carter, my photographer. I’ll need to get his permission to use the photo I sent you, as well as some of the others. That wasn’t ever intended to be for the article.”
Across from me, Jacklyn’s amusement abruptly fades, and she crosses her arms over her chest with a pinched expression.
“Ah yes, there is that little hiccup,” Suki says, and there’s an unspoken awkwardness between us since we both know she’s read my article and has seen the photo of me and Ben kissing. I also assume from my hesitancy on this topic, she can infer what happened between us in Iceland is no longer happening here at home. “Where does that stand?”
“Um, I’m not really sure.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll certainly be happy to reach out to him if that’s not something you’re comfortable with.”
“No. It needs to be me.”
“I understand,” she says. “We have some time here. Why don’t you take a few days? Reach out to Benjamin when you can. No rush. Get some rest and work on your article in the meantime, and I’ll see you at the office sometime next week. How does that sound?”
