Strictly in an expert capability, in fact. My slithering companions glide throughout my shoulders restlessly as I faucet on the newspaper, sandwich half-eaten and forgotten. Maybe she want to increase her column into shining the highlight on native politics, I believe to myself. Or possibly do a selection that helps the typical reader acquire higher perception into what precisely our workplace does.

My fingers skitter between the paper and my cellphone, however ultimately, I find yourself settling again on my duties to complete off my day. Ideas of Charlotte proceed to distract me, but it surely’s a nice change from the standard considerations I normally fear about. I even jot down a couple of extra ideas and concepts I wish to run by her, ought to she resolve to comply with up with me.

After taking the time to consider it, I resolve to go away the ball in her court docket, so far as communication goes. Regardless of the progress of our time collectively, we nonetheless don’t know one another very properly. And I wish to put to relaxation any remaining considerations she has with me, not reinforce them by imposing myself on her time.

Not solely is there potential for an actual working relationship between the federal government and the press, however there additionally could be an opportunity for an actual, real friendship right here. I’m savvy sufficient with interpersonal dynamics to acknowledge when to play the diplomat and never attempt to pressure a scenario or consequence.

So I’ll wait to see if she reaches again out to me, and we’ll go from there. We every have our personal worlds to deal with, however we’ve additionally begun to fulfill within the center and maintain an open thoughts. So long as we preserve that dialogue and communication, I believe Charlotte and I can actually begin to construct a working relationship between us.

And possibly extra, that voice pops up from someplace deep inside me once more. I attempt to faux I don’t hear it.

19

CHARLOTTE

My eyes are looking at an unfinished article on the pc display screen, however my thoughts is again within the mayor’s workplace. I can’t cease eager about him. I’m speculated to be writing about Mrs. Murphy’s lacking garden flamingo, which can have been stolen, making it the largest crime on this city in over a decade! Possibly if I give this story some severe protection, Eddie will let me again into his good graces and restore my press credentials. However I can’t deliver myself to pay attention.

The little line in the midst of my half-written sentence blinks at me in time with my pulse. It’s hypnotizing, driving me additional into my very own ideas. I suppose I simply discover him actually attention-grabbing. I’ve by no means met a person like him earlier than. He has a lot energy entrusted to him, and he makes use of it to really higher his neighborhood.

I suppose I’ve been so jaded by a protracted profession of protecting fraud and abuse, I couldn’t consider somebody on the market was truly who they mentioned they have been.

He’s stuffed with surprises. And that should be why I can’t get him out of my thoughts. Mason is an attention-grabbing determine. And I’m certain he’s going to be somebody I find yourself writing about usually as long as I’m working right here.

I faucet my desk a few instances and sigh. There’s no approach I’m going to have the ability to give this text my full consideration on this state. I would like to seek out Mason and… I don’t know, ask him some follow-up questions? Yeah, that is smart. Possibly get some espresso, too. Typically a lady wants one thing with whipped cream and espresso photographs to get her by the day.

I test my hair and make-up, regulate my shirt, and head out in town. There’s a small espresso store close by, and as I stroll inside I’m greeted by fairly the coincidence.

“Charlotte!” Mason says with a large smile. The sight of it, realizing it’s only for me, makes my coronary heart flutter.

“Oh. You.” The teenage barista narrows her 4 eyes at me. “You need me to kick her out?”

Mason shakes his head. “No want. She’s not inflicting anybody any bother. The truth is, I assume you’re simply right here for some espresso?”

“Oh, yeah! Just a few espresso,” I lie. However now I’m not so certain I belief something this woman may make for me. She’s nonetheless giving me a bitter face, however I attempt to brush it off as teenage moodiness.

“Can I make a suggestion? If you happen to don’t have already got one thing in thoughts, that’s.” Mason appears excited to take action. It’s fairly charming.

“Certain,” I reply. “What do you suggest?”

Mason’s face lights up, his snakes perking up with delight, and he turns again to the woman and orders. “Two giant iced strawberry mocha lattes with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, and a shot of espresso.”

{The teenager} punches some buttons and yells to the again. “Two Mayor Wendall specials!”

“Oh, you don’t want to try this,” I say. Mason is pulling out his pockets, able to pay for each.

“I insist,” he replies. “I used to be impressed along with your most up-to-date article.”

I smile, fingers on my hips, and shake my head. “Nicely, I’d hope so, contemplating you have been the topic of reward.”

Mason chuckles as he stuffs his pockets again in his pocket. “Oh, no, not that you just mentioned such good issues about me. Though I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I wasn’t flattered. However you have been so restrained and maintained a essential view of my place and work. I admire that.”

“Wait, you do?” I ask. I believed I’d nonetheless been just a little too harsh, all issues thought-about.

“I did.” Mason accepts the 2 giant cups of dessert disguised as espresso and fingers one to me. “If you happen to had merely written a whole web page of how nice I’m, it could’ve learn as insincere at greatest. Propaganda at worst. You have been honest in your protection. I nonetheless count on the press to criticize me if I mess up. So, thanks for being trustworthy.”

I take a sip of my drink in an try to cover my embarrassment over the reward. My eyes go extensive in shock as my mouth feels prefer it’s being lit up with some type of sugar-coated disco ball!

“That is unimaginable,” I say earlier than getting in for one more sip. “You will have wonderful style in espresso.”

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