I was damn good at my job, and I knew it.
So, the next job that came along could take me or leave me.
Because a job would not define me. A man would not define me.
I was my own woman. My career was a bonus. Something that would challenge and fulfill me.
And Lincoln—he owned my heart.
He made my life better. He loved me in a way I’d never known was even possible. And I loved him just as fiercely.
He didn’t define me. He completed me.
I was going to be okay no matter what happened today.
I’d find the right company to work for eventually.
I didn’t recognize the woman behind the counter, as it had been several years since I’d worked here.
“Ms. Reynolds, Audrey Andrews is ready to see you,” the receptionist said.
“Thank you,” I said as I followed her back to the conference room.
Audrey was waiting for me when the receptionist pushed open the door. There was a woman that stood beside her when my mentor pulled me into her arms.
“I’m so happy that you agreed to interview here. This is Marie Hardy, our chief legal.”
The receptionist smiled before closing the door as I shook hands with the woman beside Audrey, and we all took our seats.
“It’s a pleasure. I’ve heard a lot about you. We’re thrilled that you agreed to come out here and that you’re considering working with us,” Marie said.
“Thank you for having me. I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
Audrey passed out water bottles to each of us before taking the seat across from me.
We spent the next forty-five minutes with Audrey praising me and referencing every article I’d ever written. It felt good to be recognized for my work, and it didn’t hurt that they both continually got my name right.
“I do want to put something out there right away, just in case you have an issue with it.” I cleared my throat.
“Please. The floor is yours,” Audrey said, her brows cinched as if she was anxious to hear what I had to say.
“The article that I’ve written about Lincoln Hendrix is not on the table as part of this negotiation. I’ve agreed to commission that story to Football Live, as they specifically cover football, and I feel it’s the best place for it.” I reached for my bottle of water and took a sip, waiting to hear if they were going to end the conversation here.
“You know that I read it after you submitted it to me. Obviously, I thought it was very well written. You’ve got a gift for getting the right information from the people you interview. There’s no fluff. It’s one of my favorite things about your work.” Audrey smiled. “And I agree that Football Live is the best place for that particular piece. You know that we don’t specifically cover one sport. We focus on athletes. Men and women. All sports are on the table.”
I nodded. “It’s what I liked most when I interned here. I want to be very upfront so that there are no secrets between us. I am also in a romantic relationship with Lincoln Hendrix. I won’t be conducting any further interviews with him moving forward. We have a personal relationship, and I want to protect that. So, if that is an issue at all, there is nothing further to discuss.”
They glanced at one another and smiled.
“I like your fire. And dating a professional athlete is not easy. Marie can vouch for that.” She smirked.
“My husband is Mike Cabo,” Marie said.
“The basketball player with the most points scored last season?”
“The one and only. I use my maiden name at the office, and I understand what it means to prioritize your relationship. I respect that more than you know.”
“So, this just means that we now don’t cover the GOAT of the NFL, nor the MVP of the basketball courts.” Audrey chuckled. “Lucky for you both that I like human stories and so do our readers. We want to find the underdog who overcame a lot to make the team. The athlete who never gave up and found success in a sport where no one thought they would. Does that still appeal to you, Brinkley?”
“Very much so,” I said.
“I was worried you wouldn’t want to relocate out here, but seeing as Lincoln is living here, I think we actually may have a chance with you.” She smiled.
We spent the next three and a half hours talking about our love of sports and the athletes that have inspired us. Audrey and I took turns trading stories about our favorite articles to date.
I knew I’d found my new workplace home when I left the office.
It felt right.
I’d met several of the people who worked there, a few that I’d known from years ago, and others that had joined the team since I’d left.
They made me a wonderful offer. I’d taken the contract with me to look it over and agreed to come back the following day to sign and make it official.
Audrey and Marie both hugged me goodbye, as they really didn’t stand on ceremony here.
It was my kind of place.
I knew I’d thrive here, and that was exactly what I was looking for.
And it didn’t hurt that it was based in the city where the man that I loved happened to live now.
I took the elevator downstairs and dropped to sit on the bench in the large lobby. I pulled up the family group chat and sent a message.
It couldn’t have gone better. They were amazing. It’s exactly what I was looking for.
Georgia
I knew it! You just needed to find the right place, Brinks. Did you sign with them?
I wanted to play a little hard to get. I said I’d bring it back tomorrow.
Hugh
Atta girl. Kicking butt and taking names. Proud of you. Have you told Lincoln yet?
He’s my next stop. I want to tell him in person.
Cage
Fix things with him. The season starts soon.
Cage
Oh, congrats on the job. I knew you’d find the right place.
Did you just ask me to fix things before the season starts BEFORE you congratulated me? <middle finger emoji>
Cage
I’m sorry. I’ve got real issues over here. Mr. Wigglestein has knocked up another bitch in Cottonwood Cove, and everyone is up in arms over here. I’m hiding in my office and taking a breather.
Georgia
Damn. Mr. Wigglestein pulls the ladies!
Finn
Have you seen him? The dude’s balls hang down to the ground.
Hugh
Cage’s balls? What did I miss?
I laughed as I called my Uber.
Georgia
OMG! We are talking about Mr. Wigglestein’s balls.
Hugh
What is your obsession with this dog’s genitalia?
Cage
That is not what we’re talking about. That was all Finn. The dude has a premiere next week, and he’s talking about a dog’s balls!
Finn
Keeping it humble, brother.
The world is going to go crazy for you, Finny. Life will never be the same.
Finn
Was that supposed to make me feel good?
Keeping it real while I wait for my Uber.
Georgia
Maddox is on the same page as Cage. He wants you to fix things with Lincoln, and he said to tell you that he refuses to take sides this time. Apparently, he gave his heart to me, but he gave a little bit of it to Lincoln.
Hugh
Lincoln has a big piece of my heart, too. I’m not going to lie.
Cage
He’s much nicer to me than you are, Brinks.