In my Arms Tonight (NYC Singles Book 2) Read Free Page B

the Newspaper Guild had sent around this morning.
    Motivation had been low among the newsroom staff for months now after the new CEO had taken over and talk of restructuring had become watercooler gossip.
    “Good morning, everyone,” Bill, the politics editor, said, his optimism out of place in the general sobriety of the surroundings.
    Well, he could be energetic. He wasn’t going to lose his job.
    Bill had worked at the NYT since Kat was in primary school. Ruddy-complexioned, with a healthy beer belly and vocal cords of steel, he had been a respected reporter with a few big awards to his name before becoming an editor. Probably because his son was going to college soon and a few extra thousand dollars never hurt anybody, as Mr. Anderson had been kind enough to remind her this morning.
    “What stories have we got for today? International?” Bill asked, shooting a glance to Nate, the chief political correspondent who covered international politics.
    “Women in Saudi voted for the first time and twenty female candidates won seats on the municipal councils across the country.” Nate read off his laptop screen.
    “Can we change the angle slightly to focus on the reaction to this victory? Get something from prominent politics and sociology experts on what this means for Saudi Arabia and for women’s rights,” Bill said, waving his hands about. He had a habit of overusing his hands during conversations, which was distracting.
    Nate nodded. “I’ll do that.”
    Bill moved on to cover all the other pitches. Kat was relieved when he finally got to her. Of course she had to tell him about the John Anderson thing.
    “Push, people, everything needs to get in as early as possible for tomorrow’s paper. Let’s do this.” Bill clapped, a sign for all the reporters to scramble to their desks and start typing.
    Glad to have the opportunity to write the biggest story in city politics for the year, Kat scurried away, but Bill tapped on her shoulder.
    “Kat, I need to talk to you in my office. It’ll only take a minute.” He motioned to the red staircase that sloped up from the newsroom to the floor above.
    “Now?” Kat fidgeted, pretending to look busy.
    “Now.”
    One look at Bill’s expression and she knew it would be her. They were going to lay her off. No wonder Bill hadn’t looked excited when she’d told him about John Anderson and the escort.
    He’d been trying to find a way to tell her this would be her last story.
    Bill shuffled ahead, nervous.
    Oh, no, oh, no, oh, no.
    Her head spun. Tears began to claw at her eyes, but she knew they’d never spill out. She was extraordinarily good at holding her emotions in.
    Bravely, she angled her chin up and followed Bill to his office. The door shut behind her automatically, locking her into the stifling silence of the room.
    Positioning himself behind his desk, Bill leveled his gaze on her. He was creating distance. A sure sign that he was going to drop the bomb on her. Kat’s muscles tensed and her heart stopped in anticipation of what was coming.
    “Kat.” He shook his head ruefully. “You know the company is planning to axe about thirty journalists—”
    “I read the news.” Duh. The news was her life. How would she not know?
    Bill clasped his hands behind his back. “Don’t worry, that’s not what I wanted to talk about. You’re not going. We still need you here.”
    Kat clamped her lips so she wouldn’t smile or cry out in happiness.
    Making a loop in the air with his index finger, Bill carried on. “But sadly, there will be some people in our division who’ll be leaving. And that means we don’t have anybody to cover the city’s mayoral race. I want you on it. You were on the 2008 presidential campaign trail, so you can handle this without a problem.”
    Kat gave a confident nod. “I’ll do my best.”
    Some people would be irritated by extra responsibility and more work. Not her. She was excited. Energized. Honored that Bill had considered her