Spring River Valley: The Spring Collection (Boxed Set) Read Free Page A

higher on the bridge of her nose.
    “Maybe fifty-nine seconds. I’ve got a meeting in circulation in five minutes.”
    Evie plunked herself down in the chair in front of Janet’s desk. “I’ll be quick. I need to get out of Lifestyle. If I have to write about one more adult education class, charity event , or supermarket opening, I’m going to lose my mind. I need some real news.”
    Janet took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “Don’t we all? Look, you know I’ve been telling you since you started here, you have limitless potential. You write well, you cut to the heart of things, you meet your deadlines. Bring me big news, and I’ll be thrilled to give you a front-page headline.”
    “How do I do that when Chad gets everywhere first?”
    Chad Marchand was the Herald’s golden boy. Most days his stories were headline news, second only to major world events that came through the global news service. Janet insisted that to survive in the digital age, their small-town paper had to offer the residents of the Valley and surrounding communities something they couldn’t get from the Internet, and that was local interest. “People like to read about themselves, so what happens in this town is our world news , ” Janet had said time and time again.
    “Chad has connections all over town, and let’s face it, he’s pushy.” Janet picked up her copy of the day’s edition and opened it to Evie’s article. “This little blurb you did on the karate guy—”
    “Self-defense instructor.”
    “Self -defense instructor—it has snap, it hints at scandal. I like that. It’s interesting, but it’s not hot. It drums up business for him…in fact, I’m thinking of taking the class myself. I could use some…personal attention.”
    Evie rolled her eyes. “You’re too young.” She dismissed the unpleasant thought of Tanner Croft putting his arms around Janet and whispering sexy commands into her ear.
    “Hey, I’ve lied about my age since I was sixteen, but that’s not the point. The point is, write me a story that sells papers, not self-defense classes. Or try your luck in advertising.”
    Evie’s pulse raced at the thought of actually seeing her byline on page one, but getting a story that fit Janet’s criteria was easier said than done, especially when her schedule for the week included covering a spring garden show, a local theater production, and research on a piece about the history of Easter eggs. The hottest, sexiest story she could think of had passed her by last week. She rose when Janet did and followed her out of the cramped office. “So if I bring you something hot and sexy, you’ll kick Chad off the front page for me?”
    “I’ll kick Chad into orbit if you can get me a story that sizzles. Hook up with a photographer—maybe Max Shannon, he’s good. Listen to the police scanner, chase an ambulance. Do whatever you have to, and I’ll put your name up in lights. I’m late, so scoot.” Janet hurried off toward the circulation department, leaving Evie staring at her own very clean, very neat little desk. It wasn’t the desk of a news reporter. News was messy, it took risks, and it was time she started to do the same if she ever wanted to make a name for herself and turn this writing job into the career of her dreams.

Chapter Three
     
     
    “This place is crawling with men.” Bailey Cole nervously scanned the crowd at Colette’s. The restaurant’s informal search for a cover band had morphed into a major social event, and the place held twice the number of people than on a typical Friday night.
    S itting next to Bailey at one of the pub tables that faced the makeshift corner stage, Evie giggled into her piña colada. “You could sound more enthusiastic. I haven’t seen this many hot guys in one place since my last college mixer.”
    “I am enthusiastic. I’m also a little overwhelmed. I didn’t think the place would be this packed.”
    “Well, enjoy it. This is good for you. You’ve