“Tell them you’ll give them an interview on one condition. They print what you and I saw verbatim. Any deviation and they get no exclusive.”
“There is one reporter that reached out that I like. She claims sh
e can have the story up by this evening. She runs her own magazine, so she has more control.”
“That’ll work.” Lance’s phone beeped with a text from Grant.
6:30 PM... Grant: Read this. NOW.
Lance added. “I’ll send you my comments and you can relay them to her.”
“Perfect.” Andrea groaned. “I’m so sorry, Lance.”
He pulled up the article from Grant. Was this the same story that his father mentioned? “Me too. It’s going to be okay. Take care.” He hung up and read the article.
If you’re reading this, then you know Lance Taylor’s engagement to Andrea Williams is over. Some blame me. I can’t fault them. I had a history with Lance, but once you hear our story, I hope you find compassion in your heart. If not, I told the truth.
I met Lance when I was in high school. We were friends at first, but things changed once he lost his sister. Amelia Taylor. You know her. Best swimmer in town!
Lance and I made our share of mistakes. He did the right thing in asking me to marry him, but we were told we were too young. Another tragedy broke our hearts ten years ago. I left after he told me it would be better.
We didn’t fight for each other back then, but I moved on thinking it was best. Coming back here, I took a chance when I saw him again. It didn’t bother me at first that he was marrying someone else, but I fell in love with him all over again. He felt the same way. We didn’t go behind anyone’s back.
I wanted to do the right thing. So did Lance. He and Andrea parted ways on their own. I didn’t break them up. The only thing I’m guilty of is loving a man whose family thought I wasn’t good enough for him. I may never be, but if you’ve ever lost a love and had the chance to win it back, would you take it?
I love this town and the people. You gave me my first chance as a writer in Delta Heights. I don’t know if I’ll stay or go, but this place is home.
Lance clutched his phone. Chantelle. Where was she? Looking through his other messages, he saw hers from the other day. How did he miss it? Lance packed the rest of his things in a hurry. He wasn’t losing her again.
Chapter 26
Chantelle looked over the grassy fields one more time. Wild grass and weeds grew at the shoulders and in the ditches. Pebbles bounced along the road while she listened to the whinnying of horses in the nearby field. Dry dust and grass seeped through her nose and she licked her lips to relieve her dry mouth.
She almost ignored the call from Brenda, but it was better to face the truth. What surprised her was they didn’t fire her. They appreciated her honesty in her article and wanted her to stay with them.
“You’re kidding?” Chantelle tucked the curls behind her ear as they blew in the wind.
“I’m serious. The board doesn’t want to lose one of its best writers. Congratulations!”
Chantelle only sighed. “Thank you. I appreciate it, but...”
“But what? Chantelle, I thought this was what you wanted? You’re climbing up the ladder. I’ll even give you more freedom with your articles and—”
“I quit.”
“You what?” Brenda sounded like she was choking.
“I quit. My resignation is effective immediately. I’ll be back soon to pick up my things.”
“Why? I thought this was your dream. You’ve worked so hard,” Brenda said.
“I have. I’ve made sacrifices and compromises, but the magazine is not for me anymore. I’ve grown a lot since I’ve been back home. I can’t lose that.”
“Are you sure?” Her boss asked.
“I’m sure.”
Brenda sighed. “I guess I can’t do anything to change your mind.”