Fourth Down (Portland Pioneers 1)

“If you’re somewhere tropical, I’m going to hate you forever,” I tell Camden as I close my eyes. We went to school together, both majoring in broadcast journalism. When we first started dating, I was smitten with him and decided to follow his path, minoring in meteorology. The weather was never really on my radar until I met Cam. There have been times over the past couple of years that I wish I had listened to my parents and minored in sports or something else. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, just not where I do it.

“Okay, I won’t tell you I’m in the Florida Keys.”

“Ugh, I hate you.”

“I know you do. Any luck yet?”

“No,” I say. I keep my eyes closed. “I’m giving up hope.”

“The right job will come along.”

“And the right market. I’m not saying I want to be the next Willard Scott.”

“No, that would be impossible. First, you’re not a man . . . thank god. Second, you want to be the first Autumn LaRosa. You don’t want to follow in someone’s footsteps but blaze your own path, which I fully believe you can do.”

“You know when you say things like this, I ask myself why we ever broke up.”

Camden chuckles. “Because we both want careers, and right now, they’re taking us in different directions.”

“You’re right.” I hate that he is, but he is. We’ve just always been better friends. The type who are very supportive of one another.

“Damn, woman, you have no idea what those words do to me.”

“Shut up,” I tell him, rolling my eyes. I sit up and glance into the mirror. At least I don’t look as hideous as I feel. “All right, I’m going to go. I had to cover this morning, and now I either need a nap or an early bedtime.”

“Keep your head up, Autumn. The right job for you is out there. You’ll find it.”

“Thanks, Cam.”

We hang up, and instead of changing back into my street clothes, I decide to check my email. Most of the notices are from the listserv I belong to. Numerous conferences are happening, some of which I’d love to attend, but it’s near impossible at the moment. I see one for Florida and mentally flip Camden off for being down there right now. I realize I never asked him why he’s there and make a mental note to check for any hurricanes or tropical storms forming in the ocean.

The one email that catches my eye is a job I interviewed for about six months ago. When I didn’t hear back—not even a “we’re not interested” response—I figured they were looking for someone with more qualifications than what I had to offer.

For some reason, I hesitate before opening the email. Knowing my luck, it’s spam, or they’re inviting me to their next cocktail event, not realizing I don’t work for them. My thumb hovers over the email as I look at the sender’s name. “This is stupid,” I say to myself. “It’s not like I’m waiting for test results or something life-changing.”

Hello Autumn,

We’re excited to offer you employment with our station, MCAX.

The rest of the email is a blur, and I have to read it repeatedly to make sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. I get to the last line, the second most important line of the entire email. There’s a number to call if I want to accept this job offer. My thumb, the hesitant one from earlier, presses the phone number lightning fast.

“Leon Woolworth’s office. Sherry speaking.”

“Um, yes, hi. This is Autumn LaRosa calling in regard to the email I received.”

“Hello, Autumn,” Sherry says as she types. “Mr. Woolworth is expecting your call. Hold please.”

As if I’d hang up.

“Autumn, Leon here. How are you?”

“I’m well, and you?”

“I’ll be better if I know whether or not you’re bringing your talents to my station.”

“I am. I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.” Holy crap, did I just say yes to a new job? Not just any job but one in a much larger market where I know I can thrive? My heart is pounding so much right now. I don’t know if I should close my eyes and practice some deep breathing or get up and dance until I can’t move anymore.

“Perfect.” It sounds like he’s clapped his hands or slapped his desk. “The evening team is excited to have you.”

Surely, I didn’t hear him correctly. “I’m sorry, but can you repeat what you just said?”

Leon laughs. “Autumn, we want you for our evening news. We think you’ll be a great addition to the crew. You’ll work with Aiden Marchetti, who does sports, and Selena Rich and Arthur Brentwood, who do the news. Lisette Maver is your assistant; she’ll reach out to you tomorrow to introduce herself. Once we’re done talking, Sherry will send your contract over. When can you start?”