Turn Over

“Thanks, Eden. It’s not really a great story.”

“He won’t say anything.”

I didn’t know what that meant. I wanted to analyze it, but I didn’t have time to try to decipher his mind games.

I finally felt cool air breeze over my face. I tucked the phone back in my bag. Maybe things were starting to turn around. My boss had noticed my work. I had my first social invitation since moving to South Padre, and I was about to shake down a source. I smiled, pulling out of the parking lot.

“Hey, Matt.” The intern was bobbing in his chair.

He looked up from the computer. I thought I saw him quickly exit out of a game of solitaire.

“What’s up, reporter girl?”

“Not much. Thought I’d stop by and see if you have anything new for me.” I glanced over his desk. It was just as messy as last week.

He shrugged. “Nothing really. Hey, did you hear about the concert at Bongos? I’m going with a bunch of my buddies. You should check it out.”

“Oh wow.” I pulled the strap on my bag. “Maybe I’ll do that. When is it?”

“Tonight.”

I made my best disappointed face. “Aww, I have plans tonight. I’ll have to check them out another time.”

It didn’t seem to faze him. “Yeah, do it for sure.”

I slid one of the manila envelopes to the side. “Have you had any contractor applications come through for the Lachlan resort?”

Matt swiveled in his chair, lifting his feet off the ground. I was starting to think he was in middle school instead of college. “Got a stack of applications back here.” He handed a pile to me. “I haven’t opened them yet.”

“Clearly.” I smiled. I wondered how many days this stack of mail had been sitting unopened. “Maybe I can help you with it.” I held the letter opener in my hand and began to slice through the tops of the envelopes.

There were applications for fences and new driveway pads. Homeowners building extensions to their houses or adding a garage. I flipped through each one, making a new pile for Matt. Somewhere near the bottom I found it.

“Hattman and Jones,” I whispered.

“You’re pretty awesome. You just saved me a ton of work.” Matt threw the discarded envelopes in the trash.

I smiled. “Glad I could help.” I read through the application. It was a standard general contractor assignment. I couldn’t believe I was the first one to land the information. I scribbled the details on my reporter’s pad and handed the form to Matt.

“Hope you have a great time at the concert tonight.”

“Dude, you know it.” He bobbed in his seat.

Any fear I had that he was going to pursue me had vanished. This was a kid without a care in the world, or one ounce of focus.

“Thanks for the help. See you soon.” I waved as I dashed to my car. I had calls to make to the Hattman and Jones office, research to do on their hiring practices, and a story to finish before five. If Alice was happy with me earlier today, this was going to make her ecstatic.

I filed my story right before deadline. It was nice not to scramble. I had three stories in the books today.

As I was packing up to leave, Alice’s door opened.

“Paige, stop by on your way out.”

“Ok.”

I turned off my computer and clipped my bag closed. I tapped on her door, and opened it slightly.

“Have a seat,” she directed.