Smooth Play (Brooklyn Monarchs 2)

“Who won the 2010 cup?”

“The Chicago Blackhawks.” She hoped Bruce didn’t ask the team captain’s name. That she didn’t remember. “Why are you asking all of these questions?”

Bruce sat forward. He folded his hands on the flood of papers on his desk. “Our hockey reporter gave two weeks’ notice. That’s why I called you yesterday. The job is yours if you want it.”

Andrea blinked. This was a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree switch from her last job-hunting experience. “In two weeks.”

Bruce nodded. “That’s right. I hear Sports will fold in a month, give or take.”

The ticking time clock. Andrea was too aware of how long she had before she had to reach into her meager savings. It grew warmer in the room. She tugged a little at the high collar of her white polyester blouse.

Andrea looked at the stained and cluttered walls. She wasn’t a big hockey fan, but that would help her remain objective as she covered the season. She could learn the sport. Who was the New York Rangers team captain? She knew the New York Islanders hadn’t done well last season.

She returned her attention to Bruce. The editor’s sharp gaze seemed to sift through her thoughts. She wished she could do that to him.

“What’s the benefits package?” Not that she had much of a package with Sports.

“Medical. Dental. Five vacation and seven sick days after a year.”

That was identical to Sports’s benefits package. Five vacation days a year. That was disappointing. “And the salary?”

The starting salary Bruce named was exactly the same as she made now. Andrea swallowed a groan. “Is that negotiable?”

Bruce shook his head. “That salary is in line with what we pay all of our reporters with similar experience to yours.”

That was hard to believe. “What’s the salary range for those years of experience?”

“The salary we’re offering you is on the high side of that range.” Bruce’s eyes and expression gave nothing away. His chair whined as he sat back.

Andrea wished he’d sit still. “That salary is quite a bit less than I was hoping for.”

“I understand. But in a few weeks, you won’t have any income.”

The clock’s ticking grew louder. Andrea swallowed a sigh. “How soon do you need a response?”

“As soon as possible.”

Andrea’s brow furrowed. “But I thought your reporter gave two weeks’ notice yesterday? Why do you need a replacement so quickly?”

Bruce shrugged. “I want him to train you. Introduce you to his contacts. That kind of thing. It’s easier to do that if the two of you can work together for a few days.”

The pressure was building. She looked over her shoulder at the newsroom behind her. The newsroom that was interchangeable with the one in which she’d spent the past three years. She would argue that she’d grown during that time. The offer the New York Horn had made would be a step back. She was desperately in need of a step forward.

Bruce prompted her. “Isn’t something better than nothing?”

Andrea lifted her hand to rub the back of her neck. She paused midmotion. She’d picked up Troy’s mannerisms. His voice whispered in her ears. You’re a good reporter. Don’t settle.

She raised her head. “No, it’s not.”

Surprise flickered in his hazel eyes. “In this economy, you shouldn’t make rash decisions.”

“You’re right.” Andrea slipped her purse strap onto her shoulder and stood. “And taking this job would be a rash decision.”

Bruce rose as well. “Are you sure? Because there are other candidates I’m scheduled to see.”

Andrea recognized Bruce’s game. “You should hire one of them.” She offered him a smile and her hand. “Thank you for this opportunity.”

Bruce shook her hand. “Thanks for coming in. Let me know if you change your mind.”