Smokescreen

“Well, that’s a good thing because I’m pretty sure I’ve hit my limit. There’s no way I could love you anymore.”

Her mouth covers mine with a slow and sweet kiss before I have a chance to say anything else. There’s a buzzing inside my soul that’s been here since the first time I saw her. It’s time to get all this shit surrounding us taken care of so I can move on with my plan.

I paste a smile on my face the moment I spot her coming. Dani Watts, the local golden girl reporter, walks straight towards Max and me with her million dollar looks. She’s always been one of the contacts I use as a

go-to when I have a big client needing airtime. But she’s also the bitch who reported on my scandal and insinuated my firm wasn’t up to the challenge of handling the JOS project and my relationship with Max caused a power shift in the company. I don’t care how uncomfortable she looked on camera, she had the opportunity to alter the story and exclude those details. And that’s why she will not be conducting our interview.

“Stella,” she leans in for a hug but I cut her off my extending my hand.

“Dani.”

“I heard you were coming in today. I told my boss there was a mistake, no way would you want anyone reporting on your story than me since we’ve been friends for so many years. We’ve set up in the back studio and everything is almost ready.”

She introduces herself to Max and he nods coolly at her. The tick in his jaw tells me he wants to say something but is waiting for me.

“Dani, I specifically asked for Ellie.”

“Well, that’s not happening. She’s not prepared to do an interview like this and I am the anchor.”

“Are you saying Ellie refuses to interview Max and me?”

“She had no choice. She understood this was a job for a more seasoned journalist.”

“Just to be sure I understand you. Ellie is not doing an interview with us today? Your boss is aware and knows I asked for her directly.”

“Yes, Stella, of course. He knows though that I’m much better prepared and experienced to handle this type of public-”

“That’s too bad.” I cut her off and thread my arm through Max’s. “Honey, we drove all the way here for nothing.” We turn to leave.

“Wait! You can’t be serious! You’d rather have a puff reporter clear your name than me? She’s a piece writer. Concerts, movie premieres, local events are fine, but it’s me who you want.”

“No, you’re exactly who I don’t want. It’s Ellie or nothing. I made myself clear.”

Dani’s face falls with horror and embarrassment. “Listen, Stella. I’m sorry if I upset you. I was only doing my job.”

“I’m not upset. I’m pissed. There’s a huge difference. If you were such an experienced journalist, in your own words, then you would have had more tact and class when reporting on an accusation that had every opportunity to destroy my career. I’ve heard from almost every reporter in this town asking for me to give them a comment. But not you. It was your assistant that called. If we’re done here, we’ll be leaving.”

“Stop!”

I turn and see tears in her eyes. “I’ll get Ellie for you. She’s waiting.”

“You’re a piece of work. You thought I’d cave to your little power play? Do you know me at all?”

“I need this, Stella. But if I lose this for the station, I’ll be fired. Please don’t walk out,” she pleads.

I nod my head and watch her walk away slowly.

“That was hot,” Max whispers as he kisses my neck delicately.

“You think so?”

“Umm hmm.”

“Can we tell Jake I’m a badass too?”

His eyes glaze over in jealousy and then he smiles. “Yeah, babe, we can tell him. Not sure he’ll believe it though. He’s convinced you’re cotton candy.”

“Well, now we have a story to prove differently. I don’t like to be screwed with.”