Storm Front (Reunited Hearts) by Curtis Rachel

Author:Curtis, Rachel [Curtis, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2013-07-04T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Allison had no idea what to expect when Jeff called her into his office that morning.

She’d been busy for the last three weeks, which was a relief since it helped to keep her mind off of Michael. The three articles she’d written based on her experiences with Tropical Storm Lydia had been unexpected successes, and Allison was hoping their popularity would be advantageous to her career.

So her best guess at the moment was that Jeff had a particular assignment for her, one he wanted to discuss in person.

She had no idea what it might be.

“Try not to be too grateful,” he began, without greeting or preamble.

“Okay,” Allison replied with a confused smile. She lowered herself into a chair and felt her heart starting to race in expectation. “I’ll do my best to restrain my gratitude.”

“I mean it,” he continued gruffly. He was a grizzled middle-aged man who was fighting an increasing waistline thanks to his fondness for donuts and Danishes. “Don’t get weepy on me or offer me any inappropriate favors.”

With a chuckle, Allison said, “I promise I’ll repress any inappropriate urges.”

Jeff almost never smiled, but she recognized dry humor in his tone. “I’ve got an assignment for you. Since you’re our voice for Lydia, I thought I’d send you—even though you’re not nearly important enough for this assignment.”

Allison was literally holding her breath now, excited jitters running up and down her spine. “What is it?”

“I want you to cover a benefit for the victims of Lydia next weekend. It’s a big deal. It’s not in our normal area, but since it’s connected to the storm, someone should cover it. It’s—”

Her heart dropped into her gut. “Not the one that Michael Martin is—”

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Jeff said, lifting his eyebrows. “So you’ve heard of it, have you? It's supposed to be a big hoopla. Art show, gala, all kinds of big-wigs coming in. I know you’re elated at the opportunity, but try not to faint or anything.”

Allison did kind of feel like passing out, but it wasn’t from joy or gratitude. She’d heard that Michael was planning the huge benefit, and she hadn’t been sure what to think of it. Several communities on the coastline had been devastated—including Sunset Cape Island—and the money raised through the benefit would be used to help rebuild the towns.

She wasn’t sure if it was a generous gesture on the Michael’s part or just a publicity stunt.

“Jeff,” she began, her voice cracking, “I’m not sure I’m the best—”

“Don’t get skittish on me. You’ve never been chicken about anything before—even stories that were way over your head.”

“I’m not skittish. It’s just that I know Michael…I mean, I knew him…a little. We grew up in the same little town and—”

“What?” Jeff’s bushy eyebrows shot sky-high. “You’ve known Martin all this time and never told me? Why the hell were you clamming up, girl? Perfect. Get an interview with him, and I mean more than just the press conference.”

Allison gulped. “I’m not sure—”

In his brusque way, Jeff simply talked over her, dismissing her attempt at explanation.

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