Page 4 of How To Tackle A Crush
Before I can reply, AJ’s phone starts vibrating across the desk.
He glances at the screen.
“Marie-Louise.”
He answers and immediately hits speaker, placing the phone between us when I get to his desk.
“AJ.”
Her voice comes through, thinner than usual but still carrying that very specific authority that suggests she could run the newsroom from a blanket fort if necessary.
“I assume from the fact you answered that you are still functional.”
“Yup. I clearly owe my dentist a thank you card. Without his insistence that he won’t have another appointment for a month, I would now also be cuddling with my toilet,” AJ says.
“Staying away was the only sensible decision made yesterday.” There is the sound of some dry heaving.
“How many are in the newsroom?” she asks.
“Just me and Ava. And Sheila.”
“Good. Is Ava there?”
“I am.”
“Right. We have a staffing crisis.”
“That seems consistent with current evidence,” AJ says.
I automatically reach for my notebook.
“AJ, I need you at the council offices. The mayor situation is escalating and I want someone there capable of asking coherent questions.”
“On my way.”
“Ava. I need you to cover the Westland press conference. At eleven,” she continues, “FC Carlisle is officially announcing Jack Westland in post.”
I stare at the phone.
“I’m a proofreader.”
“You are also the only other person currently present.”
“I correct grammar.”
“You can also take notes.”
“I do not know anything about football.”
“You know how to listen.”
I open my mouth.
Close it.
Try again.
“I really do think someone else might be more suitable.”
