"Trenton I'm headed to work" Anna hollered through the house hearing silence in reply, "shit he went into work this morning. God that's embarrassing. Hm Mr. P?" Anna joked petting her cat as she walked past him. Sitting on the chair near the door she forced her feet into her chunky tennis shoes.
Pulling up to the publishing house, Anna parked her car into the lot before heading inside. She got in the elevator pressing the 3rd floor button before pressing her own. The doors opened on to the 3rd floor Maddy's desk in plain view, Anna waved making Maddy perk up with excitement. The doors closed slowly bringing Anna up to her own work floor.
Stepping out onto her own work floor, Anna made her way to her desk, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling publishing house. She settled into her chair, pulling up her computer and preparing for the day ahead.
Throughout the morning, Anna found herself immersed in her work, emailing a few authors about upcoming deadlines. Her boss also gave her a few notes on the book she was still working on. Apparently after going through and essentially rewriting the first 8 chapters it was finally starting to piece together.
"I see that you have gotten more life experience. Im not going to ask about your recent person life but it has been working well for you. I talked to one of our publishers and they are looking for a new author. Since I can't look at your book more than just notes since its a conflict of interest, I recommended you. I sent you his office information and email. You have a meeting with him shortly so make your way upstairs" Mrs. Nodak
"Mrs. Nodak, Thank you" Anna smiled shaking her bosses hand.
"Mr. Hoder is expecting you soon so go deal with that I have work to do." Mrs. Nodak was intimidating and often not very emotional but you can tell she cares. Especially since she gave Anna an actual office in the fire remodel.
Anna nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as she gathered her things and made her way to the elevator. As the doors closed behind her, she couldn't help but replay Mrs. Nodak's words in her mind. This could be a game-changer for her career.
As the elevator ascended, Anna took a deep breath, steadying herself for the meeting ahead. She knew she had to make a strong impression if she wanted to secure this opportunity. With her manuscript finally starting to come together, she felt more confident than ever in her abilities as a writer. Though she wished she had picked a more professional outfit. Her platformed chunky converse, black flowy pants and t-shirt that she tucked into her waistband didn't really scream 'endorse me'
When the elevator doors opened on the top floor, Anna stepped out into the sleek, modern lobby of Mr. Hoder's office. She approached the receptionist, who greeted her with a warm smile.
"I'm here to see Mr. Hoder," Anna said, her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
The receptionist nodded, checking her appointment schedule before motioning for Anna to follow her. They walked down a corridor lined with framed book covers and literary awards.
Finally, they arrived at Mr. Hoder's office door. The receptionist knocked lightly before opening it, allowing Anna to step inside.
Mr. Hoder was a man probably in his late 20s, his olive complexion was beautiful and his dark hair was combed back neatly matching the sleekness of his suit. He was tall and muscular but didn't compare to Trenton.
"Annaleah, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, gesturing for her to take a seat. "I've heard great things about your work from Mrs. Nodak. She speaks very highly of you."
Anna felt a surge of confidence at his words, her nerves dissipating slightly. She knew she had to seize this opportunity and make the most of it.
"Thank you, Mr. Hoder," she replied, meeting his gaze with determination. "I'm excited to discuss the possibility of working together."
"Nodak sent me your first rough draft and I did agree with her about the dull feeling but she said that since the fire and everything you seemed to find a way to light up your writing. Sorry for the pun. I read what you have recently written and I find it promising"
"Well thank you sir"
"I would like to give you an advance paycheck for the first half of the book- revised chapters and release it as a test to see if it would be good to officially publish." Anna smiled as Hoder spoke releasing that there was a good chance that she could soon become a published author.
"That sounds amazing Mr. Hoder thank you. I can tie up the last of what I have and send it to you by the end of the day"
"Alright Annaleah that sounds great and please call me Riley" At that he stood up holding out his hand, Anna stood as well giving him another handshake.
"Thank you M- I mean Riley" She smiled partially stumbling over her feet as she exited the office doing a little dance as she walked.
Waving goodbye to the receptionist, she skipped happily to the elevator before sending a detailed description of what just happened to her 'cool name pending--' group chat that consisted of Dawson, Maddy, Trenton, and herself.
Trent<3- Thats amazing baby!!
Mads- Time to quit your job and vacation in Cabo
Dawds- Are we sure she's that good?
YOU ARE READING
Playing with Fire
DragosteAnnaleah Prestley grew up in a small town where she was a loner. Often by herself Anna became independent at a young age. Straight out of high school she started writing. She moved to Seattle to work at the Holt and Burke publishing house. She was...
