The Space Between Us

Settling In

By the end of the first week, I had managed to settle into a rhythm the work was challenging but satisfying, and every day I felt like I was learning something new the editorial team was kind, though everyone was busy with deadlines and meetings, so I mostly kept to myself the desk they had given me was tucked into a corner, just far enough from the center of the action to feel out of the way, which suited me fine

I had also started to notice patterns the way certain editors preferred their notes organized, which agents were more likely to send in potential bestsellers, and how everyone seemed to move with a heightened sense of purpose whenever Ms. Whitmore was in the office though I had yet to be formally introduced to her, I had seen her around more than once each time, there was something magnetic about the way she commanded attention she wasn't loud or imposing; rather, it was the way people naturally made space for her, the way she seemed to know exactly where she was going, and everyone else just followed

Despite my best efforts, I found myself gravitating toward the window that overlooked her office not in a creepy way, I told myself, but because it was a good place to think still, from time to time, my eyes would drift over to where she worked through the glass walls, I could see her at her desk, sometimes alone, sometimes with a team of people around her, discussing something that was always just out of reach

On Friday afternoon, after a long day of proofing a particularly dense manuscript, I decided to grab a coffee in the break room I hadn't had the chance to really get to know anyone yet, and I figured it wouldn't hurt to try when I walked in, I saw Jenny talking to two of the marketing associates, Olivia and Carla they stopped when they saw me, and Jenny waved me over

"Hey, Emma! How's it going? Settling in alright?" Jenny asked, her usual upbeat tone putting me at ease

"Yeah, everything's good," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Just getting used to everything."

"Trust me, it takes time," Olivia said with a knowing smile. "When I first started, I got lost in this office like, three times in one day. You're doing fine."

I laughed, grateful for the reassurance. "Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out where the bathroom is without getting turned around."

Carla smirked. "That's because they designed this place like a maze. I swear, they want to make sure you're really committed to finding your way."

We all laughed, and for a moment, the tension I had been carrying all week seemed to ease It felt nice to be included, even if only for a brief conversation over coffee

"Have you met Ms. Whitmore yet?" Olivia asked, and the question caught me off guard I quickly glanced down at my cup, trying to mask the sudden interest that sparked in me.

"No, not yet," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "I've seen her around, though."

"Ah, you'll meet her soon enough," Jenny said, leaning against the counter. "She's a bit intimidating at first, but she's actually really cool fair warning, though she's got a sixth sense for bullshit, so just be honest with her she appreciates that."

"Yeah," Olivia chimed in, "and don't let the gossip get to you there's always some rumor going around about her, but she doesn't care she's focused on her work, and she's damn good at it."

Carla rolled her eyes playfully. "She's like the office superhero or something everyone's either in awe of her or a little scared of her."

I smiled, but stayed quiet there was clearly a lot of admiration for Ms. Whitmore in this office, and I wondered what it was like to carry that kind of weight being the person everyone looked up to part of me wanted to be closer to that world, to understand it, but another part of me was relieved that I could keep my distance, at least for now

The conversation shifted to weekend plans, and I listened as they talked about going out to bars and meeting up with friends I didn't have much to contribute; my weekends usually consisted of curling up with a book or watching whatever show I was obsessed with at the time when I finally excused myself and headed back to my desk, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a whole other layer to this place that I hadn't even begun to uncover

Later that day, I was called into Mr. Wilkins' office he handed me a thick stack of papers, another manuscript that needed reviewing. "This one's a bit more complex," he said, giving me a tired smile. "But I trust you can handle it take your time Ms. Whitmore's keeping an eye on this project, so we want to make sure it's solid before it moves forward."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name It wasn't just that Ms. Whitmore was involved in the project it was that this was the first time my work would be connected, even tangentially, to hers the idea made me both excited and nervous I nodded, taking the manuscript from him with steady hands, though my mind was already racing

As I walked back to my desk, I couldn't help but feel the weight of it this wasn't just another task; it was something that would pass through Ms. Whitmore's hands, something that would matter to her and suddenly, the idea of impressing her became all too real

That weekend, I holed up in my tiny apartment with a cup of tea and the manuscript in front of me the words blurred as I read, but I forced myself to focus every sentence felt like a test, a challenge to see if I could catch the mistakes, if I could anticipate the notes Ms. Whitmore would make I spent hours on it, going over each page with a fine-tooth comb, not wanting to miss a thing

By the time Monday morning rolled around, I felt both exhausted and accomplished I had done the best I could, and now it was out of my hands when I handed the manuscript back to Mr. Wilkins, he gave me an approving nod

"Good work, Emma. I'll pass this along to Ms. Whitmore."

I walked back to my desk with a mix of pride and anxiety swirling in my chest this was just the beginning, I reminded myself I had come here to learn, to grow, and I was determined to make the most of it