UNDERCOVER {Competed} 😌

chapter 1(i)

Mercy Roberts
I was staring on a high rise window and deep down I was battling a bout of self pity. Excited voices buzzed behind me but my enthusiasm was as flat as the notes from a spring guitar.
"Can you believe it?" A man sifted right behind me whispered on my ear. This brought my senses back. "I've got an exiting assignment,"he continued.
"Wonderful," I whispered back insincerely. I wanted really to be happy for him, I really did but...
" maybe I can talk to the chief editor into giving you a nice one," he said sympathetically.
I smiled weakly and said, " thanks but I can take care of myself."
" sure"
I saw his doubtful look as I turned around to face him, and I wondered for a thousandth time why, at almost the age of 30 years, people still viewed me as a defenceless child. Hadn't I insisted on working my way to college, even though my parents could have easily afforded it?
Hadn't I done everything and anything so that everyone can view me as capable?
Yes! Yes I had!
So why doesn't anyone take me seriously?
And this morning the times staff meeting was a perfect example.
Why was everyone getting important assignment while I ,once again was being overlooked. All I ever got was reviews. Reviews of movies and books. And I hated them.
The magazines editor in chief cleared his throat, his usual signal that he was about to say something very important, and i had to tore myself away from my dismal thoughts.
" last but not least," my boss started pausing for dramatic effect,"the pop star Jim and fashionista laura Caro's wedding." The buzzing stopped and all heads snapped at his direction.
" The wedding as you all know is a top secret, so we need someone undercover. That is a real problem because there will be security everywhere and everybody cab recognize any of our staff. Except..."
My chest tightened, my heart skittered then slowed as I reminded myself that it couldn't be true.
"...For shortie there" he said waving his hand on my direction. Although I hated nicknames referring to my height I couldn't help but smile.
"The kid?" Asked one of the reporters
My smile faded.
" she cannot handle it alone" protested the junior editor.
" I can help," offered a drop dead handsome co worker who had showed unreturned romantic interest in me.
I shot to my feet." I can do this. I'm ready for this story. More than ready."
" sit down," my boss directed. He surveyed the table and the roar quickly died down. " out only other option is to hire someone else and I am not hiring an outsider. She will have to do this piece. Discussion over"
I flopped back down on my chair and I let the triumphant smile return. This is my chance and I cannot blow it. I have finally had a chance. This story of a lifetime is mine. All mine.
" Now,here's the deal,"my boss advised me." Go look for a job in that ranch. As a Cook or something. Right now they need extra help because of the wedding. I want you there before nightfall."
I nodded,
" There's one problem though," the chief editor said. It's seem the ranch only hires couples. In other words shortie, you got to find yourself a husband.