The Mighty Storm (Raura Revised)

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

All the air has been sucked out of the room. I think I'm having a panic attack or something. I'm going to pass out.

"Take the call," Vicky urges pushing the phone closer to me. "You can't pass up this opportunity. The magazine can't pass up this opportunity, Laura." She looks at me wistfully.

But I just can't move my hand to take the phone.

"An opportunity Ross didn't even offer me himself." My voice comes out croaky.

My phone stops ringing.

We both look down at it.

Vicky retreats her hand containing my bomb of a phone with it.

"Maybe Ross just wanted to speak to me first. You know with me being your employer. He probably wanted to check it wouldn't cause any problems with your permanent job here first before offering you the job."

"Did he say that to you?" I look at her suspiciously.

"Yes, of course he did," she answers brightly.

She's so lying. He never asked her. I can't imagine Ross ever asking anyone for anything.

All he's done by calling Vicky first, is put me in a position where I can't say no.

Did he know that would be the case? And if so, then why would he do that?

"Call him back," Vicky urges.

I shake my head, swallowing down my dry throat. "I don't think I can. I don't think I can do this. I can't write a book, Vicky. I'm a journalist. A music journalist, not a novelist."

"You can. You are a wonderful writer, my darling."

I look up at her, mild panic in my eyes. I know what she's worried about. She's worried Ross will pull the bio from the magazine if I don't write it.

But he wouldn't do that.

"Ross will still have the magazine do the feature, even if I don't take the job, Vicky. He wouldn't pull it. I know him."

She shrugs. "I don't know, honey, I did sort of get the distinct impression you are part of the deal."

"Did he say that?"

"Not exactly."

Yes he did.

Crap.

"Why would he do this?" I say my thoughts out loud.

She smiles. "Maybe he just doesn't want to let you go this time."

"So he forces me to write his bio? No, that doesn't make any sense. I'm his friend. You don't force people to be your friend. I'd be his friend without this."

I'm so confused. I need to sit down. I slump back into my chair.

Vicky moves round and leans against my desk. "Maybe he doesn't just want to be your friend," she says softly. "And if that is the case, then this way he gets to ensure he sees a lot more of you, for a long while."

My eyes flash up to hers. "No." I shake my head. "It's not that."

He had the chance to make a move on me last night, and if I'm being truthful, I probably would have kissed him back if he had kissed me, but he didn't. And that's how I know that's not the reason.

I just have no clue what his motive is.

Maybe it's a genuine one. Maybe he thinks I'm a really good writer.