Effortless by Lynn Montagano Page A

triumphantly. “You’re an angel.” He rubbed his hands together and left with just as much zeal as when he entered. Leaning back in my chair, I sighed. Meredith appeared at my door, looking unsure of herself.
    “Come on in,” I grinned.
    “You handle him so well. I wouldn’t know what to say because he’s always talking so fast and moving from one topic to another.”
    “He’s all bluster. I’ve learned over the years to let them spout off whatever they feel is so important to say and then tell them what’s actually going to happen. Being straightforward and firm with them will get you far. It all comes with time.”
    Meredith flopped onto the chair in front of my desk. Conservatively dressed in a tan pencil skirt and dark blue blouse, she looked the part of a hopeful network employee; her dark hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, stylish glasses rested on her nose and her gorgeous mocha complexion glowed. She didn’t wear much make up, just a little gloss on her lips and a touch of mascara to bring out her round, dark brown eyes. She was unassumingly pretty with a shy, quiet way about her.
    “Did the files I dropped off on Monday help with preparing for Mr. Garrison’s interview?”
    “Absolutely. I really appreciate it.”
    “Oh, good. I’ve done some additional research on him if you need to fill the extra time Julian requested.”
    “I’m think I’m all set, unless there’s something else about him I need to know.”
    “Well,” she looked down, “he’s gorgeous.” The blush that stained her cheeks was vibrant.
    “I meant anything professionally.”
    Laughing nervously, she fidgeted with her skirt. “He’s very charming, intelligent, direct and to the point.” She thought for a second. “He rarely does interviews like this. I suspect that’s why Julian is so excited.”
    In all of my encounters with Brent he’d seemed quite outgoing and not opposed to being the center of attention. Or maybe that was just when Alastair was around and he felt the urge to needle him whenever possible.
    “You’re exactly his type, you know,” she continued. “He’s only thirty-two and you’re what, twenty-seven? He’ll probably ask you out.”
    “I’m actually in a serious relationship,” I said, twisting my ring.
    “I’m sorry. That’s right. You’re engaged to Alastair Holden.” Her blush deepened. “I shouldn’t be talking about this at work anyway.”
    * * *
    ‘Hurry up and wait’ should be painted in large letters on walls in every single newsroom and television studio in the world. Sure, the hectic times were insane but for the most part, we waited. We still had about an hour and a half before going live so I decided to see what Julian was up to. He was relaxing and reading through scripts when I popped into his office for a brief meeting.
    “You are becoming the toast of the town,” he announced, swiveling his monitor so I could see the photos of me from the coffee shop that had been posted online. One caption in particular made me cringe: HOLDEN’S AMERICAN ARM CANDY WINS THE DIAMOND
    “Everyone wants to know about you. These idiots don’t know how to handle a story of this magnitude. I say we do an exclusive with you next week—d”
    “Stop right there,” I interrupted. “Hell will freeze over before I say one word to the media about my relationship. It’s not for sale and it’s not a story. People will get bored with me soon enough when they realize—”
    “They will never tire of Alastair Holden. Don’t you understand? He’s the golden child of a billion dollar media empire who also happens to have one of the most tragic back stories I’ve ever heard. People are fascinated by him. They can’t get enough of him because he’s so goddam private. You’re their window into his life. Just think of the—s”
    I stormed out before he could finish. What an ass. I expected photographers to jump out at me and strangers to stare but not my own co-workers. Fuming, I