Her Last Best Fling by Candace Havens Page A

Macy started out as a reporter, she’d had to turn in only three columns a week. Her last job in Boston, she’d had to do a minimum of eight, and help with copyediting and online coverage.
    But the Tranquil Waters News was not a top one hundred paper. She was certain it wasn’t even ranked, though for a small paper, they had a good circulation.
    “I see. That is unfortunate.” Her words sounded cold, even to her. But she’d never been great at the touchy-feely stuff. Except when it came to Harley, that dog turned her into a pile of emotional mush.
    “So, you’ve been studying journalism. What year are you?” She forced a smile.
    “I’m a junior. I was all set to go to Texas State, but then Mom got sick again, so I enrolled online.”
    Rummaging through the old desk, Macy found her personnel file. She was only twenty years old.
    Holy hell. That explained so much.
    But they had to set some ground rules.
    “Are you really allergic to dogs?”
    The girl glanced at Harley. “No, but I’m scared to death of them. One tried to bite me once when I was a kid and I’ve never been able to get close to a dog since. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.”
    Macy nodded. “This one won’t hurt you. She is the friendliest dog. Aren’t you, Harley.”
    The dog lifted her head and cocked it sideways. A low grunt of what sounded like her agreement followed.
    Amanda laughed.
    “She’ll hang out with me most days,” Macy explained. “So it might be good if you two tried to be friends. I won’t force it, but if you’re going to make friends with a dog, this is the one to start with. I promise.”
    “I’ll try.”
    “Okay. Well, if you’re staying, we’ll need some changes. Ones that you and I will decide on together.”
    “I’ll do whatever you want, no problem.” Amanda held up her hand as if she were swearing an oath in court.
    “Good. To begin with, you’d better give me the lowdown on my other employees.”
    Macy listened carefully to each backstory. Amanda knew it all, which showed she had a propensity for getting the truth out of folks. Not a bad trait for a budding journalist.
    “I’ll come up with a code of conduct and expectations for you to sign off on. And we’ll consider the next two weeks as a probation period,” Macy said. “If that goes well, we’ll extend it.
    “As for your wardrobe, I don’t want you to feel like you can’t express yourself, but I do want to offer you suggestions on proper attire for the office.”
    Amanda made a weird face. “I don’t have any old lady clothes or sexy librarian stuff like you wear,” she said. “But I could maybe tone it down a little.”
    “How about we compromise with one bright color a day? And maybe jeans that don’t show more than they should?”
    “Fine by me. Would you like me to get you a coffee?”
    Hmm. That sounded good. “Tell you what, you like those lattes from the café. Why don’t you get one and I’ll take a black coffee. Here’s some cash. And then, please find out when everyone can come in for a staff meeting. We need to chat.”
    “That’s going to be a bit tough on Hugo, but I can give him a ride from the nursing home if that’s okay with him.”
    “We’ll figure it out. I’d also like to talk to the printer, and before you leave today, I need access to those books. I’ll hire an accountant this afternoon.”
    “Got it, Boss!” She hopped up. “Coffee, and then I’ll make the calls. Thank you!”
    Macy smiled. “You’re welcome.”
    Amanda turned back when she reached the door. “Uh, there’s one other thing.”
    Macy’s eyebrow rose, but she didn’t say anything.
    “I have to write a feature story for one of my classes. I know it’s a lot to ask, but if I can find the subject, can you just edit it for me? You know, like a real editor would?”
    Someone long ago had done that for Macy, and life really was about karma. “Sure. Just bring it to me when you’re ready.”
    A bright smile lit Amanda’s