Chapter 32

My words shock Hugo. He doesn’t say anything at first, just gapes at me like I’ve grown a second head. Obviously, he wasn’t expecting my reply.

“I want to be a reporter for Harbinger News Network…” I say, making things clear. The job I want is not just as a receptionist or a cleaner or anything like that. I want a real job with real opportunities to interact with people and make meaningful connections.

With those connections, I could have more people in my corner during what is sure to be a difficult divorce. To win custody of my kids, I need as many good recommendations as I can get. What better way to gain those than by forming connections with people already in the public eye?

People that the public trust.

“Typically… to hire a reporter, we would require hefty background experience,” Hugo says. “Do you have a degree in journalism, or any kind of relevant experience?”

“I have a degree in journalism…” But it’s been ten years since I’ve even tried to utilize it. I don’t want to bring up my father, but the knowledge that he’s imparted onto me is also invaluable. It could help my cause here.

“My father has trained me since a young age with how to formulate and maintain relationships. I really think, if you just gave me a chance, that I can do it.”

Hugo rubs his hand along his chin. “When I proposed this competition, I really didn’t expect this particular outcome…”

“Are you going back on your word of giving me a wish?” I ask.

“No…” He sighs. “This puts me in a strange position. I can’t just hand you a high ranking reporter job, not until you prove yourself. But if we bring you in as a junior reporter… Yes. Then you can work your own way up. We’ll give you simple assignments first, but then gradually give you more.”

My heart jumps into my throat. “Does this mean you are considering it?”

He hums. “This means…” Looking at me, he slowly lifts his hand and places it on my shoulder. “Welcome to the Harbinger team, Esther.”

I gasp in joy and surprise. I thought he might put up more of a fight, that he would need more convincing. But here he is, giving me the position – at a junior rank, but still. From there, I can prove myself and push myself upwards. And I will do that.

I’ll be the best reporter at Harbinger News Network before long.

“Thank you, Hugo. I mean it.”

Hugo’s smile softened. “Your wish is my command.”

A small blush rose to my cheeks, as I suddenly became aware of weight of Hugo’s hand on my shoulder. He has a sturdy hand, strong and steady, even as he touches me gently.

“Thank you,” I say, softer, because I’m not sure what else to say. My thoughts and feelings are in somewhat of a scramble, trying to discern what any of this could mean.

It doesn’t mean anything. It can’t. Hugo is just a very nice person, of course.

Don’t read too much into this, Esther!

I’m so busy scolding myself that I don’t hear another person approach, until he says, “I hope I’m not interrupting something.”

Miles?!

I turn on my heel, following the sound of his voice. Miles storms toward us, his hands in fists at his side. If it wasn’t for the smirk on his lips, I would think he’s furious. As he comes closer, and I see the hurricane in his eyes, I wonder if maybe he actually is angry, and just hiding it.

Miles glances at Hugo’s hand on my shoulder.

“Touching Esther, are you?” he says, voice lilting as if he’s teasing, though there is an edge to it. “Does that mean you have recovered from your fear of women, Hugo?”

Hugo quickly retracts his hand from my shoulder and returns it to his side.

“What are you doing here, Miles?” I ask. He wasn’t on the guest list.

“I heard at the clubhouse about your hole-in-one victory against some rather rude individuals,” he says. “I thought I would come and congratulate you in person.”

“Yes, but why were you at the clubhouse?” I ask. Maybe this is pushing too far, but if he was set to show up today, I would have liked to be mentally prepared. For him to just show up out of the blue has me reeling.

“Amber invited me,” Miles says. “I assumed that neither you nor Hugo would mind my presence. I hope I’m not wrong about that.”

“No…” I say weakly. Miles has the status and power, that he’s ever welcome at the club.

Miles and I both look at Hugo. This is Hugo’s event that Miles is crashing. Even if Miles’s presence is allowed by the club, the final verdict on the matter would be placed on the event’s host.

Hugo looks exceedingly uncomfortable both with that responsibility and Miles’s presence. So much so that it makes me wonder if they don’t get along.

They clearly know each other to be on a first name basis. It also just makes sense for the heir to a news network to be very familiar with the youngest congressman in all of history.

Miles doesn’t give Hugo much time to deliberate.

“Hugo doesn’t mind. Honestly, man, I’m happy for you, being able to touch Esther’s shoulder. Rumors swirl about you, you know. I’m always trying to defend you, but they can be harsh. Most people don’t even think you’ve had your first kiss.”

“Miles,” I say sharply, watching Hugo’s usually confident demeanor flip like a light switch. Right now, he looks like he wants to dig a hole right here on the green and bury himself in it. “That’s enough.”

I need to take charge of this situation, both for Hugo’s sake and because it’s my job.

“Let’s go back to the clubhouse and we can discuss this privately,” I suggest.

Hugo shakes his head. “It’s fine, Mrs. Graham.”

What’s with the formalities? Did Miles really rattle Hugo that badly?

“I’m used to Representative Hamilton showing up in all kinds of places,” Hugo says. For the first time in a while, he lifts his gaze to mine. “You should know to be careful around him though.”

“There’s no need for that,” Miles starts. “I’m a perfect gentleman.”

“I’m known for keeping my private life private,” Hugo says. “This leads to vicious rumors and suspicions. But Representative Hamilton does not hold the same regard for his many… many female companions.”

“What are you trying to say exactly, Hugo?” Miles says, dropping his friendly act.

Hugo gives him a flat stare. “Exactly what I’m saying, Miles. You are a known playboy. Just because I can’t say that on air doesn’t mean I won’t warn my friends about you.”

“Is that what you and Esther are?” Miles asks, incredulous. “Friends?”

By now, I’ve had more than enough. I don’t know what exactly is going on here between these two men – who are acting like boys – but I am not some child’s toy about to be split in two.

“That’s enough, Miles,” I snap. “If you two won’t join me at the clubhouse, than I will excuse myself from your company.”

I head back to the golf cart to put away my club. “I trust you will see my bag delivered back to the clubhouse, Hugo?”

“Of course,” Hugo says.

“Good.”

I walk away from both of them, then, headed alone toward an employee only area. I need a break from the two of them, time enough to wrap my mind around Miles’s being here and all of the things that he said to Hugo and vice versa.

Unfortunately, I don’t make it very far before someone snags my arm.

I’m behind one of the outbuildings, hidden from sight from the clubhouse and the golf course but not quite to the employee break area yet.

It’s there that I suddenly find myself surrounded by four very drunk, very angry, familiarly rude guests.

They hold clubs in their hands, gripped like baseball bats.

“Where do you think you’re running off to, little miss hole-in-one?”