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My heartrate kicks up a few notches as he stares me down. Cliche intimidation tactic.

“So, you’re interested in the GT Project.” He quips.

I nod, “Yes. I think I’ve proven myself over the last couple years to be a strong writer.

I’m consistent with all my deadlines and always exceed expectations with my pieces.

I am incredibly ambitious and take my job very seriously.

I know if I’m given the chance to join this team, I can make you proud. ”

He chuckles, rubbing his chin in thought. “Are you comfortable with travel?”

“Yes, sir.” I nod my head.

He schools his face, never giving away his thoughts.

“Are you good with a camcorder?”

"Yes, I’ve also dabbled in editing from time to time. If that’s needed.” I add.

“We have a team here that can do that. We just need the raw footage.” He jots something down on his notepad in front of him with a pen that probably costs as much as a diamond ring. “Are you willing to do whatever it takes to unveil what might be considered private information?”

I hesitate. Unveiling private information directly violates the moral code I’ve set in place for this job. It can be a brutal industry and I always wanted to be the good one. Is that being too na?ve? I don’t want it to be the reason I lose this opportunity.

“I’m willing to provide content that keeps our audience captivated.” I say instead.

He rubs his chin, a sound between a sigh and a chuckle escaping him.

“Look, Ashton, I’ve read your articles from time to time and they’re all great, but I’ve noticed a trend. It seems like you struggle with taking risks, afraid to offend your interviewees, and sometimes the cost reflects in the loss of your readers.”

I absorb his words, and the realization that good guys always finish last is a real thing. He sighs again and I know I have to make up my mind this second. Do I take risks and forego my moral guidelines, or do I pass up this opportunity and let Justina win?

“Blane, sir.” I clear my throat, sitting straighter.

“I know I haven’t been a risk taker for the exact reasons you mentioned.

It’s been my persona since I started here, my readers rely on me to be authentic and true.

I get that the truth isn’t always sexy, but I’ve remained one of the top three journalists in the last two years.

If I get hired on for this project, I can promise you that I will rebrand Ashton Crawford.

I’m willing to take those risks for the progression of my career. ”

He nods his head, a small smile fighting to break free. He places his pen down on his desk before standing.

“You’re in.” He states, reaching his hand over his desk.

“Thank you so much!” I jump up, taking his hand in mine for a firm shake.

“I’m giving you this chance. I look forward to the rebrand.”

“I won’t let you down.” I nod.

“I’ll email you your assignment.” He calls after me as I head for the door .

I smile before leaving, excitement rattling me at my core. I run over to Jake, unable to hide my smile.

“You got in?!” He asks, but my face gives it away immediately.

“Yep!” I squeal.

He hugs me quickly, then pulls away. “I knew you would. You’re Ashton Freaking Crawford!”

“Congrats!” The sound of Justina’s voice is like a needle to a balloon. “Looks like we both made it. No shock there.”

Of course she made it on the project, it was never a question if she would.

“You too.” I tell her, deciding not to be too bitter about it.

“Who did he assign to you?” She asks curiously.

“No one yet.”

“Really? He assigned me Taylor Swift.” Her smile is victorious.

The second she says the name, my heart sinks to the pit of my stomach. I knew getting THE top artist of the year was a long shot, but Justina getting her? That just hurts.

Before I can even respond, my email pings, diverting my attention.

Are you kidding me?!

Night’s Deadly Deeds? I understand not getting assigned to Taylor Swift, but not being assigned to anyone on the top ten?! This is a joke!

I jump from my desk, my body humming with anger, and head straight back into Blane’s office.

“Excuse me.” I interrupt.

He doesn’t even glance my way, just waves at me to speak.

“You emailed me my assignment and it’s a band no one has ever even heard of. I was thinking more along the lines of Billie Eilish.” I tell him knowing Taylor Swift is already off the table.

“Night’s Deadly Deeds has been increasing in popularity at such a fast pace making this a perfect piece to cover. I want you to find out what makes them so great and how they’re climbing the ranks in the short time they’ve been a band.” He brings his glare up to meet mine daring me to argue.

I close my eyes, take a deep breath. I have to remind myself that he’s taking a chance on me.

“There’s still plenty of potential for success with this band.

You’re going to be uncovering things no one knows.

The whole world already knows Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

I want you to take risks, but I don’t want you to flush your morals down the drain and that’s exactly what you would have to do with an artist that the world already knows inside and out. ” He explains.

He’s not wrong. Is it harder to find things no one knows about top artists?

Yes. It’s also a challenge I was willing to take on.

I want to take this as a compliment, but Blane is giving me an easy assignment calling it potential for success when I really know it’s his hesitancy to believe I’ll actually take risks.

Whatever.

“You’re right.” I concede.

“Safe travels.” He smiles, concluding our conversation.

That did not go my way at all and now I leave this Monday to follow a band no one has ever heard of.

I use the last hour of my day to memorize the tour dates, sort my travel and get everything squared away for next week.

Little Rock, Arkansas – here I come.