Page 44 of Marisol Acts the Part
The Hollywood Today office is a lot posher than I expected.
Sleek marble floors, alternating between red and black cubicles in the company’s signature brand colors.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the corner offices with a perfect view of bustling Bryant Park.
Glossy framed photos of past covers along the walls—complete with signatures.
Hollywood Today isn’t a gossip mag, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from a company that regularly puts out articles like Which K-Pop Girl Group You Should Stan Based on Your Zodiac Sign.
Annaleigh Small, editor-in-chief of the Celebrity News column, meets us in the large conference room off the main waiting area.
Bowls of M I’ll gladly tell my story to anyone who’ll listen.
It’s about fairness. Fatima is the entire reason we’re here.
Fatima’s the one who stayed up until three in the morning helping us put together this proposal.
Fatima deserves to be credited for this interview.
Annaleigh is frozen for several seconds before she finally speaks again. “We don’t typically allow interns full-scale pieces like this,” she says carefully, keeping her tone controlled, but not covering up the passive-aggressive bite.
“This piece was Fatima’s idea,” I continue, ignoring the concerned looks both Jamila and Fatima are sending my way. “And I only feel comfortable talking to someone I trust.”
Not technically true, but whatever I have to say to make sure Fatima gets the job she deserves.
Eli does a terrible job of hiding their snort behind their hand, and Esther nudges them playfully in the ribs.
“Fine,” Annaleigh says through gritted teeth. “But she has to work closely with a senior writer who will be present at every interview and oversee all drafts before she submits them to me.”
“Deal,” I reply eagerly before she can take back the offer, shooting a smile at Fatima as we shake on the agreement.
“Thank you,” she mouths as she clutches her clipboard to her chest. I settle back in my seat, tuning out Annaleigh as she continues going over the logistics, and reach out to take Jamila’s hand, running my thumb over her knuckles.
I’m the one who should be thanking them.