Page 85 of Mr. Perfect

Jillian gave Lisa a look that shouted “you poor pitiful soul.” Her words had been much more eloquent though. “Iama Christian, Ms. Loren. I’m looking to take down fake Christians who twist words and phrases from the Bible and use them to cause great harm, especially to children. No one is above the law. I will not allow rapists and abusers to hide behind a pulpit.”

Felix studied Jude’s smug face. “Why would an attorney of her stature have time for such an insignificant issue?”

“Because she’s my mother, andyouare very significant tome.”

Felix paused midway through the newsroom on Monday morning when he realized everyone was staring at him.

“What? You’ve never seen a man who was nearly blown up before?” he asked.

“We’ve never heard you whistle before,” Sanja said. She slid her glasses higher up her nose to see Felix better.

“Or smiling,” said Jerry Symon.

“Sanja, I’m sure you have a new restaurant to rip apart,” Felix said before turning his attention to the other brave soul who spoke up. “And you, Jerry. Wasn’t there a Little League tournament this weekend that needs your attention?”

Both of them continued to stare at Felix like he’d grown two new heads, so Felix continued to his office without further comment. He screeched to a halt when he saw Jimmy waiting outside his closed door.

“Oh, hi,” Jimmy said, straightening away from the door. He held a notebook against his chest. “I wasn’t sure you still wanted to do this after the weekend you had. Are you okay?”

Do this? It took Felix a minute to remember the email he’d sent the rookie reporter before leaving the office on Friday evening. So much had happened since then, it was hard to believe only a few days had passed.

“I’m fine, Jimmy. Thanks for asking.”

Felix opened the door and gestured for Jimmy to enter the room.

The younger man hesitated on the threshold. “I can come back later if this isn’t a good time.”

Felix sighed. “Jimmy?”

“Yes?”

“Do you want my help or not?

“Of course. Your email made my weekend. It quite possibly made my entire year so far.” Jimmy’s face fell and he squirmed a little. “God, I sound pathetic. You must think I’m a loser.”

“No, but I can see I have my work cut out for me.” Felix clasped the man on his thin shoulder. “Are you ready to hear rule number one?” Jimmy nodded eagerly. “It doesn’t matter what others think about you. They don’t get to decide who you are or where you belong. They sure as hell don’t decide your capabilities.”

Jimmy’s smile was tenuous and timid. “That’s where I want to be, but how do I get there?”

“You fake it until you believe it. One day you’ll wake up, and you won’t be pretending any longer.”

“You make it seem so simple.”

Felix grinned and gave him a good-natured shove into his office. “It’s harder than it sounds. The biggest obstacle you’ll face along the journey is yourself. I have some tips.”

Felix coached Jimmy for the next half hour by sharing personal stories with him about Felix’s triumphs and failures. The young reporter listened carefully and asked the right questions.

“You’re great at writing and even interviewing people when you forget about your insecurities.”

“Writing comes naturally to me.”

“It shows,” Felix said.

“Thanks.” Jimmy’s blush was kind of cute. He broke eye contact and looked at the notes he’d made.

“Your homework is to write an article about our training session. It will be for my eyes only, but I want you to pretend as if it will go on the front page of the paper. I want to know what you’ve gleaned from my wisdom and the steps you’ll take to achieve more confidence.”

“Easy enough,” Jimmy said as he wrote down his assignment.