“Ahhh,” I breathed as though I had just been reunited with a long-lost friend. After pivoting the bundle using a pair of ballpoint pens to prevent getting my fingerprints on the manuscript, I read the first page.
It was wonderful. I wanted more, but the book did not belong to me. It was evidence, and so, reluctantly, I did the right thing. I called Sean. When he didn’t answer his cell phone, I rang the main switchboard and spoke to Vanessa. She informed me that Sean was in a meeting but she’d send an officer to the agency to collect the envelope.
When the policeman left my office an hour later, I experienced a strange sense of loss. It would be months before I’d be able to read The Alexandria Society in its final polished form. But that was all right. I knew it would be worth the wait.
THE FOLLOWING DAY Bentley returned and immediately summoned me to her office. It was hard to imagine that not so long ago I had sat here, waiting to find out if I’d landed the intern’s job. That Friday, I was nervous, yet determined. Today, I felt like I’d been at this agency for years.
Bentley, who was wearing a white suit with black piping and a red silk pocket scarf, pulled a sheet of paper out of a file folder and placed it in front of her. She peered at me over her reading glasses.
“The other agents think very highly of you, Lila, and I’ve been impressed with both your instincts and dedication.”
“I enjoy working here,” I said, “despite all that has happened. I love the excitement of discovering a story that sparks the imagination, of encountering a fresh voice that I want to introduce to the world.”
“Yes, I sense that. Now, your three months internship has not run its course, but with Luella’s…demise, we need someone to take over her position. Based on your good work here, and on your newspaper experience, I’m offering that to you. Are you interested?”
It was all I could do to not jump out of my seat and scream my acceptance. Instead, I folded my hands tightly on my lap. “I’m most definitely interested.”
“The first six months will be a probationary period, but I expect things to go well. You’ll handle our romantic suspense and traditional mystery clients. The latter is an area in which you seem to have some expertise, considering your activities of late. Flora will take over the rest of Luella’s romance and erotica clients.”
“Flora? Erotica?” Relief mixed with surprise as I pictured the plump children’s lit agent blushing over manuscripts.
“Yes, she specifically requested this assignment.” Bentley slid over the piece of paper she’d earlier placed on the desk. “Here are the details outlining your new position—job description, salary and benefits, vacation schedule, travel reimbursements, et cetera. I trust it meets with your satisfaction?”
I read through the information, my eyes widening at the salary increase. Things were definitely looking up. Once my house in Dunston closed, I’d have enough money to pay for the damage Trey had wreaked on his high school and make an offer on the yellow house on Walden Woods Circle. If I was frugal enough, I could also handle Trey’s college tuition after I convinced him to change his mind. And I would be a full-fledged literary agent! I could feel the joy shining through my eyes. “Thank you, Ms. Burlington-Duke.”
“Since you are now a bona fide agent of Novel Idea, please call me Bentley.” She stood and reached out her hand. “Congratulations, Lila.”
I shook it, understanding that this was a dismissal. “I’d better get to work.”
Just as I reached her door, she called me back. “One more thing. I’m giving you the responsibility of hiring a new intern as your replacement.”
The other agents were gathered in the break room, and as I walked past, the expression on my face must have told them what had transpired in Bentley’s office, because they applauded. Jude held out a plate of cinnamon buns. The pastry in the center bore a lit candle.
“Congratulations, Lila!” called Franklin, raising his mug in a toast.
I stood in the doorway and drank in the moment. “Thanks.”
“I had a feeling about you from the first, dear,” Flora said as she dipped a tea bag in and out of her cup.
Zach brushed past me. “I gotta run, babe, but Zach Attack is totally stoked that you’re going to need a brand-new shiny name plaque!”
“Thanks. Me, too.”
Jude gazed at me with his chocolate brown eyes and smiled. “You deserve this promotion, Lila. And we’re glad you’re staying, even though your first weeks here have been somewhat eventful.”
“That,” I said, “is an understatement.”
In my office, I could no longer contain my excitement. In the midst of all that had happened, my ambition had been realized. I did a little victory dance, feeling the gladness bubble up from deep inside. I picked up the phone and dialed my mother’s number.
“Why, hello, Ms. Hotshot Literary Agent,” she said by way of greeting.