Before You Go by Clare James Read Free Book Online

around Jules.
    “I know,” he says. “ That’s why we love her. So how do you guys know each other?”
    “Just met tonight ,” I answer. “But we’re in the same poly sci class.”
    I lean into Foster so I can also talk to Jules. The two of them tell me how they’ve been friends since high school and how they have a love/hate relationship with the paper. Jules loves it. She’s a photographer and has won all kinds of awards. Foster hates it because he’s a reporter and Noah only gives him fluff assignments.
    “Seriously, Tabby.” Foster lowers his voice . “Last year he made me write a piece on college fashion. Fashion, Tabby.” He stands up to illustrate his point, showing off his black jeans, beat-up sneakers, and orange hoodie. “Does that sound like something I’d even be remotely interested in? That is Jerk-him-off Jenna’s domain if there ever was one.”
    “Wait.” My st omach clenches. “Jenna Peterson?”
    “Yep,” Foster says. “The one and slutty.”
    “Why?” Jules asks. “Friend of yours?” She looks worried.
    “No,” I say a little too fast. “It’s just —”
    She had something going on with Noah and I don’t like it.
    Jules reaches for my arm. “Don’t worry, Tabby. She rarely shows. She just comes in when she absolutely has to. Our kind editor-in-chief pretty much gives her a free pass.”
    “I don’t really know her but have two classes with her and she gives me a bad vibe,” I finish.
    Not to mentio n she scares the living crap out of me.
    “She gives everyone a bad vibe,” Foster says. “Unless you have a big dick , or bigger bank account.”
    Jules pats Foster’s shoulder. “It’s okay, hun. You can’t have it all and you, my friend, have a big… personality .”
    “ Watch it, fun-size.” He laughs.
    Engaged i n their banter, I don’t notice Noah walk in. But suddenly I feel his eyes on me. The group quiets down and Noah leans against one of the computer tables. His expression is strained. His eyes are narrowed on Foster until he reluctantly glances in my direction.
    Gauging by the reaction of everyone in the room, there is no doubt Noah’s in charge of the entire operation. He sits on the edge of the table in my favorite pair of jeans—I can’t believe I have a favorite—and navy V-neck sweater, welcoming all the newbies. The staff started working before the semester began, so now it’s Noah’s decision where to put the new crop of interns.
    He exudes confidence as he describes our roles, gives a rundown of upcoming stories and schedules, and hands out assignments.
    It works for him. In so many ways.
    “Tabby,” Noah calls on me. “I’d like you to post the stories for the daily online edition. The reporters will have their articles in by five each evening, so that means you’ll have to work on layout once they’re in. It’s not a lot, but it will take a few hours each night. Will that work for you?”
    “Yeah, of course,” I tell him. It’s not like I have a booked social calendar or anything, and I need the credits.
    “Good,” he says, moving on to the next intern with hardly a look my way.
    At the end of the meeting, Foster bumps me in the shoulder. “We’re going to get a drink at Sasha’s. Wanna come?”
    The crazy thing is, I do. I open my mouth, ready to accept, before Noah walks over to us.
    “We’ll need to start working tonight, Tabby,” Noah says, standing behind me.
    “Oh, come on Adler,” Foster says. “Tia has it under control for tonight. Everyone else is starting their new positions tomorrow.”
    Noah swings around me. “I need her tonight, Foster. So stop wasting your time here and go hit on one of the other interns.”
    What?
    There is some definite animosity between these two, but I have no idea why. All I know is that I don’t want any part of the drama.
    “Whatever, boss,” Foster huffs. “We’ll catch you later,” he says to me.
    Jules shrugs and calls out. “See you in class!”
    “Tabby,” Noah