Break of Day by Mari Madison Read Free Book Online Page A

his face, the confidence in his step caused anger to rise inside of me. I knew it wasn’t justified; he had nothing to do with my not getting my promotion. But I couldn’t help being furious at him all the same. It was just so easy for him, wasn’t it? He never had to worry about being passed up for a promotion. His job had been passed down to him from birth. He didn’t have to worry about working his way up the ladder. It was his ladder to begin with. He could just waltz into the newsroom like he owned the place.
    Because he
does
own the place
, something inside me snapped.
And you’d best remember that.
    I realized he’d approached the printers. The other production assistants—including Anna—were staring at him with wide eyes. Not surprising, I supposed. After all, someone like him should barely know of our existence on the planet, never mind deem us worthy of talking to.
    He reached into his pocket and pulled out my speech. “I thought you might want it back,” he told me. “You know, for memory’s sake and all.” He grinned. “I have to admit, it was an amazing toast. Got a lot of laughs. And I definitely saw some tears.” He paused, then added, “You’re a good writer, Red.”
    The words hit me hard and before I knew it, tears had sprung to my eyes. I turned away, not wanting him to see.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” I heard him ask.
    â€œNothing,” I snapped. “I’m fine.”
    But he was having none of that. And a moment later his hand was on my arm and he was dragging me into a nearby empty office. I let him—what else could I do?—knowing everyone was watching. Once he closed the door, he turned to me.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” he asked, the joking lilt in his voice replaced by seriousness. “Are you okay? Is your mom okay?”
    I looked up, surprised he had remembered why I had left the wedding. Then I sighed. “I’m fine,” I said. “It’s just . . .” I shook my head. “That job. That stupid job I told you about yesterday. They gave it to someone else.”
    â€œI know.”
    I looked up, confused. My eyes still blurry with tears. “You know?”
    â€œYeah.” He shrugged. “Some girl named Anna or something? But whatever.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Like I said, it was a terrible job.” He winked at me and grinned.
    Rage erupted inside me like a volcano. It was all I could do not to punch him in the face. “Do you think this is a joke?” I demanded, my voice cracking with fury. “Do you have any clue what we go through down here—just to catch a break?”
    â€œPiper—”
    â€œYes, it was a crappy job. It was shitty hours and shittierpay. But it was mine. I deserved it. And I’m not going to just stand here and let you make fun of me for wanting it.”
    I stopped, unable to continue. He was looking at me with the strangest eyes. I wanted to turn and run. But at the same time I didn’t think I could go out there—to let everyone see how upset I was. I couldn’t let them witness my defeat.
    I swiped my eyes with my sleeve then reached for a tissue to blow my nose. “I’ve got to go,” I muttered. “I have scripts to deliver.”
    â€œNo,” Asher said quietly, “you don’t.”
    I turned back to him, a bitter taste in my mouth. “What?” I spit out. “Are you firing me, too?” Why not, right? At this point I wasn’t even sure I cared.
    â€œNo,” he said. “I’m promoting you.” A smile played at the corner of his mouth.
    I scowled. “Please don’t. It’s not funny.”
    â€œGood. Because it’s not a joke.”
    â€œBut Anna Jenkins . . .”
    â€œAnna Jenkins got a terrible job. You’re getting a better one.”
    Something thudded hard in my chest. “What is it?” I