Chapter 36
Amelia
I take a deep breath, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I log onto the computer after working a full day at the Pulse Bulletin.
My heart pounds, a tight knot forming in my chest, but I push through the nerves, trying to steady myself.
This interview with Lincoln Media is a big opportunity, one that could change everything.
The name of the interviewer, Mya, flashes on the screen, but my excitement is already being overshadowed by doubt.
What can I bring to the table? What do they see in me?
But then I remind myself that Adrian wouldn’t have recommended me if he didn’t believe in my potential.
And they wouldn’t have agreed to interview me if they weren’t open to the idea.
I have to believe that I have something to offer, that I can do this.
Plus, even Luna has agreed to be a reference for me, and I know that says a lot.
I glance around behind me, the space temporarily transformed into something cleaner and more professional. My mom and Hazel took the kids to the park to give me some silence, promising to keep them occupied for as long as necessary. It means the world to me.
Straightening in my chair, I tuck my hair behind my ears. I chose a black blazer over a simple blouse, pairing it with comfortable pants. Just in case they catch a glimpse of my full outfit.
This morning, Adrian had sent me a message wishing me luck.
Adrian: You’ll do great. Call me when it’s done. I love you. x
His support calms me more than I expected as I reread the text. The monitor flickers, and then she’s there. A woman with sleek brown hair, wearing a sophisticated long sleeve burgundy blouse. Her background is a pristine, modern office, the kind of place I imagined city offices looked like.
“Hi, Miss Richards. How are you today?” she asks, her voice warm.
I smile, though my fingers grip the armrest of my chair. “I’m good, thank you. How are you?”
“Good, good. I’m Mya, the HR recruiter for Lincoln Media. I’ll be walking you through today’s discussion regarding the full-time fashion and lifestyle editor position.”
I nod, keeping my expression composed, even as my pulse quickens.
“I’d love to start by giving you some background on Lincoln Media, just to ensure you’re comfortable with us as well.”
“Of course.”
As she speaks, I take in every detail. How the company was founded, their mission, their reach in the industry. It’s everything I hoped for, but I listen carefully, making notes.
Then come the questions.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” she asks, pen poised above her notepad.
I exhale slowly before answering. “Still in this town, hopefully working as a journalist on fashion and lifestyle. I’m really passionate about those topics.
I think Lincoln Media has some things I align with, and if the fit is right for you, I’d love for Lincoln Media to be that position.
I would love to take on more responsibility as the opportunities arise as well. ”
She nods approvingly, writing something down. “How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?”
“My approach starts with prioritization. I assess what’s most time sensitive and then work backward from that deadline. I track progress and I’m not afraid to ask for help or resources if needed.”
She nods before briefly looking down and then back to meet my gaze. “How would you handle a situation where a designer is unhappy with the way their collection was featured in your publication?”
“First, I’d reach out to organize a direct conversation; either a call or in-person meeting.
I’d listen to their concerns and explain our decision-making process.
If there’s a genuine error, I’d own it and discuss how we could correct it in a follow-up feature.
And for future features, I’d want clearer communication, so having their input beforehand. ”
Her eyes twinkle with amusement. “That’s a great answer.”
The interview continues, flowing more easily now. Finally, she leans back slightly and offers a suggestion. “Would you be open to writing a trial piece? It would give both you and us a chance to see if this is the right fit before making it official.”
I nod eagerly. “Of course, I could absolutely do that.”
It’s perfect, really. It gives me a chance to prove myself without the pressure of a full commitment just yet. If it doesn’t work out, I won’t have to feel like I let Adrian down.
The interview wraps up, and as soon as I log off, I grab my phone to text Mom to let them know I am done.
Next, I dial Adrian. He answers on the first ring.
“How’d it go?”
I laugh. “You’ve been waiting by the phone, haven’t you?”
“Of course. Now tell me.”
I pace the room. “It went really well. They want me to write a trial piece before making an official offer.”
“That’s amazing. I knew you’d impress them.” There’s the faint noise of the hospital in the background, machines beeping, muffled voices, speaker announcements. “I better let you get back to work. Just wanted to update you.”
“When you get the job—and you will—now that I’ve got the keys, we’ll celebrate.”
“Definitely.”
I hang up just as the front door swings open, and the kids come bursting in, their laughter echoing through the house.
Heading out of my room, Felix races past me, and my mom appears behind him, her eyes searching mine for an answer.
“Well?” she asks, her face lighting up with anticipation.
I smile. “It went great. I’m writing a trial piece for them today, just waiting on the email for the topic they want me to cover.”
She pulls me into a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”
I hug her tightly. I feel proud of myself too.
I spend the rest of the afternoon at my desk, the email open in front of me. My trial assignment…a feature on a new fashion line debuting at an upcoming runway show. My fingers hover over the keyboard for only a second before I start typing, the words flowing easily.
Summer Atelier Unveils a Bold New Collection.
Summer Atelier is known for pushing fashion boundaries, and their upcoming fashion show proves it again. The new collection blends tailoring with relaxed style.
Think of structured blazers over sheer slip dresses and bold color blocking that breaks the usual seasonal rules.
Textures take the center stage, with soft leather, airy silk, and metallic thread. Every piece feels purposeful, telling a story through fabric and shape.
But the heart of the show? A powerful collaboration with Karley Lincoln. Her floral artwork turns clothing into wearable art.
This isn’t just a fashion show. It’s a move toward something fresh, romantic, and deeply expressive.
I go on to explore standout pieces from the collection in detail, including a dark green trench coat with Karley’s hand-painted peonies on the lining.
I delve into Summer’s background as an artist, tracing her journey from her days at school to this career-defining fashion collaboration, and then I bring everything together with a quote from Summer Atelier.
“Fashion should make you feel something beyond just looking good. Karley’s work reminds us that beauty can be both bold and tender, and that’s exactly what we want people to carry with them when they wear these pieces.”
(Pictures here of the artists and a few of the pieces from the new collection.)
Before I hit send, I hesitate for only a second.
I want them to get this article as soon as possible to show how serious I am, and how much I want this.
But more than that, I want an answer. My fingers pause over the keyboard, my heart racing with the certainty that this is exactly what I want to do.
I hold my breath and press send. The moment it’s gone, a mix of relief and anxiety fills me.
There’s no taking it back now. I stare at the screen, then immediately reach for my phone to text Adrian.
He deserves to know. He’s been my biggest supporter through all this, and I want to share this moment with him, even if it’s just the waiting part.
Later, I’m at the shops with Violet, wandering through the aisles of Pulse Boutique, a shop filled with home décor.
Something about the vanilla candles and the jazz playing overhead through the speakers just puts me in a shopping mood.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Violet asks as she scans a shelf filled with ceramic vases.
I run my fingers over a textured glass sculpture. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But when I see it, I’ll know.”
Violet raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “That’s very specific.”
I laugh. “Adrian got the keys to his new place, so I wanted to get him something for the house. Something that represents us or him.”
“Well, that’s helpful.” She laughs.
I sigh, shrugging. “Yeah, I know. And he’s a guy, so that makes it even harder.”
She gestures toward a section labeled New Finds in elegant gold script. “Well, Pulse Boutique is the place for unique stuff. I’m sure we’ll leave with something.”
As we wander deeper into the store, I find it. A piece that immediately calls to me. A framed quote that says, ‘Gobble Gobble.’ I pick it up, and a slow smile spreads across my face. This is the one.
Violet leans in, peering at my choice. “That’s… so weird.”
I turn to her. “Why?”
She presses her lips together. “I mean, I just don’t think it’s a normal housewarming gift. But you know what? Who am I to say that it’s not a good gift for Adrian?”
For a brief second, doubt flickers in my mind, but I push it away. No, I know him. He’ll love this.
At the counter, Eloise, the shop owner, eyes my purchase. “What’s this for?”
This is the problem with towns where everyone wants to know everything.
“A housewarming gift.”
“You bought this as a housewarming gift?”
“Right? That’s what I said,” Violet chimes in.
Eloise shakes her head, amused. “Usually, people go for platters, candles, vases… something neutral.”
I straighten, reinforcing my decision. “Trust me. He’ll love it.”