A Cowboy Family Christmas. Judy Duarte

Dear Debbie quit without notice, I had to find a replacement and make adjustments. The column comes out every Friday, so I pushed your deadline back to give you time to write it. But that meant I had to review it quickly. I’ll admit that your column isn’t a huge priority to me, especially since the readership isn’t that big. But the fans we do have are very loyal. And they’re vocal.”

      Lainie didn’t doubt that the lovelorn column was at the bottom of the editor’s priority list. Not that she knew what was at the top. She had no idea what the Brighton Valley residents expected to see in terms of news and special interest stories. At least, not yet. She’d have a much better idea after she researched her new community and the various organizations needing volunteers the next time she went to town. She’d even take her camera with her. Who knew what photo op she might find? Or what interesting tidbit she might learn. There were sure to be plenty of people or activities going on that she could use for a future article.

      Mr. Carlton cleared his throat. “A Monday deadline isn’t going to be a problem for you, is it?”

      She’d wrapped the phone cord so tightly around her finger that it had turned red, so she loosened it as she attempted to reassure her boss. “No, not at all. I’ll get my next column to you with time to spare.” Now all she had to do was to reassure herself that she’d come through for him again.

      And to pull that off, she’d have to find Sully. Maybe she could bribe him with brownies.

      “That’s just the kind of response I like in my staff,” Mr. Carlton said. “My full-time staff.”

      He didn’t have to say any more. If Lainie wanted a bigger and more important position at The Brighton Valley Gazette, she’d need to keep her self-doubt at bay.

      “You won’t be disappointed, Mr. Carlton.”

      “We’ll see about that.” He muttered something under his breath—or possibly to someone else. “Listen, Debbie—or rather, Lainie. I have a meeting and need to get ready for it. I’ll let you go so you can get started on the next column. I can’t wait to see it.” Then he hung up without saying goodbye.

      Lainie completely freed her finger from the cord, released her death grip on the receiver and returned it to the wall mount. Then she straightened her stance and blew out a ragged sigh.