Page 84 of Let's Kiss and Tell

I wait for her to leave and then pull up my work instant messages. I look for my conversation with Marsh and send over a document.

Lucy Reid:

Here are the notes from Brixley Carter’s interview if you want them. I also added Christina Logan’s notes so they’re all in one place.

Marshall Oakley:

Morning, this looks great. Thank you.

Lucy Reid:

Also, did you get Jonah’s invite for tonight? Happy Hour?

Marshall Oakley:

Yeah, I’ll be there.

Lucy Reid:

Excited! See you later.

Monthly happy hour at the Arts District Brewing Company is a tradition atThe Journal.The invite always goes out to the company-wide instant messaging group so that every employee is welcome. I spot Jonah at a high-top with Aisha from health and wellness, Shanna from sports, Marsh, and a man who looks familiar, but I haven’t officially met. “Hey!” I squeeze beside Jonah.

“Hey,” Jonah says. “Where were you?”

“Parking has gotten worse around here,” I say, taking a sip of my five-dollar beer.

“That’s why I validated.”

“The cost to validate just offsets the happy hour,” I say.

He grabs a mozzarella stick from the basket of communal appetizers on the table. “I think of it as money I would’ve spent anyway.”

I take a sip of my beer and try not to look at Marsh too long from across the table. It’s weird being out in public with him andnotacting like we’re together. Ironically, it’s been easier topretend that we’re a couple. I want to stand beside him, have him put his arm around me.

“Lucy”—Marsh gestures to the man beside him—“this is Sam. He’s on the news team.”

Sam tips his beer my way, earning a smile. “Nice to meet you, Lucy.”

“Lucy writes the sex and relationships column atThe Rue,” Marsh says.

“How are you liking it?” he asks.

“It’s good. I’ve been here for almost four years, so I guess I’m liking it?” I laugh. “How long have you been atThe Journal?”

“About two years now?” he says. “It’s been crazy, but thank god Marsh came in. He’s been churning out stories like a machine.”

Marsh bashfully sips his beer then changes the subject. “Also, Jonah, I read your interview with Anna Wintour. Loved it.”

“You did?” Jonah says, the corners of his mouth tilting up in surprise. “Wow, thanks. Are you into fashion?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Marsh replies. “But I try to read everything.”

“Speaking of,” Shanna interjects, “I read your story this morning, Lucy. It was good! It’s different from your usual stuff.”

“In what way?” I ask.

“The relationship part of it all?” Jonah offers.