Chapter 302

Tessa’s POV

I didn’t like having to leave home for the day to go to work knowing I had the entire coven staying at my house. But Esmeralda assured me that she and Patty had everything handled so I had to trust her. If I didn’t show up for work today, I would definitely get fired. Besides, Joseph was coming to my work today to act as part of Joseph Evergreen, the famous and mysterious author and professor.

I’m supposed to act like I don’t know him.

Per usual, Ashley gave me attitude as soon as she saw me. Her eyes flickered up and down my body and she gave me a scowl as I walked by her.

“Didn’t think you were actually going to show up today,” she said, folding her arms across her chest. “Megan wasn’t too happy that you bailed on your duties yesterday.”

“I worked from home yesterday,” I assured her.

“You better have progressed with that interview,” Ashley sneered. “Megan does not like inconsistent work. This isn’t the same as the online magazine. We have structure here and we expect everybody to show up for work in a timely manner.”

“It won’t happen again,” I assure her. I quickly went into my office before Ashley could say anything else.

I’m not in there for long though because Morgana walks into my office as if she owns the place. I had to stifle a groan; instead, I gave her a polite smile.

“So, did you meet with him?” She said, folding her arms across her chest and peering down at me.

I wasn’t sure what to say. I didn’t want to get her hopes up in case something came up and Joseph couldn’t make it. But I also don’t want to disappoint her.

“I left him a message,” I decided to say, making her raise her brows. “I got hold of his actual phone number and I left him a message asking for an interview. He hasn’t responded yet.”

She looked utterly pissed and I winced under her scrutiny.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Morgana said through her teeth. “I would have had this interview in the bag by now. Are you trying to make us look stupid or something? Megan Huxley is not going to be happy about this…”

“I’m not going to be happy about what?” Megan asked, stepping into my office. “I was just coming to see if Tessa decided to show up today. I have some extra work for her that I need to do by the end of today. Just some profiling.”

“She didn’t get the interview,” Morgana told her. “I told you it was a bad idea to give the new girl this huge assignment. She obviously can’t handle it. I should have been the one to take this assignment. You know me, Megan. I would have had this interview in the bag by now. It’s pathetic that she hasn’t made any real progress.”

Megan raised a perfectly trimmed brow as she looked at me.

“I thought you said you were on the case yesterday, which is why you didn’t come to the office for work. What exactly have you been doing all day if not getting an interview with Joseph Evergreen?” Megan asked, her lips forming a thin line.

I swallowed the lump that was deep in my throat.

“I spent time getting his phone number,” I told them. “I left him a message. I can’t force him to talk to me.”

“It’s basic journalism,” Megan said, not sounding amused in the least. “I had more faith in you than that Tessa. I must say, I’m very disappointed in your progress for your first assignment.”

She handed me the manila folder she held tightly in her hands.

“I need these on my desk by the end of the day. Basic profiling for the next big article,” she told me just as she turned away and started to walk toward the door. “You can handle that, can’t you?”

“Yes, mam,” I said, trying to sound as confident as I could.

“And what about the Joseph Evergreen story?” Morgana asked, following her toward the door. “Clearly Tessa is incapable of project that important.”

Megan paused for a moment and looked at me from over her shoulder.

“You’re right. Tessa, you’re off the case. I’ll have a new project for you tomorrow morning. It’ll be smaller and I might need to rethink your role with our company. But I’ll start with that,” she said without any emotions in her voice. It felt like someone had punched all the air out of my lungs. I had to sit down before my legs completely gave out and I fell over. She then looked at Morgana who seemed pleased with herself. “Morgana, you are on the case. I’m sure you’ll be able to do a much better job.”

“Yes, of course,” Morgana said, flipping her long locks of hair over her shoulder and glaring at me.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I stared back at her, not sure what to say or do. Any minute now, Joseph could walk through that door for our interview, and I’m not even working on the case anymore.

I felt sick to my stomach.

Morgana and Megan left my office without saying another word. I heard Ashley snickering, probably hearing that entire conversation.

I wanted to sink into my chair and just cry but I knew I couldn’t. I needed to prove myself one way or another. I grabbed my phone and texted Joseph.

Me: Today is a nightmare. They are upset because I didn’t make any progress with my project.

It didn’t take long to receive a reply.

Joseph: Did you tell them you got an interview with me?

Me: No because I wasn’t sure if you were still coming or not. I didn’t want to look foolish if not.

Joseph: Why would you think that? I don’t break my promises to you, Tessa. I told you I’ll be there, so, I’ll be there.

Me: What if something comes up?

Joseph: Then, I’ll deal with it and still get there. I wouldn’t let you down like that. I promise.

I smiled at the text message; hopefully, it wasn’t too late to redeem myself.

I spent the rest of the afternoon profiling and then I heard a familiar voice at the front desk. My entire body froze, and I waited in anticipation for Joseph to appear.

“Hey, there. I’m here for an interview with Tessa Campbell. We spoke for a while yesterday and I told her I might stop by today if I have time so we can do a more thorough interview,” Joseph said to Ashely.

“And who are you exactly?” Ashely asked, bitterly.

I rolled my eyes at her tone of voice.

“Oh, sorry. I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Joseph Evergreen.”

I swear, Ashely gagged on something. I wish I could see her face, but I was still behind the closed door of my office, hanging onto their every word.

“YOU’RE Joseph Evergreen?” She gasped. “Are you serious??”

“The one and only,” he said in return.

“What’s going on?” I heard another voice that I knew was Morgana, coming out of her office.

“Joseph Evergreen is here for an interview,” Ashely explained.

“What??” Morgana gasped. “Hold on one second!”

I heard footsteps running past my office and toward Megan’s office. A few minutes later, both Mean and Morgana were emerging and greeting Joseph in the main lobby.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Evergreen. I’m Megan Huxley. CEO of the Fable Magazine New York Branch,” Megan said, and I knew they were shaking hands without looking at them. “I’m sorry for the mess, we weren’t expecting you to be here today. But we definitely had planned on it soon. How about you come on back and we can talk in my office.”

I opened my office door slightly and peeked my eyes out so I could see what was going on. None of them noticed me watching them, but I noticed them. They were standing way too close to Joseph and Morgana was batting her long lashes up at him and biting her lip.

“I’ll join you,” Morgana said. “I would love to get to know you more, Mr. Evergreen. Might I say, you are way more handsome than I thought?” She put a hand on his upper bicep and gave it a squeeze. He looked shocked by the gesture.

“Morgana, please,” Megan said, swatting her away and taking Joseph’s other arm in hers. “He doesn’t need any young girls drooling over him. Isn’t that right, Mr. Evergreen?”

She ran her hand up the length of his arm and I felt physically ill from the gesture. It took everything I had not to barge in there and say something to them. But I bit my tongue, hoping that Joseph would put a stop to it.

Thankfully, he physically removed Megan’s hand from his arm and stepped away from the thirsty woman.

“It’s nice meeting you ladies as well. But my interview is with Tessa Campbell,” he tells them, much to their shock.

“What?” Morgana asked, her mouth hanging open.

“There must be a mistake. Tessa is no longer on this case,” Megan said, shaking her head.

Joseh frowned.

“That’s not what it seemed like yesterday when we spoke over dinner,” Joseph said, tilting his head ot the side. “We talked a little bit about her assignment on me but not much. I figured I’d surprise her at work and do a more thorough interview.”

They all looked shocked speechless at his words. When none of them said anything, Joseph cleared his throat and asked, “Can someone point me to her office?”

Before they could say anything, I opened the door the rest of the way. Joseph grinned at me, and my heart melted from seeing him. I tried to appear professional though and not lovestruck.

“Tessa, there you are,” Joseph said, stepping away from the women and heading towards me. He offered me his arm as soon as he reached me, and I took it without a second thought. “Shall we continue where we left off yesterday?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, glancing at the others who were still gawking at us. Then, I looked up at him and smiled. “Step into my office.”