“Of course I remember you. KILO-TV. I sent you a résumé every week for my entire senior year of high school, and then I sent you tapes in college. How are you?”

“I’m fine, thanks, but I’m at KLUE-TV now, not KILO. I’m running the evening news.”

“Congratulations.”

“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. We’re probably not the first station to call you, but we feel certain we’ll make the best offer.”

He had her full attention now. “Oh, really?”

Kate slid off the bed and stood next to Tully, mouthing: What’s the buzz?

Tully waved her off. “Tell me about it.”

“We want to do whatever it takes to make you part of the KLUE news family. When can you come in to talk to me about this?”

“I’m being discharged right now. How about tomorrow? Ten A.M.”

“We’ll see you then.”

Tully hung up the phone and shrieked. “That was KLUE-TV. They want to hire me!”

“Oh, my gosh,” Kate said, jumping up and down. “You’re going to be a star. I knew it. I can’t wait to—” She stopped in the middle of her sentence; her smile fell.

“What?”

“Chad.”

Tully felt something twist deep inside her. She wanted to pretend there was something to think about, a decision to be made, but she knew the truth, and so did Kate.

“You’re going to be a huge star,” Kate said firmly. “He’ll understand.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER
FIFTEEN

Kate pretended to focus all of her attention on driving Tully’s car, but it wasn’t easy. Ever since she’d picked her up from the interview, Tully hadn’t stopped talking, spinning out the old little-girl dreams. We’re on our way, Kate. As soon as I get an anchor spot, I’ll make sure they hire you as a reporter.

Kate knew she should put the brakes—finally—on this dual future of theirs. She was tired of following Tully, and besides, she didn’t want to quit her job. She had a reason, finally, to stay where she was.

Johnny.

How pathetic was that? He didn’t love her, but she couldn’t help thinking that maybe with Tully gone, she’d have a chance.

It was ridiculous, and embarrassing, but her dreams centered more on him and less on broadcasting. Not that she could admit that to anyone. Twenty-five-year-old college-educated women were expected to dream of more money and higher positions on the corporate ladder and running the very companies that had refused to hire their mothers. Husbands were to be avoided in the pre-thirty years. There was always time for marriage and children; was the common refrain. You couldn’t give up you for them.