After checking her Twitter numbers—a healthy follower bump since appearing at the White House—Natalie made herself look very busy scrolling through news articles: “Lystra Family Has A History of Paying Off Women”; “World Leaders With Migraines”; “Orlando Woman Makes Jewelry from Dehydrated Breast Milk”; “Is Porn A Public Health Crisis?”; “Justin Bieber Sings Duet With Down Syndrome Girl.”

So Justin Beiber really is still a thing? Why would—?

“How’s your mother, the bride?”

Natalie looked up to see Matt Walsh sliding into the seat next to hers.

“She’s fine,” Natalie said warily, wondering who invited a Beltway reporter to ATN’s town hall. “Why are you here?” she asked, caving to her curiosity.

Matt feigned hurt. “Is that any way to greet your new colleague who’s just trying to be friendly?”

She felt panic course through her. “New colleague?”

“Someone is out of the loop,” he chided. “ATN acquired Beltway last week. The official announcement is today.” He grinned into her frown. “I know, I couldn’t be happier either. You and I, together at last, like the besties we were meant to be. Should we share passcodes now or wait until after we’ve had our nails done in the same color?”

“Maybe we should skip ahead to the part where we both like the same guy and have a falling-out and never speak again,” she suggested.

“I just love your sense of humor, Savage,” he went on pleasantly, ignoring the Chicago-in-February cold shoulder she was aiming in his direction as well as her question.

“Are you sure you want to sit here? There are so many other nicer seats closer up,” Natalie said, trying to figure out whether he was serious about being her new colleague.

“I’m good.” He said studying her.

Her iPhone buzzed with a message from her sister, which usually made her feel better. At least it was a perfect excuse to ignore the swamp creature next to her.

SARAH: Are you sitting down?

Usually.

NATALIE: Yes. But I’m going to stand up now because I don’t want to hear anything that’s prefaced that way. Nothing good ever comes after those words.

SARAH: I think Gerald and Mom are going to a nudist resort for their honeymoon.

NATALIE: I AM STANDING UP. I AM NOT SITTING DOWN. YOU CAN’T SAY THAT WHEN I AM STANDING UP.

SARAH: And when I say I think, I mean that they are. I wanted you to know so you can get used to the idea.

NATALIE: THERE IS NO IDEA. I CAN’T HEAR YOU BECAUSE I AM STANDING.

SARAH: And not freak out.

Natalie had, in fact, stood up, though obviously it had not done her any good. But it did give her a perfect vantage point to see Bibb walk onto the now nearly full newsroom floor—with Reality Show Ryan right beside her.