Hey, I’d promised not to sue them over it. I hadn’t said anything about keeping my mouth shut. Besides, I was still a little miffed at having that damned Small World theme still stuck in my head. Seriously, if the CIA needs a new torture technique, they need look no further than those singing dolls.

I finished typing up my column, emailed it to Felix, and jumped in the shower. Once I was clean and smelled like Forest Rain (or so my shampoo promised), I contemplated my closet, anxiety rumbling through my stomach as I tried to pick out the perfect meeting Black for the first time outfit. I tried on a sundress and heels, but, after a quick turn in the mirror, discarded them. Too girly.

I slipped on a tank top and a pair of khaki capris, but they felt a little too trendy. Again, not really me.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure why I cared so much. I kept telling myself I was likely meeting some greasy-haired, goober-faced dork and was, in reality, in for an inevitable letdown.

Still, I tried on a third outfit, finally settling on jeans, my hot pink converse, and a purple T-shirt with a flaming pink skull on the front. Maybe not the trendiest or most feminine, but it was totally me.

I took a little extra time doing my hair, even gelling the ends, and put on some mascara and lip gloss before grabbing my Strawberry Shortcake purse and heading out the door.

While meeting Black was all I could think about, it was only ten. So, I took a cab to the Informer’s offices, figuring I’d put in an appearance with Felix first. Not something I was entirely looking forward to, considering the number of unanswered messages he’d left me yesterday, ranging from, I saw the column. Call me back if you value your job, to the less subtle, When I get my hands on you, Bender, I’m gonna… trailing off into a variety of swear words that totaled at least six fifty.

Still, I made my way up to the second floor and bravely knocked on the glass door to Felix’s office before pushing inside.

He was bent over his desk next to Allie, heads together, both staring at something on his computer screen. When I walked in, both immediately looked up, guilt marking their faces at being caught in such close proximity.

Ah, so, um, Allie said, clearing her throat loudly, I’ll, uh, have final copy to you by noon. Then she quickly slunk out, head down even though it did little to hide the blush covering her cheeks.

Which left me alone with Felix.

I sucked in courage. Hey, I said, giving a little wave.

Bender. I was wondering when you’d show up.

Sorry, I mumbled. It’s been a long couple of days.

No kidding. Cal just filled me in.