Essie’s face was still and unreadable. “You know my work is off-limits.”

“It wasn’t in your writing room, and I couldn’t help myself.” All of her emotions felt on edge. “Are you going to fire me, or not?”

Essie’s mouth twitched into a brief smile, then settled back just as quickly. As she stroked the handle of her vintage teacup, her stare seemed to laser through Liv’s skin. “No, I’m not going to dismiss you.”

Relief flooded Liv’s body. Before she could say anything, Essie continued, “I’d like your opinion on something.”

Liv’s stomach jittered, and she wasn’t sure if it was with fear or excitement. “Oh, okay.”

Essie opened her top drawer and took out a magazine, the Chicago Globe Literary Review. She tossed it toward Liv and folded her arms. “My agent sent this recent review to me, for Few and Far Between,” she said. “It’s dated April Fools’ Day. I assume it’s not a hoax.”

Liv gulped. She wasn’t good with dates, always forgetting birthdays and anniversaries, but the author was highly superstitious about them. She read a section of the critique, for the novel she’d just been listening to. It was a fair summary, albeit with a weary tone of voice.

April 1, 2019

The complexities and delicate emotion of Starling’s earlier work are missing in this flat novel. The writing is uncomplicated, and the story unoriginal. Georgia Rory’s feistiness has been replaced with a dithering reticence and lack of direction. Once a writer of considerable promise, Ms. Starling continues to let her once considerable talent fly south. It is therefore no surprise she avoids the public eye. Nevertheless, her devoted fans will undoubtedly buy the book in their millions, guaranteeing her yet another bestseller.

Liv quickly considered what she should say. Forget about being caught reading during work hours—saying the wrong thing about the review would surely cost her this job. Did she try to flatter Essie? Should she use a conciliatory tone, or a firm, resolute one? Whatever she said would be judged.

“The truth, please, Olivia.” Essie tapped a fingernail on her desk. “And get straight to the point.”

Liv ran her tongue around her mouth to get rid of a metallic taste. She tapped into Georgia’s mindset once more and tried not to falter. “I think your earlier books had a warm, easy charm, like you really enjoyed writing them. However, if I’m honest, like you’re asking me to be—” She hesitated. “I...sometimes feel you’ve lost your true passion for Georgia.”

Essie raised a palm, as if stopping traffic. “And the pages of the manuscript you read?”

Liv lowered her eyes. “Kind of the same thing.”

“I see,” Essie said through gritted teeth.

“You asked for my opinion...”

“And you gave it to me. Thank you very much, Olivia.”