“I still have it, you know. I’m hoping one of my grandbabies will wear it one day.” Her boss set the picture back on the shelf and returned to her desk. “Your story on the resort did exactly what TrendList hopes every “Take Me!” review will do. Inspire the reader to visit!” Cleo clapped her hands. “Julia, I’m delighted to officially offer you a position on the ‘Take Me!’ staff. Congratulations.”

“Ah, thanks.” Julia swallowed.

“Are you ready to get started?”

She dug her notepad out of her purse. “I’m ready.”

“I hope so.” Cleo chuckled. “Now that you’ve dipped your toes in the pool, we’re going to toss you into the deep end.” Her boss booted up her laptop. “But not too deep. For this first round of assignments I think it’s best we schedule you for a few quickies.”

“Pardon?”

Cleo glanced up. “Quickies are day trips.” She slipped on a pair of reading glasses and peered closely at the screen. “It looks like we’ve got leads on locations in Dayton, Ohio; Duluth, Minnesota; and Davenport, Indiana.”

“All in one week?” Julia flinched, staring at the list of cities she’d scribbled down. “That’s a lot of travel.”

“Comes with the territory.” Cleo shifted her gaze from the laptop to Julia. “The segment is called ‘Take Me!’ As in Take me there! or Take me on vacation!”

“I get it,” Julia said. “But what about stuff closer to home? Shouldn’t we have a segment dedicated to cool places to go in the city?”

Cleo frowned. “Doesn’t Chicago already do something like this? I’ve seen a feature similar to what you’re describing on the news.”

“It is similar,” Julia agreed. “But this would be different. Better.”

“How so?” Cleo’s voice was full of challenge, but Julia caught the spark of interest in her boss’s eye.

“The bit you mentioned on the news is … well, like the news. It’s dry. The concept I’m proposing would be more engaging. Have the energy and freshness TrendList is known for.”

“What about the ‘Take Me!’ position?” Cleo wondered.

“I was so desperate to avoid getting fired I thought I was willing to do anything. Take any job you offered. I was thrilled when you suggested I pitch a story idea, and I’m so grateful to you for the opportunity.”

“But…” Cleo prodded.

Julia inhaled. “But, I’m starting to realize I’m not the best person for this job … Or maybe this job isn’t a good fit for me.” She bit her lip. She was taking a huge risk, but in her gut she knew this was the right move for her. “It’s a great job. So many cool opportunities. I feel like an idiot for not wanting it. Especially after you were generous enough to give me a chance.”

“Then why the change of heart?”