Attempting not to drown

The meeting room buzzed with the usual chatter as everyone settled into their seats. Mia tried her best to focus on her notes, but she could feel Andrew's presence like a physical weight and her mind kept tugging away from her story and towards the unwelcome surprise that was Andrew Weston. And in typical Andrew fashion, he took the seat opposite her, his gaze never leaving her face.

Of all places, did he really have to show up here? Wasn't there enough she had to deal with, and yet the universe had to throw an irritating six-footer in her path? She always considered Andrew a cross she had to bear in her uni days, and felt that she would leave him there, an anecdote to tell perhaps when she was successful and being interviewed regarding her struggles. But how ironic was it that the cross she thought she had left behind had still followed her.

"Alright, everyone," said Mr. Thompson, the editor-in-chief, breaking into Mia's internal monologue. "Before we start, I'm sure you've noticed a few new faces in today's room. Allow me to introduce everyone."

Mr. Thompson introduced two new hires, their names a blur until she heard the one that mattered. "Andrew here is our newest senior correspondent. He'll be handling special reports and will be working closely with the features team."

Mia's head snapped up. Her division. Fantastic.

"Alright, now let's dive right into it. Mia, I believe you have a pitch for us?"

Mia stood, clearing her throat. "Yes, I do. I want to do a series on urban development in our city. Covering the changes over the past decade, the impact on local communities, and the future outlook. It's a story that affects everyone, and I believe it has the potential to really engage our readers."

As she spoke, she felt Andrew's eyes on her, scrutinizing, assessing. When she finished, the room was silent for a moment, then Mr. Thompson nodded. "Sounds like it could maaaybe be something. Do you have a new angle to it?"

"A new angle?" Mia asked, feeling a pang of nervousness.

"Yes, a fresh perspective. Urban development isn't new, but what specifically do you want to cover?" Mr. Thompson's gaze was direct, expectant.

Mia took a deep breath. She was prepared for this, rehearsing it for days with Sarah. "Yes, of course. This piece will focus on a first-person point of view from four individuals in four different communities directly affected by the aggressive urbanization of Brookside. It will—"

Mr. Thompson's phone rang, cutting her off. "Sorry, Mia, I have to take this. We'll continue this later." He picked up his phone and left the room.

Andrew leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Impressive as always, Mia. You've certainly come a long way since college."

She bristled at his tone, struggling to keep her composure. "Thank you, Andrew. I've worked hard."

"Alright, I think we can disperse for now and catch up tomorrow," Claire, the Associate Editor and Mia's mentor, said with a supportive smile.

After the meeting, Mia gathered her things quickly, hoping to escape before Andrew could corner her. Getting cut off in the middle of her big pitch was bad enough, and she was in no mood to deal with Andrew today of all days.