So, I'm trying to get this story out so I can make room for new stories in my head :-)
I have one sitting on the back burner involving Bella as a nanny/au pair. (Kinda like the Nanny Diaries, but different) Hopefully, I can start that in the next week or so, I'll keep you all posted!
Oh, FYI: the boss here, Michael, is based on my old boss at my first newspaper job. And, yes, he is that awesome!
Now, back to the show…
BPOV
If it was possible, work was even more tedious than it had ever been before.
I just sat at my desk – staring at the story I was supposed to be writing, but not finding the will-power or inspiration to even write a lead.
All I had to do was think about Edward, his camera and our shower this morning, and my attention was completely lost for at least 20 minutes.
I glanced over my monitor to see my managing editor, Michael, in his office; his eyes were visible just over the top of his computer. Suddenly, there was an e-mail alert on my screen. I opened it with a sigh.
Michael: Having trouble focusing today?
Me: You could say that.
Michael: I just did say that; in fact, you've been distracted since you got back. That must have been some trip :-)
Me: I can safely say that was the best trip ever
Michael: So, have we officially lost you to London?
Me: Possibly…it is a very lovely city…
Michael: I can really picture you there, you know? It seems like it'd be a good fit for you – it certainly agrees with you.
I thought about our conversation for a moment before I resumed writing my story, figuring I might as well finish it now before I get any more distracted.
Another alert popped up.
Michael: Did I ever tell you that a friend of mine from college works for NME?
I reread Michael's message a few times before it dawned on me: is he giving me a way to get out of here?
Me: Really?
Michael: Yes, he's an assistant managing editor, I think; he may have moved up in the past year. I still have his number, though.
My heart was pounding pretty fast at this point. I mean, being a good writer and reporter is one thing; but having a foot in the door with a top music magazine like NME, that's a big deal. Sometimes knowing people is more than half the battle.
Me: I don't suppose you'd call him or give me his number, would you?
Michael: Already dialing the number…
I shot up and ran to his office; he had the phone receiver to his ear.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
He held up a finger to me, "Hey is this Eric? Hey man, it's Michael Alcala. How's it going? Look, I've got this entertainment reporter who I think you really need to talk to, she's awesome, man. Just the type of music nerd you Brit losers need."
He laughed at something Eric said before continuing, "Her name is Bella Swan – smart, funny, charming, excellent writer, good eye for stories – she has a really broad taste in music, so you won't have to worry about her sticking to one genre; she can cover it all. She's a Penn State grad, and she's been here since she graduated two years ago."
I sat there in complete shock, this could really happen. I could really get to London, and not have to settle for taking any job that would have me.
Michael looked up at me, "Well, she's right here. You want to talk to her now? OK."
He handed me the phone as he stood up, "I'm going to go get some more coffee; you have a nice chat, hmmm?"
I hesitated slightly before raising the receiver to my ear, "Hi, this is Bella Swan."
"Hi Bella, this is Eric Yorkie from New Musical Express – but, I suppose you already knew that. How are you?"
"I'm great, Eric, how are you?"
"Fantastic! So, I hear you're the new kid on the block that I need to get to know, is that right?"
"Well, I don't know how new I am, but it certainly wouldn't hurt you to get to know me."
He laughed, "Great! So, Michael said you're quite the music geek. What's your all-time favorite album?"
"I'm going to have to go with 'Automatic for the People' by R.E.M."
"Interesting choice," he said, seemingly impressed. "Why that particular R.E.M. album?"
"Well, musically, they've never sounded more beautiful: the melodies are incredible, Peter Buck's sense of adventure seemed to really be in top form there. Lyrically, Stripe still keeps the sort of obscure angle, but with more sincerity, you know? Like 'Everybody Hurts,' from any other band, that song would have been too maudlin to bear. With R.E.M., it's just a brilliant change of direction – one of those risks that turn out to really work."
"Wow!" He said. "Dare I ask who your favorite band is – because I think I already have a pretty good idea?"
"Well, yes, it is R.E.M., but there are so many others tied for a close second that I've lost count."
"I'll tell you what, Bella, give me your info and send me some stuff and we'll go from there. Personally, I'd love to have you working out here – I think you'll fit in well."
We exchanged information and discussed a few more things that sprang to mind (i.e. how much we detest Emo and how awesome the new Erykah Badu album is). Than we said our goodbyes.
"So, how did it go?" Michael asked, stepping back into his office.
I just looked at him with a big, stupid grin on my face.
"Wow! That good, huh?"
I laughed and hugged him, not caring about crossing that unspoken employee/employer barrier.
"Thank you so much," I said.
"Hey, I always knew I was going to have to say goodbye to you sooner or later."
"Well, I don't have the job yet, so, don't go buying that farewell card, or anything."
He shook his head and laughed, "You're as good as in, you remind me too much of Eric for you not to be in."
I went back to my desk and finished my story.
EPOV
Bella had left me with visitor's guide to the city this morning.
At first, I thought this was going to be relatively easy, but there seems to be more to Philadelphia than I had anticipated.
There are tons of parks, museums, art galleries and history centers – and all of them are calling my name.
I calmed down when I remembered I'm still here for over two weeks, that's plenty of time to get most of the city under my belt.
I decided to start off slowly: I would shoot mostly historical architecture today. That should take a good long time.
Bella left some money on the counter for me to catch a bus into the heart of the city. I gathered my equipment and headed out.
My first stop was the Belmont Mansion: a beautiful house from the 18th century that had been fixed up for tourists. I took a few shots, and then I noticed a lady walking the grounds in 18th century clothing. She walked up to me, "Hello there, young man, how are you today?"
"I'm very well, thank you," I said.
"Oh, you're one of our British, Colonial brothers, are you?"
She was not going to break this character, so I played along, "indeed I am."
"Very nice," she said. "Do you know much about this home?"
"No, only that it's been here for about as long as the city itself."
"You are correct," she said enthusiastically. "It was a part of the Underground Railroad; do you know what that was?"
It sounded familiar, "wasn't it a way for slaves to reach freedom back in the 18th century?"
"It was indeed," the woman said. "Inside this house, there are secret compartments where folks used to hide slaves who were headed toward Canada."
I nodded, sufficiently impressed with this information. The woman noticed some other people wandering the grounds and excused herself.
I snapped a few photos of her talking to the other tourists, than continued walking around the mansion. Once I felt I had captured it all, I looked to my map to find my next destination.
I wandered to a church called the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. It was a beautiful, rust-colored building with teal domes. I took a few wide angled shots, and then moved in closer to get the detail on some statues and crosses.
Next up on my agenda was a surprising choice: Eastern State Penitentiary. A prison. I was a little shocked to see a place that held the worst of society also featured some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.
I walked around the building, snapping away. It had a lovely, Gothic motif, complete with ivy covered walls.
I contemplated going inside, knowing that what I found there could possibly be even more interesting than the exterior. But, I had a few more places I wanted to see before Bella got off of work.
Once I had shot my fill of historic, Philadelphia architecture, it was 4:45 p.m. Bella would be off work in 15 minutes. I was still at the Fairmount Water Works, so I consulted the map to see which direction I needed to go. The Inquirer offices were about 2 miles southeast of me, so I decided against taking another bus.
When I got to Broad Street, I sat outside the building for a moment, wondering whether I would be allowed to go in. I took the risk and pushed the front door open. I got to the front desk and asked if I could go see Bella.
"Let me see if she's available," the receptionist said.
"Wait," I said, "this is kind of a surprise. She didn't know I was coming by today."
The lady looked at me over her glasses, "so you're the new boyfriend, huh?"
"Yes," I said. "I'm out visiting from London."
"Oh," she said sweetly, "how romantic."
"Indeed, so I was hoping to surprise her. I don't suppose there's any chance I can just go back to her desk, is there?"
"We usually don't let people do that," she said.
"Just this once?" I pleaded, putting on that puppy-dog face Bella said I do so well.
She rolled her eyes, "OK, Romeo. But don't tell anyone I let you in without informing Ms. Swan, got it?"
"I promise."
I walked down a hall full of offices until I came to a huge, open room full of desks and people bustling about. The receptionist said Bella was back near the far right corner, and I scanned the area until I saw a familiar head of reddish-brown hair at a desk. I walked around and noticed that she was looking intently at her computer screen. I tried not to spook her too bad as I tapped her on her shoulder – but she jumped anyway.
"Oh my god," she yelled, looking up at me. "Edward? What are you doing here?"
She got up and threw her arms around me, places sweet kisses along my jaw line.
"Wow, if I'd have known I was going to get this kind of reaction, I would have come sooner."
She smiled and planted a kiss on my lips.
"I missed you all day," she said. "It was extraordinarily boring!"
"I'm sorry," I said. "If it makes you feel any better, walking around was no fun without you."
"Did you get some good shots?" She asked.
"I did; I'm trying to pace myself, though. I still have a couple weeks to get the entire city."
"True," she said. "Hey, we could go to Nockamixon State Park or Boathouse Row this weekend. You could get some pretty scenery in your repertoire."
"I've got plenty of pretty scenery just staying in with you," I said, pulling her close.
She blushed, "I'm at work!"
I brushed my nose against hers and chuckled.
"I know, but I've been away from you all day. I was lonely."
"Well, we can go now. It's close enough to five," she said.
"Sounds good."
She grabbed her purse and we walked toward the front of the building until a voice called Bella back.
"Hey, Bells," a man called from a nearby office. "Is this the boyfriend?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry Michael. This is Edward; Edward, this is my managing editor, Michael."
Michael walked over and stuck his hand out to me; I shook it and said, "nice to meet you."
"You too; did Bella tell you the good news?"
I looked to Bella, "what good news?"
She glared at Michael.
"Well, I was going to tell you when we got home but, Michael made a call to NME in London for me today."
"Really? Love, that would be perfect for you!"
I pulled her in to a tight hug and she reached up to kiss me at the base of my neck.
"It's not set in stone or anything," she said. "I talked to the guy and exchanged some info. I just need to send him some of my clips and everything."
"You'll get it," I said. "I've read your work, you're better than most of their writers."
She smiled and turned to Michael.
"Well, we're off," she said, waving to her boss.
"See you tomorrow," he said.
Another short chapter, but I'm moving right along :-)
So, now Bella may have the opportunity to go back to London! And, yes, I'd kill to work at NME; so there's a good chance she'll get it (I've gotta live vicariously somehow!)
Stay tuned…