AN: Still need to reread and beta a few things. Including this chapter, but since it's been sitting there for a while now (it was ready almost a week after posting the last chapter), I figured I'd just go ahead and post it and hope you'll forgive a few typo's or spelling errors. It was entirely purposefully cut off where it ends now. So yes, super- tiny cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: Don't own Ugly Betty etc. etc.
Betty signed off on the 'then and now' article and put it on the finished pile. She loved that feature. She may have been a little biased, seeing as how she was the one who pitched it, but she didn't end up writing it having no time to do so. It turned out exactly like she had hoped. In the 'then' part of the feature there was a short feature on a memorable figure from history and what they had done. In the 'now' part of the feature was someone in the same field, breaking barriers today. The story of how they got to where they are and what inspired them to get there.
That was it. The first full issue was ready. She even got to write the letter of the editor, which was a very special moment to her. Even though technically on paper they were co-owners of the magazine, Betty's official title was editor in chief. Mr. Dunne had been very specific about that, he wanted to start a magazine with this general setup, but with her creative mind and vision at the top of it, leading it. He wanted to occasionally drop in and add something if he had time, but for the most part this was Betty's show to run. He did want to approve the issue before it went out every time of course, but that was normal. So he contributed the finances and business contacts to run the magazine and she contributed the vision, creativity and drive needed to make it a success.
The new building was currently being remodeled to be properly functional for their magazine and soon they would move there, finally having their own building. The staff was complete, down to their own accountants and receptionist. And now, the first issue was complete and ready to be shipped. The launch date had been set two months ago to be june 18th, three weeks from now, and everything was completely in order to make that date. A venue had been chosen for the launch-party, and even the party itself had been fully arranged.
There was just one problem, they still didn't have a name for the magazine. Many brainstorm sessions had passed, with no luck. Betty was starting to become frustrated with the problem. She had an appointment with Mr. Dunne in a few minutes and still didn't have an idea for a name to present him with. It had presented them with the perfect pre-launch advertisement campaign, however. When the pressure started to build due to the need to start advertising, Betty decided that presenting the name as a mystery that would be revealed at the launch party would be a good solution. It worked like a charm. The revelation of the name was growing into a hype with speculations going wild about what it could be. The concept of the magazine had been left purposely somewhat vague as well and the media was eating it up. All they knew at the moment was that it was going to be the 'new must have magazine for the intelligent, ambitious young adults of today' and that it would dive into subjects such as science, current events, literature and culture. Unfortunately, this led to more pressure on actually picking the right name. Not to mention that Betty was growing steadily more nervous for the launch itself. What if it failed?
A knock on her door alerted her to Mr. Dunne's arrival. She stood up to shake his hand and when they were properly seated again he started off their meeting. "The cover is brilliant, I love it", he said, gesturing the a large mockup of the first issue's cover standing behind her. Smiling she nodded her thanks. "The name is still an issue I see?", he asked, not unkind. He was aware of the problem and had been part of many of the previous brain storming sessions.
Wincing slightly she said, "Yes, unfortunately. All of the ideas that are on the table are just…not it. At least I don't-"
He waved his hand, interrupting her, "If you don't think they're good options, I trust your judgment. We do need to decide on something soon however. The issue doesn't have to go to the printer until two weeks from now and I think it would be a good idea for you to take a few days off in the meantime. Go see the sights and get some new inspiration. It will give you a fresh look on things when you start again and as I understand from your assistant everything is ready to go for the launch now?"
"Oh! Yes, it is. Everything is set and the first issue is, as of today, complete. Well aside from the name of course", she added sheepishly. She picked up the mockup-book reverently and handed it over to him. He flipped through it carefully and handed it back over to her after a while, looking satisfied.
"Very well done! I like it! Now that brings me to another issue I wanted to discuss with you." He hesitated for a moment before he continued, "I want you to launch the magazine. At the party I will speak first then present you, officially, as the editor in chief of the magazine. You will then give a speech outlining what the magazine is about, ending with revealing the name and the first issue."
He paused, giving her a moment to respond. When she was still staring at him a little shocked he went on, "You will also have to make several appearances on television or radio shows, giving interviews, after the launch. I think you should be the face of this magazine Betty. The magazine is supposed to speak to a younger crowd and I wouldn't be a fit face for that", he added before she could protest that it was his magazine.
She nodded in understanding, but was still unsure of herself. She hadn't considered that this would be part of her job. Sucking it up she decided she would do whatever it took. If she could move all the way to London for this perfect job, she could do that as well. Swallowing her nervousness concerning the public appearances she said, "I would be honored Mr. Dunne."
Having noticed her discomfort with the idea of public appearances he chuckled, "You'll do fine Ms. Suarez. Now I know you don't have a lot of experience with it, so I've hired someone to help you with that. Since I still feel you should take a few days off away from the office, I think it would be a good idea to meet again on Wednesday. You'll have a long weekend to rest up. Then Wednesday after our, hopefully, last meeting to discuss the name I'll introduce you to Ms. Arrington. She will help you get ready for your media appearances." Standing up to indicate he had to leave for his next meeting, he held out his hand to Betty and said, "I have confidence in you Ms. Suarez, I know you will not let me down. The first issue looks brilliant."
Betty stood up too, shook his hand and thanked him again, assuring him she wouldn't let him down.
"Daniel, I'm home! I have a few days off, so we can finally go sightseeing if you still want to. Oh! And you'll never guess what happened today!" Betty yelled at the apartment in general as she walked in, still excited from her meeting with Mr. Dunne.
"I'm sure I won't guess, but since I'm not Daniel I imagine you'll forgive me for not trying to either", Claire drawled amusedly, raising her eyebrows in surprise at Betty's entrance.
Stopping in her tracks as she heard Mrs. Meade's voice, she looked at her sitting on the couch, comfortably reading a magazine. Suddenly unsure of herself, Betty stood there gaping. Daniel had said his mother was fine with her living there temporarily, so he asked…right? That meant she had to know about it…right?. Fumbling to say something, Betty squeeked out an uncomfortable, "Mrs. Meade! ….Hi!"