An hour later, Darius was back in his cubicle in the Monitor’s newsroom, giving one of his news stories a final read when Opal Gutierrez interrupted him.
“Is it true that Jack Sansbury offered you the managing editor position?” From the threshold of his cubicle, Opal hurled the question at him like a blade.
Why can’t everyone be like Alonzo, knocking politely, then patiently waiting to be invited into my cubicle?
Darius saved his computer file before turning to his unwelcomed guest. Opal’s hands were on her hips above her slim purple pants. Her dark eyes shot sparks at him. Even her dark hair seemed to vibrate with outrage.
“What makes you think Jack offered me a promotion?” But Darius knew the answer. He’d asked a trusted colleague to spread the rumor a week ago. He’d wanted to know how his promotion would be received, who would be resentful and who couldn’t care less. Several people were trying to work their way into his good graces. He hoped they soon realized he didn’t have any good graces and would go back to treating him like a normal person.
In contrast, Lei Chang had e-mailed him a list of demands: She photographed only hard news; she did not photograph happy-face images, social events, or community celebrations. And she worked alone. Nothing would ever change Lei. Thank goodness.
Opal’s eyes flared wider. “The rumors are all over the office. And they’re bullshit.”
Well, now he knew how Opal felt. She was the newest member of the newspaper’s staff and the only one who was angry.
“Why is it bullshit?”
“How could he just hand you the position?” She threw up her hands in exasperation. “He should have posted it so that everyone who’s interested could apply.”
“Are you interested?” Darius stretched his legs and crossed them at his ankles.
“Why not?” Opal narrowed her eyes. “Do you think I’m not qualified because I’m a woman?”
Oh, well played. “That’s a strange question, considering our executive editor and second-in-command happens to be a woman.”
“I would have liked an opportunity to interview for the promotion.” Opal took a step closer.
Between him, Opal, and Opal’s temper, Darius’s cubicle felt crowded. “You’re only two years out of college. I have twelve years of experience.” Not to mention you’re a sloppy reporter.
“This is cronyism, pure and simple.” Opal stabbed her right index finger toward Darius. “You and Jack went to high school together. That’s why you get preferential treatment.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, especially since it’s not true.”
“I work just as hard as you do.”
That isn’t true, either. “It’s not only about your work ethic. It’s about experience.”
Opal paced away from Darius, then back. She pulled the fingers of her right hand through her heavy, black hair. “This isn’t fair and you know it. I’m going to complain to Jack.”
Darius shrugged. “He has an open-door policy.”
Opal’s gaze wavered. Had she expected a different reaction?
“This isn’t fair.” Opal blew out a frustrated breath. “He’s only been back at work four months and he’s already turned everything upside down. All I want is a chance.”
“You’ll get your chance, Opal. You just have to be patient.” Patience probably wasn’t a concept with which she was familiar.
“I don’t see that happening in this boys’ club. I’m going to talk to Jack.” She stormed out of his cubicle.
Darius’s hand hovered over his telephone receiver. He should warn Jackson that Opal was going to bring her complaints to him.
On second thought, why ruin the surprise? Darius dropped his hand and returned to his news story.
Around six o’clock that evening, Peyton stood with Darius on Ms. Helen’s porch. The covered landing provided some shelter from the biting wind. Darius pressed the doorbell, then moved closer to her, placing a hand on the small of her back. His tall, lean body lent additional protection from the cold. The gesture itself warmed her.
Ms. Helen didn’t keep them waiting long. A curtain moved in one of the front windows. Seconds later, the tiny lady appeared in the doorway wearing a pearl gray lounge suit and fuzzy pink slippers.
“You’re a little late for your shift, aren’t you?” She stepped aside to welcome them in.