Show Me What You've Got

“Is that so? And what, pray tell, does a copy editor like yourself want from me?”

I swallowed. He’s talking to me as if he knows me! Does he know what I look like? I haven’t even told him my name yet because I’m caught off guard!

“Well?” His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. His eyes never left mine. He cocked his head to the side as if urging me to continue talking. My heart skipped a beat when he called my name! “Haven Thorne… right?”

I stood rooted to the floor. What. The. Hell! He DOES know me!

But how? Through Jessie? Wait… she said she wouldn’t squeal that I am in the party—that I’m using her invitation to get inside! Right?

She’s not like that. Even though she’s also friends with Joaquin, she assured me she wouldn’t tell… right?

“Who is she?”

“Does Joaquin know her?”

“It looks like someone we don’t know.”

“Is she a writer?”

“A referred friend, perhaps.”

“Then why is Joaquin acting like it’s the first time they met?”

“Hmm… quite audacious of her to approach him in the open if they don’t know each other.”

“She looks ordinary despite her pretty face.”

My lips turned into a tight line as I noticed that people already started gossiping about me being in front of Joaquin. Heck, they even started judging me! I know I’m ordinary… they don’t have to point that out!

I just want to talk to Joaquin, alright? Yeah, I’m taking advantage of my friend’s connection (and illness since she can’t come)… but it’s only for today—and I won’t ever ask for his attention anymore!

I swear!

I took a deep breath, not letting myself get distracted by the people talking about me.

This was it; it’s all or nothing!

“I need your help. I want to become a better writer, and I believe you can teach me.”

A slow smile spread across Joaquin’s lips. He sat his glass down on the table beside him and stepped closer, the crowd around them fading into a blur. “Teach you, hm? That’s rather a bold request.”

The crowd near them chuckled and sneered when they heard what he told me.

“See? I told you she’s a nobody.”

“Makes me think how she came to this party…”

“Please… it’s a no-brainer. Of course, through connections!”

“Taking advantage of it, perhaps. It’s even obvious that Joaquin doesn’t know her.”

I balled my hands into a tight fists, determined to talk to him despite the people looking down at me.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” I replied, my voice firm with determination.

Joaquin studied her for a moment, then laughed for a moment. “Very well. But first, let’s see if you have what it takes to impress me. Follow me.”

Without another word, he turned and began walking towards a door at the far end of the room. I hesitated only for a second before following him, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

This was just the beginning, and I have no idea what awaits behind that door.

‘Please… grant me the courage to power through!’

I followed Joaquin through the throng of guests, feeling their eyes boring into my back, their whispers nipping at my confidence. The door he led me to was slightly ajar, and as he pushed it open, the noise from the party dulled to a muted hum.

We stepped into a dimly lit hallway, the opulence of the main room giving way to a quieter, more intimate setting.

Joaquin glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. “Keep up, Haven. We don’t have all night.”

His tone was sharp, almost impatient, and I quickened my pace to match his long strides. My mind raced with questions—why had he decided to entertain my request? What was his real motive? But I forced myself to stay focused.

This was my chance, and I couldn’t afford to waste it.

We finally reached a door at the end of the hallway. Joaquin opened it and gestured for me to enter. I stepped inside, my breath catching in my throat as I took in the sight before me.

The room was a private library, its walls lined with shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with books of very size and color. A large, mahogany desk sat in the center, papers and manuscripts scattered across its polished surface.

He closed the door behind us, sealing off the noise from the party completely. He walked over to the desk and leaned against it, folding his arms across his chest. His piercing gaze was fixed on me, assessing, calculating.

“Sit,” he said, nodding towards a leather chair positioned opposite the desk.

I sat down, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. My palms were sweaty, and I wiped them discreetly on my dress. Joaquin’s presence was overwhelming, but I forced myself to meet his gaze.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” he began, his voice low and authoritative. “I’m not in the habit of taking on proteges—especially not ones who crash my parties.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a hand to stop me. “That said, your audacity intrigues me. And in this industry, a little audacity can go a long way.”

I bit my bottom lip. Who knew that Joaquin Greyson is like this in person!? Well… he does give that air when you look at his photos… but I didn’t expect him to live the expectations in person.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out, almost coming out as a whisper. “I asked a favor from Jessie… and I really want your opinion.”

He arched a brow at me. “I know that you know each other as she’s so kind to work for that small company, but I didn’t expect that you’re THAT close.”

“Sorry,” I apologized once more. “It’s obvious that I took advantage of her not being present because she’s sick...”

He narrowed his eyes at me, as if really judging my presence. “That really sounds like her… helping out a friend.”

Silence…

He reached for a stack of papers on his desk and flipped through them. “Anyway… you want to be a better writer, Haven? Fine… after constantly rejecting you and to you now crashing my party, show me what you’ve got.”

I pointed at myself. “Me?”

He rolled his eyes at me. “No, your shadow.” My lips straightened at his sarcasm. “Now, write something. Anything. I want to see your raw talent.”