Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Kendell Marks

POV

When I arrived late at the office, I knew I was going to mess this up, but I held my head high and lied to myself.

I don’t often lie to myself; I know I’m not the greatest reporter to ever do it. I know I might never be recognized as the greatest ever. Many might not know my name, though I do believe I got this job because of my best friend. I don’t often bring myself down, but when you have a best friend as gorgeous as Julz is, you find a way to feel inferior. Why do I think I got this job because of her? Because I’ve applied everywhere and heard nothing back from anyone. A week after a picture of Julz and I were shopping together I received phone calls from four of the places. I chose this one because I’ve always wanted to work here. E-Mogal is an entertainment magazine. We report on almost everything, sometimes sports as well. We do have a sports reporter; I believe her name is Megan.

I’m not the girl guys fall in love with, I’m the girl they date to get her best friend. I’m only twenty-four years old yet next to Julz I look fifty. Her light hair and hazel eyes are gorgeous. And everyone that sees her falls in love with her.

I’m moping again. Brave face. I’ve been practicing this since I was ten years old.

Funny thing is today is my birthday, I turned twenty-four today. The day of my birth and not a single person has wished me. Not even my best friend. Today is the 12^th of April.

I remember when I first fell in love with journalism, we had a school paper and a way to spend the two hours I’d normally wait for Julz to finish cheer practice, I joined the club. I loved it. I’d interview, players, the cheer squid, the teachers. I loved writing articles, writing in general. It was so much fun, and I just couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.

"Kendell you’re late. He is waiting for you in the boardroom you better hurry. He seems in a mood…” Chloe the receptionist tells me.

“Dammit traffic was terrible!” I shout in frustration. I left the house hours ago, but an accident on the highway kept me up. 

I rush toward glass doors. I pull out my keycard and scan myself in.

Rushing over the boardroom, I stand outside the door to compose myself. I’ve read all of Ryan’s books, he writes fantasy novels, but the isekai type. I love those, I’ve read every single one of them, they remind me of the animes I love.

I shake my head straighten my clothes and run my fingers through my hair.

I open the door and walk in. I stop in my tracks when I see him. Sitting feet on the table, his long blonde hair tied in a bun that looks like a bow, his white sneakers look brand new not a mark on them, like he was walking on air no scuff marks. I was more impressed by how clean they were then what he’s wearing.

He slowly turns toward me. His eyes light up and he gets up with a kind smile on his face.

“You must be Kendell. I’m Ryan Rodgers. It’s an honor to meet you.” He walks over to me.

My legs nearly give in by how deep his voice is and how they sound like music to my eyes. I’m afraid he hasn’t been using his talents at all. He could say anything, and it would be sexy. His voice alone could impregnant a whole army of women.

   

He takes my hand in his and his smile widens. “So, Miss Marks it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He caresses the back of my hand with his thumb.

What is happening right now? I ask myself.

"Good morning, Mr. Rodgers, it’s an honor to meet you. I know you must be busy let me not keep you any further…” I say letting go of his hand. I walk over to the table and take a seat; I gesture for him to do the same…

He takes a seat in front of me. “So, Kendell Marks what would you like to know?” he asks.

I take out my notebook and the recorder. I press record and begin. “So, Mr. Rodgers can you tell me about your new book?” I ask getting right into it.

He smiles shaking his head. “Well, it’s the end of the Devil’s series. The conclusion everyone has been waiting for…” he says softly.

My eyes widen. “There won’t be another book after this? I remember the ending of The devil’s daughter. Mia still had to find the holy sword and Goal and Tolk is still trapped in heaven. How could one book be enough to explain all of that?” I ask in shock. I wasn’t expecting this to be the end.

His smile widens. “So, you’ve done your research…” he says, his smile fading. “Not all stories have a happy ending…” he says softly. “Though please don’t add that to the interview…” he asks, he looks panicked.

I sigh and nod. I wasn’t going to ruin the ending for anyone. Though I really want Mia to find a happy ending. The shit she’s been through, she deserves it.

“So, Mr. Rodgers many of your readers have expressed an interest in your love life. Is there a Mrs. Rodgers hiding somewhere?” I ask.

He laughs out. “I can assure and all my readers there’s no Mrs. Rodgers hiding anywhere.”

I smile writing it down.

“Have you ever thought of writing anything but Fantasy?” I ask.

He smiles. “Funny you should ask. I started out as a romance author. Under a different pen name of course, but I was reading more and more fantasy manga’s and I fell in love with fantasy. As they say men are terrible at writing romance.” He jokes.

I narrow my eyes at him. He might write fantasy, but his books always have a hint of romance to it.

“Now don’t look at me like that. You’re not getting anything out of me Miss Marks.” He holds his hands up.

I smile shaking my head. “So, are you working on any new projects?” I ask.

He shakes his head with a wide smile. “Now you see I’m going to refrain from answering that.” He says.

I shake my head. “I’m sure your readers are excited for new projects and you’re not going tell them?” I try to get anything out of him. But his not budging.

He shakes his head. “Next question.” He says.

“I’ve noticed you don’t speak much about your family. I’m sure your parents are proud of your achievements and the number of awards you’ve received…” I stop talking when I see how he visibly tenses up.

“Thank you for your time, Miss Marks but I think that’s all.” His voice is tight, and he rushes out of the room before I could even get a word out.

When I get up to chase after him my phone rings. I see its Julliet.

I frown and answer it. “I’m sorry Julz but I’m in the middle…” I stop when I hear her crying.

“Julliet what’s going on? Why are you crying?” I ask.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know how else to call. Ken, I need you.” She cries out.

“Julz where are you?” I ask packing up my things.

“The hospital.” She tells me before hanging up.

I pause and take my things. I call Paige.

“What did she do this time?” Paige asks.

“I don’t know what happened. But Julliet just called me in tears. I don’t know what happened.” I tell her.

“What?” She sounds worried.

“She told me she’s at the hospital. I worried…” I say softly.

“I saw something but Justin being at the hospital this morning.” She says.

“You think this has something to do with him?” I ask as I exit the boardroom and make my way out of the building.

“I’m pretty sure it is. I’ll see you there.” She says hanging up.

I see Mr. Davenport walking in as I exit. He walks over to reception and takes the flowers from Chloe.

I walk out and rush over to my car.