Cleat Catcher (The Cleat Chaser Duet Book 2) Read Online Free

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    Easton looked over at Nik then back to me. “Don't be a pussy. It's time to shit or get off the pot.”

N IKKI
     
     
     
    “… AND THAT’S WH Y I’ll never do my own waxing ever again.” I finished my tale of woe with a flourish of my hands and a satisfied smile on my face. I should have been an actress or a motivational speaker.
    Kyrie stared at me from across the table, her mouth slightly agape. The rest of the faces around the table were littered with a variety of expressions—all could have been classified in the ‘aghast’ category.
    “Thank you for that fascinating trip into your juvenile psyche and utter inability to follow simple instructions.” Graciela Froggart peered over her cat eye glasses, displeasure written in the lines around her eyes and the downturn of her lips. “I would ask if there was a point, but I believe we’ve all learned that, with you, the answer would be no.” She surveyed the conference table, packed with ten editors and their assistants. “Let’s move on to the actual business of the day—”
    “Actually, I was thinking maybe we should do a piece on proper pussy haircare? Err, I mean vagina . Because that’s what doctors call it.” I cleared my throat. “Anyway, every woman gets waxed or at the very least, trims. Maybe we could give tips on how to choose the right waxing boutique or what waxes are the best for your skin if you’re a do-it-yourselfer.” I chanced a glance at Kyrie. Her dark eyebrows popped up a little, as if surprised I actually followed through with an article idea.
    “Well, Nikki …” Graciela twirled her pen in her bony fingers and stared down her nose at me. “I think … Yes, I do think that would actually be a nice piece to put in our beauty section. Have you discussed this with Kyrie? I’ll expect her to direct your efforts. That’s the only way I’ll entertain such an article from you.” She stopped twirling the pen and used it to point at me. “But keep it classy. No shenanigans. If I see the word ‘pussy’ or—” she closed her eyes and wrinkled her nose with disdain “—‘cunt’ anywhere in it, I’ll trash it right off. Got me?”
    A thrill went through me at the prospect of my first real assignment. “Right. It will be up to the Style and Substance standard. I promise. No pussies, cunts, clams, cooches, gashes, slashes, twats, snatches—”
    Graciela held up her hand. “I think we quite get it now, Nikki. Thank you for your contribution. I do believe I’ve had enough from Kyrie’s department for the day. Now, let’s talk fashion …” She continued down the row of editors, asking about articles on clothing and accessories.
    I couldn’t contain my grin, and Kyrie kept sneaking glances at me. She wanted to frown, but I could see the laughter in her eyes. This was my first chance to really show what I was capable of. Ever since we’d moved up to Style and Substance a few months ago, I’d been stuck with dealing with disputes over ad placement and reviewing boring ad copy.
    I didn’t want to do the grunt work anymore. My dream was to be a senior editor, someone who ran an entire section of a magazine. Maybe the dream wouldn’t happen at Style and Substance , but I knew I’d get there eventually. I just had to keep working, keep doing my best, and—most importantly—never sacrifice who I was to fit into someone else’s mold. As long as I stayed true to myself, my dream would come true.
    This was just the beginning. When Graciela agreed to let me do my own thing, my heart skipped a beat and a blush crept over my skin. I wanted to shine here, to work my way up to editor instead of editorial assistant. With Kyrie’s support, I knew I could make it happen. I wouldn’t waste this chance.
    After the meeting, I scurried to my office. It was more like a closet, but I didn’t mind. At least I had a door. That was more than I ever had when I was at Teen Sparkle . My small desk took up most of the windowless room,