“I can’t imagine it would be more bustle than being the newsroom editor.”
Avery laughed. “No, it wouldn’t. Maybe more paperwork, and I would have to hire a newsroom editor, which we could fill that position easily.”
“As opposed to finding a partner?”
“Absolutely. As you said before, sharing ownership is a big deal. Hiring a newsroom editor is like hiring anyone else to fill a position at WTZB.”
Allison nodded, her lips spreading into a smile.
“Think about it. You don’t have to answer me now. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate too.”
“I will. But I’ve got to tell you, I’m already excited about the possibility.”
“That’s good for me.” They both laughed. “Tell me, how is little Malakai?”
Allison’s face brightened at the mention of her baby boy. “He is six months, growing, and moving faster than I’ve ever seen before.”
“That’s amazing. I wish I could say I know, but you keep him under lock and key.”
Allison chuckled. “That’s my pride and joy. I love him so much, you know. It’s a different type of love—one that I’ve never felt before.”
Avery nodded. “I can only imagine.”
“Do you want to have kids one day, Avery?”
Though she knew the answer to this, Avery thought it over. “Yes and no. I don’t want to carry a child. But I do want a baby. I know DeAndre would want a child too, but my health is so unstable….”
“Have you thought about using a surrogate?”
Avery nodded. “All the time.”
“All the time?” Allison’s eyes widened.
Avery smiled. “Yep. All the time, girl. Because we’re only getting older. Realistically, if we’re going to have children, now would be the best time, but….” She sighed. “I don’t know how much longer I will be around, and I’d hate to leave a child motherless.”
Allison gasped, choking on her orange juice, her eyes wide.
“Are you okay?” Avery asked.
Allison cleared her throat once, twice, three times, then took a heavy breath. “What the hell, Avery?!”
“What?”
“What?! Are you serious right now?”
“Please don’t be so dramatic.”
“Okay, you’re talking about length of life, and I’m the one being dramatic?”
Avery pursed her lips, eyes squinting at Allison.
“Jesus!”
“Can you calm down?”
Allison gawked. “The audacity of you after saying that to me.”
“So I can’t talk to you about the reality of my life?”