By the Book (Meant to Be #2)(86)

But no, it was more than that. She’d lost track of time, too, talking to Josephine. It was less an interview than a long conversation—yes, Josephine had asked her about her career goals, her strengths, the kinds of books she wanted to work on, but she’d also listened to her, told Izzy some of her own goals, told her things she’d wished she’d known when she was Izzy’s age and at that point in her career. They’d talked about editing and writing, and Izzy had told her—without going into detail about who or where or how—that she’d been working on a project with an author, and how much it had made her think about the role of an editor, how inspiring it had been for her.

Izzy had even told her about her own writing, something she’d never told Marta. Josephine had seemed excited and said she couldn’t wait to read her work when it was ready. And yes, sure, that was a thing sometimes people just said when you told them you were working on a book, but Josephine really seemed to mean it.

She was aware she couldn’t count on actually getting this job—she knew as well as anyone that publishing could be unpredictable—but now she also knew something she hadn’t known for sure this morning: The rushed trip back from California had been worth it.

She shook off thoughts of California when Josephine stopped at an open office door.

“Hi, Scott, do you have a minute? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Izzy smiled at the spectacled, bearded, pleasant-looking white man sitting behind a desk. He looked vaguely familiar, but then, most men in publishing were white and bearded and wore glasses. He stood up as they walked in.

“Thanks for interrupting, I was about to start my expenses and I’ll take any excuse to avoid those.”

Josephine laughed. “I know how that is. Scott, this is Isabelle Marlowe, she’s applied for the open assistant editor position; she’s currently an editorial assistant over at TAOAT. Isabelle, this is Scott Tobias, he’s another editor here.”

Izzy shook hands with Scott. Now she knew why he looked familiar. She’d seen him at a few different publishing events; he’d edited a handful of her favorite books.

“Nice to meet you, Scott. Actually, I think we met briefly at a book event for Then Somebody Bends, though I’m sure you don’t remember, it was packed in there.”

He looked at her for a moment, then smiled. “I do remember you! You asked that question about how she pulled off the three points of view. I remember because the author was so thrilled to get that question.”

Oh wow, she couldn’t believe he remembered that.

“That was me,” Izzy said. “It was a great event.”

Scott turned to a box stacked by the door. “Wait, these just came in….” He grabbed a book and handed it to Izzy. “Interested in an advance copy of her next one?”

Izzy gasped and reached for the book. Josephine and Scott both laughed.

“Looks like she’s definitely interested,” Josephine said. She took a step backward. “Well, I’ll let you get to your expenses, but I’m glad you two got to renew your acquaintance.”

Izzy dropped the book in her tote bag. “Thanks so much,” she said to Scott. “It was great to meet you again.”

Scott smiled at her and went back to his desk. “Great to meet you, too, Isabelle. Hope to see you again soon. Talk to you later, Josephine.”

Josephine walked her to the elevator.

“Thanks again for being able to come in on such short notice, Isabelle,” Josephine said. “Like I told you, I’ll be on vacation next week, but I’ll keep you posted about our timeline.”

They shook hands, and Izzy smiled at her.

“Thank you,” she said. “I’ve had a wonderful time talking to you.”

Josephine smiled. “Likewise.”

Izzy walked out of the Maurice building and turned her phone back on. She had a bunch of texts from Priya—thank goodness she’d remembered to turn her phone off before she’d walked inside. But nothing from Beau.

He’d known when her interview was. He’d definitely known.

He hadn’t texted her to see how her flight was or to say good luck on the interview or to ask her how the interview went. Nothing.

The texts from Priya were great. But she knew she wanted to share this with Beau; to celebrate with him; to hear his familiar, deep, warm voice rumble in her ear.

She made herself click over to Priya’s texts.

I bet you’re doing great in there!

Text me as soon as you’re out

How was it???



Izzy had better answer her immediately or else Priya would melt down.

I’m out! It was great. I thought I wanted it before I walked in the door, but now I want it soooo bad. Josephine’s really great, everyone there is great, the books are great…Ahhhhh



Priya responded right away.

And YOU are great!



Izzy grinned at her phone. She could always count on Priya.

Okay, but also—wanted to make sure you saw this article, if you haven’t already. Have you heard any of this from Marta? Is it true?



Izzy frowned down at her phone as she clicked the link Priya had texted. What could this be about? Was what true?

She scanned the article, something about a new Hollywood memoir recently acquired by TAOAT. Acquired by Gavin, ugh. But why had Priya texted her this? What would she have heard about from Marta?