Michael leaned back against the wall.
"I'm this year's new Platinum author."
Pause.
"Youngest one they've ever had."
His voice flat.
"Everyone calls me a genius."
"In an hour, I'm receiving the Gold Award at the ceremony."
His expression darkened.
"But honestly? I don't feel good about it."
Alex nodded. Popped the mint into his mouth.
"This lemon mint is really good."
Michael smiled.
"It's my favorite."
Silence for a moment.
Then he continued.
"When I first signed with WebNoble, JB was my editor."
Gestured at the office.
"That guy in there."
"I was new. Nobody. So his attitude was..."
Paused.
"Extremely bad."
"Everything he said was either useless or an insult."
"No guidance. No help. Just..."
His jaw tightened.
"It really messed with me."
Alex listened. Silent.
"So I tried reaching out to another editor. Flora."
Michael's expression softened.
"A woman. Kind. Actually helpful."
"She's... she's my girlfriend now."
Michael smiled.
