Chapter Text
“Kara!” Cat Grant’s voice cut through the office like a crack of the whip. “Kara?”
Eve Teschmacher, her new assistant, fumbled at her desk, dropping a stack of papers. Cat had to ask her to speak up, twice before she managed to sputter out a reply, still kneeling on the floor with loose papers in her hands. “She has her n-new office, ma’am–Mrs.–Ms. Grant.”
“I should have put her office next to mine,” Cat mutters, rising from her desk.
“S-shall I get her for you?” Eve asked.
“No, no,” Cat brushed past without a glance. “I can speak to her myself.”
The knock on the door interrupted Kara from nothing more important than staring at a blank document. She’d been a reporter for all of twenty-four hours, and she already felt a bit lost. It didn’t help that James had asked for the same space from her as Winn had when she’d told him they ought to be friends. She knew it was for the best, that James would be her friend again once he took the time and space he needed—she trusted him to stay true to his promise to do so—but she disliked the distance none the less. She thrived on community, on her bonds with friends and family. One of them being turbulent sent her spirit into a restless whirl.
“Ugh, I hate this!” she blurted. That was when Cat knocked.
“Tired of your new position already?” Cat quirked her lips slightly, so Kara knew she was teasing.
Kara stood, adjusting her glasses with nervous fingers. “No, um, Ms. Grant, I’m just, well, I don’t know what to work on right now and—.”
“Oh please, Kara. We all know that you’re feeling frustrated because James Olsen is working through his feelings. Not that I blame him. You two have been pining away at each other since he started working here. You’re a smart girl, competent, bright, and full of promise. What person wouldn’t want to have a relationship with you?”
“It’s just not the right time, Ms. Grant. I, I have too much to think about with being a reporter now.”
“I understand you, don’t worry. No one blames you, or him, or anyone for things not working out. I learned early on in my career that when things don’t work with someone, it’s best to not waste time wallowing in it. You can always change your mind when you feel more settled. There’s nothing wrong with a woman changing her mind about what she wants at any given moment. Remember what I said about having it all? Not all at once and not right away.”
Kara sighed, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. “Thank you Ms. Grant.”
“Now, I didn’t come in here to talk about Mr. Olsen. I’m here because I want an interview with Lena Luther. Why is she here? What will be different about her from her brother? Does she really think rebranding her family’s company will win the city’s trust? Consider this your first assignment.”
“L-Lena Luthor? But Ms. Grant wouldn’t you want someone more experienced to handle the interview? Someone like–”
“Are you asking me to hand this off, Kara?” Cat retorted, disappointment seeping into her voice.
“No, Ms. Grant. Of course not.”
“Good. Then set that up as soon as you can. I don’t want to get scooped by the Daily Planet, even if they do send Clark Kent.” With a wave of her hand toward the computer, Cat Grant returned to her office.
Lena Luthor. She wants me to interview Lena Luthor. Kara’s stomach fluttered. She didn’t know why, but the thought of interviewing Lena Luthor put her in knots. Her cheeks felt hot. She exhaled forcefully.
“I can do this.” She told herself, then picked up the phone to dial the front desk. “Get me Lena Luthor’s office please.”