Losing Control - By Robyn Grady Page 0,56

his head. Recently, had he been any better?

Setting his jaw, Cole stepped on the gas and drove past that turnoff.

Grandpa Hunter used to say, There's no better time for change than the present.

No smarter time than now to move on.
Chapter Eighteen
Taryn took her aunt's advice. She would never again consider hounding Cole, like she had that day a week ago when he'd informed her that her show would record six episodes rather than a full season's complement of thirteen. Now she didn't seek out his company and most certainly he didn't seek out hers.

As the days had gone by, she'd kept herself busy with one of two occupations. She was either immersed in her show's preparation - organizing crew, sponsors, studio time - or sourcing people who would love to adopt a kitten.

She did little socially, although when Roman had asked, she'd gone to a movie. They'd grabbed a bite beforehand, had enjoyed buttered popcorn throughout the show and had said goodbye in the complex's parking lot.

Given he knew about the Cole situation, Taryn guessed Roman felt sorry for her. Which was thoughtful. Nice. But she was done with feeling sorry for herself.

Over the past couple of days, her hope to stay with Hunter Broadcasting had dimmed. She'd swallowed the six-show deal. But then Cole had cut her budget in half. Had told her that he could not agree to sign the host she liked. Today he'd put the nail in her coffin. His PA had passed on the news that rather than five people helping to put the show together, she'd have two, one being a seventeen-year-old graduate. No experience equaled cheap labor.

Technically, Cole might have approved her show but, clearly, he still wanted her gone. She hoped he slept well at night.

Earlier today, Taryn had learned Guthrie was in, which happened less and less. When Taryn had phoned through, his personal assistant had said he'd see her straightaway.

Walking down that long corridor, Taryn guessed she ought to feel nervous, one of the reasons being that she didn't normally do snap decisions. Usually she formulated a plan, studied all the angles then pursued her goal until said goal was attained. Whereas the action she'd decided upon this morning had seemed to come to her out of the blue. Kind of the way she'd handled her conflagration of an affair with Cole. Only, no matter how much this might hurt, she was certain this decision was the right one.

She entered Guthrie's office. He stood by that long stretch of window, studying that panoramic view of Sydney and its harbor, his fingers loosely thatched at his back. Hearing her, he turned, smiled and asked, "What can I do for you, Taryn?"

They took seats and suddenly Taryn couldn't find the right words. While the son might be difficult, Guthrie had only ever been supportive. But, whether he knew it or not, Guthrie wasn't in charge here. If he were, she wouldn't need to jump through Cole's endless hoops.

Taryn looked Guthrie in the eye. "I have to leave Hunter Broadcasting."

His eyebrows snapped together. "Trouble with staff?"

"With management." She swallowed. "With Cole."

Guthrie studied her for a long queasy moment. Then he pushed to his feet and, with a slight limp leftover from that last assault, crossed to his desk.

"I'll have a word with him," he said, stabbing a button. "Stay put. We'll sort this out."

"That won't do any good." Having found her feet, too, she moved closer.

Guthrie had the receiver to his ear. "He has his own mind, but Cole listens when he knows I'm serious."

She was serious, too. "He doesn't believe in my project. I won't put my all into doing my best when Cole is doing everything in his power to cut me off at the knees."

Guthrie tried again. "My son's motives can seem harsh at times, but underneath all the woo-hah, he's only trying to take care of things."

"I believe you. I do. But it doesn't work in this situation." Doesn't work for me.

"Taryn, are you certain there's nothing more behind this? I was preoccupied that afternoon you both flew back from that survey, but..."

"Whatever happened between the two of us doesn't change his work attitude, then or now. I'm unhappy here." Not appreciated or respected. Cole had seduced her and, yes, she'd wanted to be seduced. He liked to be in charge, but in this final stretch, she was taking the reins.

"I wish it were different," she said, "but I don't ever see that changing. I'll leave Hunters today."

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