Making Headlines by Jennifer Hansen

a compact around here? I’ve got to head out in fifteen minutes. Doing a midday cross.’
    â€˜Third drawer on your left. You’re welcome,’ said Rex dryly.
    â€˜Thanks, mate.’ He grabbed what he needed, pausing to look at Rachel. ‘Geez, that’s an improvement,’ he said, whistling, before racing out the door.
    Rex shook his head. ‘Ego as big as a crater and just as much substance. Watch and learn, my darling, watch and learn.’ He pursed his lips as he took up a shading sponge and blusher brush.
    Rachel stared at her reflection. Cheekbones were appearing out of nowhere and Lola gave her hair volume and shape she’d never seen before. ‘Wow, you guys really are the dream team.’
    â€˜Good to know the girl recognises talent when she sees it.’ Rex winked at Lola and she gave a throaty chuckle.
    â€˜Wait till you see what we can do when you have a bit more time. You should come in for a practice session one day.’ Lola finished her work with an ample dose of hairspray.
    â€˜That would be great.’ Rachel nodded enthusiastically, her mind racing. ‘Although I could ask my friend, Evie. She’s a makeup artist too. Rather than bother you guys, I mean. In fact . . .’ She paused. It was probably too early to ask, but she’d promised. ‘Well, Evie’s actually looking for work. Who’s in charge of makeup for her to contact? I mean, if any extra shifts come up or anything. Hope you don’t mind me asking?’ Rachel’s face reddened an even deeper shade of crimson than Rex’s brush.
    Rex laughed. ‘I’m the boss man, honey. Tell her to email me her resume. We’re always looking for freelancers. Not a problem. As long as she’s good, of course.’
    â€˜Oh, that’s brilliant.’ Rachel sighed with relief. Then panic. ‘Oh shit, must dash. Thank you guys, sooo much.’
    Lola and Rex were still laughing as she raced back up the hallway. She turned into the newsroom when Brent stopped her in her tracks. It looked like he’d been waiting for her. ‘Hey, Rachel, just thought I’d run something by you—’
    â€˜Not now, Brent. Got an update.’ She went to move past him, but he grabbed her arm.
    â€˜I’ll be quick then. Just wondered what you’re doing on Friday night? Thought you might like to go out to dinner with me.’ He puffed out his chest, as if offering her a prized gift.
    â€˜Sorry, I’ve got a boyfriend. I really have to run.’ She smiled apologetically as his face clouded, but kept moving, making it to her chair with only minutes to go. She scanned her script anxiously.
    â€˜Ten, nine, eight . . .’ Patrick began the countdown into the third update. From the corner of her eye, Rachel could see Mitch walking into the office. He mouthed asmiley ‘hello’ and waved. Without thinking she waved back, just as she heard ‘. . . three, two, one’ in her ear. Hand held high, she could see herself waving on the monitor, live to air. She froze, forced her mouth to move from shock to newsreader-mode, then raced through the update even more quickly than the first two.
    And then it was over.
    She sat very still, unable to move. The morning had been worse than she could possibly have imagined. One more update to go at nine before the reporting shift. She wondered if she’d ever be allowed to read again.
    Mitch walked back, clapping his hands and grinning. ‘Well done, Rach. Pretty good for your first go.’
    She looked at him incredulously. ‘You can’t be serious. That was nothing short of appalling.’
    â€˜Well, I didn’t help with my waving, did I? No, you did really well. It takes a lot of control to stay focused after a distraction like that. Very professional.’ Mitch walked back to the editor’s area, still grinning.
    The nine o’clock update was slightly better. She still finished