Dawn turns on her charm

Bradshaw impatiently glanced at his watch while Dawn just wanted to sink right through the floor. She felt deeply humiliated, but he was right of course. She had no business being here and she felt so stupid for even thinking that she could apply for a qualified job like this.

Dawn was just about to get up and excuse herself when she thought of Jason and the difficult financial situation at home, and of her life long dream of becoming a journalist. She might never get a chance like this again. Somehow she collected herself enough to straighten up and speak for herself.

"Sir, I know that I might not have the right credentials, but I promise you that I'm a loyal and hard worker. I know the community well, and I am really passionate about local journalism," she said, trying her best to appear confident.

Bradshaw crossed his arms. "So were the people I had to lay off last year. And they were real reporters with years of experience. Why do you want to be in this business so bad anyway? Nobody wants to pay for news anymore."

"Sir, all that I'm asking for is a chance." Dawn leaned closer and gave him the same kind of pleading look that she used to give Jason at the pricy handbag store downtown.

"I can start whenever you want, and I'll do any assignment you give me. Anything," she pleaded.

As she leaned in even closer she felt her blouse strain around her boobs. She had bought it three years ago and now that damn thing was becoming too tight to move around in. Before she could react, the top three buttons popped open and she accidentally offered Bradshaw a good view of cleavage and the top of her lacy white bra. Dawn was too mortified to move. And while she tried to act like nothing had happened she noticed Bradshaw's eyes wander down to catch an eyeful.

"Uhm,"he said, caught off guard before finally managing to tear his eyes away from her breasts. He reached for a stack of papers and pulled out a sheet. "Well I guess I could give you a chance to prove yourself," he muttered. "But just one chance."

"Really, sir? Yes of course, anything," Dawn stammered.

"There's a grand opening of a community swimming pool tomorrow. Normally we wouldn't cover this, but the event is hosted by the mayor and he might be open for an interview."

Bradshaw handed Dawn a press release about the pool opening.

"Go to this spectacle, talk to mayor Thompson and hand me an article. If you can get anything substantial out of that old windbag you and I might have another discussion about further assignments."

"You got it! Thank you, sir! You won't be disappointed," Dawn said heartily.

"We'll see," Bradshaw said without any enthusiasm, ”Close the door on your way out.”

"So, how did it go?" Dani asked as Dawn came to see her after the interview.

"Just great, I think! Mr Bradshaw wants me to do an interview with the mayor tomorrow," Dawn said, beaming with pride.

"Really? Good for you, girl," Dani smiled, then she noticed the undone buttons of Dawn's blouse and looked at her a little doubtfully.

"Oh," Dawn blushed, "Must have happened while I stepped out of Mr Bradshaw's office", she murmured and buttoned up again.

"Well, good luck tomorrow then," Dani said, " A word of advice though; watch out for mayor Thompson. He's kind of a slippery character."

"Got it", Dawn said and went home to prepare for the interview.