I couldn’t keep myself from watching the footage of Taylor’s press conference. Every major news outlet was broadcasting some form of it, and each of them seemed to love showing the horrified look on Taylor’s face as we shook hands and the cameras flashed away. It was beautiful, probably some of my best work yet.

“How long are you gonna watch this crap?” Nate asked from across the table, his face buried in his laptop, as usual.

“It never gets old.”

“Maybe not for you,” he said. “But if I have to hear one more talking head go on about this I think I might scream.”

“Fine, be a spoilsport,” I said and picked up the remote from the table to turn off all six TV screens we had in the office.

“Why did you do that, anyway?”

“Oh, come on, I’ve already got Joel breathing down my neck. Don’t you start with me too,” I said.

“Hey, I’m not against it. It definitely seems to have paid off for you. I just don’t really understand what possessed you to do it.”

“It kept the focus on me and it’s sent our traffic through the roof. It also humiliated Taylor, which is always a plus,” I said and Nate laughed.

“Are those the only reasons?”

“What are you trying to say?” I asked and Nate raised his eyebrows at me.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were just trying to see Taylor again.”

“Oh, please! You think I’m interested in Taylor? I might love sex but even I have standards, Nate,” I said and Nate laughed.

“Sure, whatever you say.”

“OK, fine. He’s good looking in a well-weathered sort of way and, if I’m being honest, if he were a rose by any other name I might consider going home with him after a few drinks.”

“Nailed it,” Nate said. “Maybe I should leave you two alone for a bit? Let you really get to know each other?”

“That’s a fantastic idea, actually. You’re getting on my nerves.”

“The truth has a way of doing that, doesn’t it?”

“Get out,” I barked, waving him away.

“Kile and Jeff, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

“What the hell are you, five years old? Go away,” I said and he thankfully left the room.

“Kile?” Joel called from the computer lab.

“I’m in here,” I called back. “What do you want?”

“There’s someone on the line who wants to talk to you,” Joel said.

“This better be good, I’m busy.”

“Trust me, you want to take this one,” Joel said as he stepped into the room and sat down beside me in one of the empty rolling chairs.

“Who is it?”

“Lee Noble. From NewSpin,” Joel said and I turned to stare at him.

“You’re joking.”

“Definitely not joking. He said he wants to talk partnership,” Joel said and I snatched the phone out of his hand to hold it to my ear without another word.

“Lee, so great to finally connect,” I said into the phone, instantly transitioning into my TV personality.

“Likewise, Mr. Avery.”

“Please, call me Kile. So, I take it you liked what you saw?”

“That’s putting it lightly. I’m sure you’ve seen the coverage since; it’s been incredible.”

“Really? No, I hadn’t heard,” I lied. No sense in making myself look like an attention seeker. “That’s great news, though. I really hope the rest of the media comes around for Jeff. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, not really.”

“Neither do I, so I was glad to see you come to his defense. If anyone can help him play this down, it’s you.”

“I’m just glad I could be of help,” I said.

“So, listen, Kile… Some funds have opened up and based on recent events, NewSpin would really like to work with you.”

“Wow, OK. I’m surprised to hear that, but I’m all ears,” I said. I hoped my stunt at Taylor’s press conference might lead to a bigger opportunity, but I could never have guessed NewSpin of all companies would come calling. It was perfect. Their audience had so much in common with The Flame’s and since they were a growing company, I knew I could really shake things up with them like I’d always wanted to. My talent, combined with their reach and influence on social media, would make anything we did together an instant success—and make lots of money, to boot.

“How would you feel about shooting a documentary mini-series with us?” Lee asked and I laughed, not sure I’d heard him correctly.

“On what?”

“On you, of course.”

“Lee, I’m flattered, but I don’t really see the appeal. What does a mini-series on Kile Avery have to do with the news?”

“You’re a news figure, at least in an indirect way. You comment on current events and all kinds of other things on The Flame. There’s definitely crossover potential there. And come on, you don’t mean to tell me you don’t know that most of what we report on isn’t really news.”

“I’m glad you said it. Still, I get the sense you’re not telling me the whole truth. Is there some sort of growth going on at NewSpin I need to be aware of before I agree to any of this?”

“NewSpin is constantly growing.”

“That was great spin, but you’re speaking to the master. Are you trying to expand into something a little more, shall I say, traditional in news media?”

“I plead the fifth,” Lee said and I chuckled. “I can’t comment on anything like that right now. What I can say, however, is that we’re very interested in exploring a new medium with you,” he continued. “It’s 2015 and this is a whole new frontier. No one has ever done something like this before. I know you’re a bleeding-edge kind of guy so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for us to come together and create something great,” he said.

This is insane, I thought, shaking my head in pleased disbelief. This was the sort of opportunity I’d been dreaming of since I started posting videos online. At the time, The Flame wasn’t even an idea I’d conceived of yet and I could never have guessed I’d one day be on the fast track to my own show on a major player’s network, but here was the editor-in-chief of one of the biggest online outlets offering me a massive platform and a massive audience boost. I couldn’t say no but I also couldn’t say yes without more details.

“What exactly would the documentary consist of?”

“Well, of course, we’d explore your background and your rise to stardom, an origin story sort of thing, but we’re actually more interested in your day-to-day life now as a disrupter in the industry. You’ve got quite the reputation for being unorthodox, as does NewSpin, and I’m sure your followers and our audience would love a behind-the-scenes look into your process,” Lee said.

“Speaking of behind the scenes… What kind of access are you looking for?”

“All access.”

“Wait, almost like a reality TV kind of thing?”

“Something like that, yeah,” Lee said and instantly my interest waned.

“I’m not sure I like the idea of becoming the next Jersey Shore.”

“It wouldn’t be that kind of a reality show. Think of it more like an exposé wherein we tell the story of Kile Avery, then and now. It wouldn’t be live, and of course we can edit out anything you’d like us to while filming. In other words, you set the rules and we’ll follow.”

“Just the way I like it,” I said and Lee chuckled. “Do you have a reporter assigned to the project? Will I be allowed to choose that too?”

“We don’t have anyone lined up yet, but I have a few of our people in mind. We need to keep control over that part of the project, just so we know we’re getting quality work and don’t have to spend a ton of time vetting an outsider. So, what do you say?”

“I like what I’ve heard so far but what about my team? Should I remove myself from The Flame while we’re filming?”

“No, of course not. We’re telling the story of The Flame just as much as we’re telling yours so you can keep doing whatever it is you do with The Flame as long as you don’t mind the cameras being there from time to time. I know sometimes it’s important to keep some stuff you’re working on off the grid so of course we’d respect that.”

“What’s the production schedule looking like?”

“We’re still ironing out the dates, but it’s probably going to be about three weeks’ worth of filming and a week or two for post-production. We’re aiming for a release on February 7th and we’re toying with the idea of throwing a big premiere party for that day, too. Can you commit to all of that?”

“I think so. I have some other things cooking, but I can reschedule.”

“You don’t have to. You could include that stuff as part of the series if it makes sense to. I think this could do wonderful things for you and The Flame. As I’m sure you know, there are a lot of people out there who don’t particularly care for your brand. Personally, I admire what you’re doing and I think this could be a good opportunity to show the world a side of you they might not know you have,” he said and I found myself nodding along with him. I couldn’t poke any holes in Lee’s pitch, as much as I tried to. It looked like a golden opportunity really had fallen into my lap.

“Alright. I’m in,” I said, not believing the words as they came out of my mouth. “When do we start?”

“Excellent. We’ll most likely start with an introductory interview between you and one of our reporters but we need to find one first. I’ll follow up with you as soon as we finalize all of that so we can talk timing. Are you free at all next week for that? Maybe on Monday if I can line someone up in time?”

“Of course.”

“Perfect. I’m looking forward to it.”

“So am I. Thanks a lot, Lee. Talk soon,” I said and clicked off the line. The silence of the room echoed around me, barely keeping me rooted to the ground as my head spun. The Flame and I were getting a show dedicated to us. Produced and distributed by NewSpin. This day kept getting better and better.

“Did I really just hear what I think I heard?” Joel asked, his eyes wide.

“You sure did. You’re looking at America’s next superstar. Still think it was a bad idea for me to have gone to Taylor’s press conference?” I asked and Joel shook his head slowly. “See, there’s a method to my madness, too.”

“What about The Flame?”

“You heard Lee, we’ll figure it out. This isn’t going to be a forever sort of thing. It’s a documentary, after all. I assume once we’re done filming things will go back to normal. Besides, I trust you to run the business if and when I’m tied up,” I said.

“That’s a first,” Joel laughed. “You don’t trust me with anything.”

“Please, you’re the best I’ve got,” I said and I meant it. Joel was my polar opposite in many ways, but he was infinitely reliable, and just the kind of level-headed, risk-averse person I’d need to run the business in my absence—though the prospect of handing over control to someone else did make me more than a little nervous. I’d been The Flame’s heart and soul for so long now that it’d become my entire identity. Still, I knew Joel would do a good job, and if he didn’t I could always swoop down and get things back on track.

“Well, should we tell the rest of the team?”

“Might as well. It won’t be long before they find out themselves, and I’d rather they hear it from me first.”

“Good idea. You want me to round them up?”

“No, I’ll do it,” I said and pushed back from the table to take a walk through the circular office, shouting and clapping all along the way.

“Attention! Whatever you’re working on, it can wait! Meet me in the war room,” I said as I beat on doors until I got back to the main office room that served as the hub of our operation. We had a small staff, just ten of us including myself, so it didn’t take long for them all to pile in at the table in the main office. “I’ve got something I need to talk about with you all.”

“Kile, we already know you’re gay,” Lane said. “You don’t need to come out.”

“Very funny. No, that’s not what I’m talking about. I just got off the phone with Lee Noble from NewSpin,” I said and if I didn’t have their attention before, I certainly had it now. “I’ve got some big news to share. They’ve offered to film a documentary mini-series about me and about The Flame. Naturally, I said yes.”

“You did?” Lane asked.

“Yes. I don’t really have a lot of details yet but it looks like you guys are going to have to steer the ship without me for a while.”

“How long?”

“About three weeks, give or take.”

“This is crazy,” Lane said.

“Yeah, I agree. I can’t really believe it myself.”

“Crashing Taylor’s press conference was the best thing you’ve ever done,” Nate laughed. “I mean, I knew it was going to be big, but Jesus, I never would’ve guessed.”

“One man’s crash really is another man’s treasure,” I said and the whole staff laughed.

“But you are coming back, aren’t you?” Lane asked.

“Of course I am. The Flame is my baby, I’m not about to leave it behind. I would never have gotten this offer if it weren’t for the site, so no need to worry about that. And there’s also no need to worry about your jobs. Whatever else happens, you’ll still have those. In fact, I think this might bring in a lot more advertising revenue. At the least, it’ll give us more clout and credibility to muscle around with. This is a good thing for all of us.”

“But it’s a great thing for you,” Lane said.

“Yes, it is. Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. I always knew you were meant for more than sitting behind a computer all day. This is perfect for you. Who’s doing the show? Is it that Edwards guy?” He meant Cameron Edwards, NewSpin’s most well-known “reporter”—he was really more of a glorified talk show host.

“Like I said, we’re still working out details. I know as much as I’m sharing with you guys right now. As soon as I know more, I’ll tell you.”

“Well, congrats, man. I know you’ve been wanting something like this for a long time,” Nate said. “Who knows? Maybe it’ll lead to something more permanent. Maybe we’ll all be NewSpin employees soon.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” Lane said. “This smells like a ratings grab to me.”

“It makes perfect sense. I’m suddenly a hot commodity,” I said and Lane laughed.

“And that trademark modesty still hasn’t left you. That’s admirable,” he said. “Still, this doesn’t sit well with me. It’s weird.”

“It isn’t. It’s a great opportunity for both parties. We’ll get a huge boost in audience and they’ll get a huge boost in ratings. The show will be popcorn TV, perfect for NewSpin’s viewers. Look, I know this is sudden and weird, but it’s going to be great. Maybe once we’re done with it I’ll be able to afford to get us a bigger office.”

“That would be a small miracle,” Nate said and everyone laughed. We were definitely outgrowing the space.

“When do we announce to the public?” Joel asked. I’d forgotten he was standing behind me.

“Not yet. Not until we have concrete details. We’ll have to be careful how we play it. And by the way, this stays here in this office for now, understood?” I asked the office. “If this leaks, I’ll know where it came from.” No one said anything.

“Good. Back to work, everyone,” I said and they all poured back into whatever corner of the office they’d been working in except for Joel.

“I still can’t believe this,” he laughed.

“Well at least someone besides me is happy about it,” I said. “Which makes me wonder… Why are you so supportive of this, anyway? You’re usually the first person to shit on things, especially fun things.”

“Thanks,” Joel said. “I dunno, maybe I feel bad for nagging you all the time. And you’re right, this is gonna be good for all of us. I’m excited to see where it goes. I don’t see a downside to it.”

“That’s because there isn’t one.”

“Hell of a way to start the new year, huh?”

“Seriously. And it’s only going to get better from here,” I said, daring to hope that by the next time the ball dropped to celebrate a new year, I’d be one of the co-hosts.