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*January 2002*
Amy didn't know how much more she could stand. She was stuck working with that pigheaded jerk, in a job she actually found herself enjoying. Yet, at the same time, Adam Copeland occasionally made her want to commit murder - murder on a certain tall, lanky blond man originally from Toronto, Canada, namely *Adam* himself.
It had gotten to the point where she basically physically loathed the man. She had never in her life felt that way about anyone, but then again, Mr. Copeland was a very "special" individual.
She often caught him staring at her when he probably didn't think she was aware. Her guess was that he was most likely mentally undressing her, and oddly enough, she experienced a strange combination of repulsion and pleasure from that thought. What in hell was it about that maddening man? He annoyed the hell out of her, especially when he contradicted or mocked her during the show. And yet, at the same time, she couldn't help feeling strongly, *intensely* attracted to him...
... It was almost enough to make her sick.
Amy wanted out... She didn't want to quit broadcasting or quit the station, but damned if she had to keep working with someone she couldn't stand - and who couldn't stand her back.
And so, she headed to the office of Lisa Marie Varon. The station manager had always said her door was always open, and unlike a lot of other bosses, the woman actually *adhered* to her policy. The redhead was determined to speak with her, get herself out of this frustrating, aggravating predicament.
As she reached the boss' doorway, she knocked with the knuckles of her left hand.
"Hey, Amy," Lisa said as she looked up from some papers to see her there. "Come on in - have a seat."
Amy obliged, slipping into the room and closing the door behind her.
"This is... private," she explained as she sat down on one of the twin chairs situated before the station manager's desk.
"I see... So, what can I do for you today?" Lisa Marie inquired curiously, folding her hands neatly atop the desk.
"It's just... Oh, why even bother?" Amy said with nervous exasperation. She ran a hand through her long, wavy auburn hair. "Lisa, I'm sorry to be such a pain, but it's my work situation here."
Varon arched a sculpted brow prettily.
"I see... What's the problem?"
"Honestly? I can't see Adam and myself working together for much longer without killing one another," came the reply. "That's why I came to ask you if I can be moved to a different show." Amy bit her lip, anxiety swirling through her. Although the woman was very lenient, and quite the understanding boss, she totally expected her to flat out deny the request.
Lisa Marie sighed, clearly not looking thrilled by her statement.
"All right," she said. "Let me ask, though... Have you and Adam discussed this? Have you tried to work out your differences?"
The redhead bit her lip, shaking her head.
"No... We don't discuss all that much at all."
"Well, the thing is, Amy..." the other woman explained, "... your show is a big success... A *huge* one."
Amy bit her lip again and held her breath. She had the distinct feeling that she knew where this conversation was heading - and it would *not* be in her favor.
"Ordinarily," Lisa Marie went on, "I would take your request under definite consideration... But Purple Skies is a huge success. And do you know *why* it's such a huge success, Amy?" She pointed at the younger woman for emphasis. "Because of you and Adam. Listeners love the show because of the two of *you*. You play off on one another beautifully, and they love that."
The redhead blinked, silent as she felt as though she'd been smashed in the stomach with a heavy object. There was clearly no way she was going to get out of having to work with Adam Copeland unless she quit. And since she couldn't afford to do that, she was stuck. She had no choice but to stick it out with the infuriating blond man.
"So... What you're saying is - you won't do anything to get me away from him?"
"I'm sorry," Lisa Marie said, a sympathetic look coming to her face. "We can't afford to risk it. Your show is one of the biggest hits here at the station. Look, if things chance, and the ratings go considerably down, I'll put you elsewhere. Deal?"
Amy sighed wearily. She supposed that was the best she could hope for at the moment.
"Deal." From there, she rose and left the station manager's office. She had a show to prepare for.