Chapter 27 #3
“I want a lot of things,” Greta responded, snapping a finger and placing her hand on her hip in a sassy gesture.
Bianca held up a finger, and we waited as she swallowed another sip of her drink. “And she’s going to get them all.” Dragging out that last word, Bianca hit her hand against her thigh.
“Hell yeah, I am.”
Bianca nodded, and I felt like a third wheel in the conversation. I wished I had more experience with these settings.
Laying a hand on my shoulder, Bianca grinned. “You two have fun. I’m going to make the rounds.”
Before she was out of earshot, Greta advised, “Make sure you find Ophelia Cartwright. Word is she’s on the hunt for a designer to work with on her awards look.”
“I’m on it,” Bianca shouted, waving over her shoulder as she walked away.
Now that it was just us, Greta homed in on me. “All right, Brooklyn, so time is money. Make mine profitable. Why should I take you on as a client?”
I could have bored her with the story of my life and how I deserved this and would work harder than any of her other clients.
I could have told her how I wanted it so bad I could practically taste it.
But all of that would have probably fell on deaf ears.
Because how many other people had done the same?
Sounding desperate and pathetic?
No one wanted to work with someone who tried too hard.
Placing a hand on my belly, I closed my eyes briefly and prayed this worked.
“Did you know most people are narrow-minded, believing the only thing to being an influencer, or at least, a successful influencer, is using your platform to persuade people they need things they don’t actually need?
When in reality, the only reason they have any power to influence is because people find them relatable.
When you see yourself in someone, you believe what they have to say.
It’s a following of like-minded people. That’s why their opinions have a large impact.
That’s why strategy in partnering with brands is important.
” It felt like all of the oxygen had left my body, and my head was floating above us.
Although I knew none of that was possible, since my heart was pounding so hard it felt like someone was taking an axe to my insides.
Greta nodded, tapping her lips. “Only take on the ones that speak to you.”
“Not exactly. I’m saying only take on the ones that you’ve tested and can back because the minute you stop being authentic is the minute your followers will doubt you. Maybe not immediately for all of them, but in time, it will happen.”
“How do you feel about ARA?” she asked, not waiting a beat before doing so.
“I feel like they are creating a way to keep in touch with their customers through every stage of their lives. I feel like they care.”
“They’re looking for fresh blood, a new hungry influencer they can grow with to partner with them now with the hopes of a capsule collaboration later.”
“Wow.” It sounded lame, even to my own ears, but it was exactly how I felt.
“I can tell we’re going to work well together, and I’m going to suggest you to them.”
This seemed like an opportunity most people had waited a lifetime for. It was one they probably would have killed for. And why I was getting it would never truly be understood. I could assume, but it wouldn’t have done me any good because it still wouldn’t have been a solid answer.
It would have been a maybe.
Maybe it was because she had a loyalty to Capri, or she owed Capri a favor.
Maybe it was because I had stumbled upon Bianca first, and Greta took a liking to that.
Maybe it was because I had been introduced as a Deluca.
Maybe it was because I was pregnant and she wanted to help an expectant mother.
Maybe it was none of those things, and it was because of me and what I had said.
Either way, I wasn’t going to question it. And I certainly wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity.
Because, if I thought about it, with everything I had sacrificed and done for my family over the years, if this came out of my helping my father out of a rut, then I was taking it. I was taking it and running.
I blinked. “Really?” I finally asked.
She nodded, retrieving something from her skirt pocket. “Here’s my card. My assistant will be in touch.”
Taking the card from her, I stared down at it. My throat felt dry, but there was something I still had to say. “Thank you so much,” I managed.
“Absolutely, and just think how proud your daughter will be one day.” She pointed a manicured finger at the place I had previously rested my hand.
I wanted to be a mother my daughter could look up to. One who wasn’t self-centered. One who was smart and courageous. Now…now I possibly could be that to her. For her.
As if ready to leave and mingle with the other guests, she stood up straight and unnecessarily ran a hand down her wrinkle-free skirt. “You’re taking risks most people would never dream of taking. You should be very pleased with yourself.”
I was, but most importantly, she would be, I thought to myself as I focused all of my attention on my growing baby.