Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Randi looked down at her phone and read over the notes again for her upcoming pitch for Eden.
The rustling and murmurs of the crowd around her were nonexistent as she focused on her friend.
At this point she’d edited and reedited her pitch too many times to count.
She had to get this right because she loved Eden.
Nothing gave her joy quite like seeing Eden happy.
Honestly, she’d never had a friend like Eden.
She was always willing to celebrate the random things Randi came up with just for a reason to gather their friends for a party.
Or she’d spend a weekend binge watching a particular show that Randi knew didn’t interest Eden.
Even though Eden was a homebody, she was always available to meet Randi for a quick drink or dinner when Randi had the desire to be around people.
Eden meant so much to her, so this had to be good.
Randi didn’t date like Eden did, but she knew dating was important to Eden.
Although she wouldn’t readily admit it, Eden was looking for a partner.
Randi often emphasized that they were only in their thirties, but she knew being single weighed on Eden.
“Hey, are you reading your notes again?” Eden asked, looking down at Randi’s phone.
Randi dropped her hand to her side and looked into Eden’s eyes. “You know I’m going to be prepared.”
Eden smiled and tilted her head. “Of course you are. I wouldn’t be doing this if you weren’t doing the pitch.”
“Are you nervous? Are you ready?”
“Yeah, I’m nervous. I’m asking myself once again how I let you talk me into this.”
Randi laughed and that’s when she noticed Analise sitting at a table with another woman. “Is that Cari DeWare with Analise?”
Eden followed Randi’s gaze. “Yes! We’ve been trying to sign her. We know our services could take her to the next level, possibly the bestseller list. This is a casual meeting to set up a formal pitch while she’s in Dallas for a while.”
“Oh.”
“Analise really wanted to be here tonight, so I suggested she do the meeting here. Hopefully Cari will see what fun people we are and how connected we are to our queer community.”
“Good idea.” Randi nodded.
“This pitch is a big deal for Analise and especially for our company,” Eden said. She stared at Randi for a moment. “You know, you could help with that.”
Randi tilted her head and gave her a confused look. “Me?”
“Yes. You know how good you are at marketing and pitching. I’m sure you could convince her to give us a shot.”
“I have a much more important pitch to give right now,” Randi said. She didn’t know how many times Eden had asked her to come work at Hook, Line you read her books. We are trying to attract more sapphic authors and landing Cari DeWare would be a big deal. I’ve done most of the research and already have a plan.”
Randi narrowed her gaze, considering Analise’s offer.
“Why don’t you come in this week?” Analise suggested. “You can see how we work and get a feel for everything. We can do this pitch as a consulting gig and if you like it then we can make a more permanent offer.”
Randi looked over at Eden who was now surrounded by several women. They were talking, smiling, and laughing. She could see the delight on Eden’s face and it made her heart skip a beat.
“You could have lunch with Eden every day,” Analise added with a lilt to her voice. "Wouldn't that be a perk?”
Randi chuckled. “Yeah, but she’s buying.”
A big smile grew on Analise’s face. “Is that a yes?”
Randi tilted her head and held out her hand. “That’s a yes for this author.”
Analise took her hand firmly. “You’re going to love it with us.”
Randi laughed. “We’ll see.”
“Well, I think this pitch of yours was successful,” Analise said.
Randi followed her gaze to see Eden handing a woman’s phone back to her.
“Do you need to monitor who is getting her phone number?”
Randi scoffed. “Eden never listens to my suggestions, but just to be safe…” She walked towards the group knowing Eden would never give her phone number to just anyone.
Still, Randi couldn’t stop the protective feelings she had for her best friend especially since she’d just shared some of the things she loved most about Eden.