She’s right. Going in blind would be setting myself up for failure. My hands shake. I can’t pass this up, but I’ll be throwing down the gauntlet. The minute my name is thrown into the ring, my family’s phones will ring off the hook. The downside of being connected in the industry—every move you make is noticed.
“I have to do this.”
“Yes, you do.” Jas grabs my hand and squeezes.
“Let’s look over the rules.”
My second wind hits as I grab the opportunity in front of me with both hands and vow to aim for the moon. I scan over the rules. They’ll provide the truck. If you’re chosen, each team gets a week to sell and accomplish tasks. It’s all about who makes the bigger profit and the biggest splash across social media. It’s a lot of money to invest, and they’ll want to be sure. I lace my fingers and push them forward, cracking my knuckles.
“Get me a pen.”
“There she is,” Jas whispers. “The woman, my best friend, has given herself permission to be.”
I smile up at her. “Let’s do this.” We fire up our laptops and begin to spread the word. Within thirty minutes, the news is out on every social media venue I have. The pandering for votes has begun. Leaning back, I watch the shared numbers rocket. It’s a matter of time until this gets back to my family. I might be the one in charge of marketing, but they’re not completely disconnected. I’ve made a move that will launch World War III. Consequences be damned.
“I need to go see Ellis in person, which means I should probably change out of my pajamas.”
She laughs. “Yeah, it might help.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I can. This is going to be your year.”
“God, I hope so, Jas. You don’t have to hang around.”
“I don’t mind. I planned to be here all day, but now I’m sending you off with a pep talk.”
“I won’t be long. I don’t want to lose my nerve.” I dress in preparation for battle. The ripped black jeans and white T-shirt topped with a cropped leather biker vest are my armor. I choose my favorite bracelets for luck and black booties with a jewel studded heel for extra confidence and height.
I sink onto the vanity and study myself in the mirror. Despite recent stressful situations, I’m happier. I feel alive. Before I merely existed, stealing moments at a time where I truly lived. It was a half-life, a walking dream I couldn’t wake up from. This is better. Not easier, but worth it in the long run. I darken and sculpt my eyebrow with a brown pencil and move on to the foundation, choosing my colors carefully. I want to look untouchable, flawless, and fierce.
I use a golden highlighter, black eyeliner, and black lipstick. I feel like an Amazon warrior with a fierce glow, sharp cheekbones, and full lips. The woman staring back at me in the mirror is one to be reckoned with. I rise and make my way back into the living room.
“Feeling better? Because you look amazing.”
“Thanks, Jas. I’m done with the self-pity. Thank you for allowing me the time to work through it though.”
“I think a few days of sadness are entitled when a major plan falls through. Now you’re on to bigger and better things.”
I hook my arm in hers. “Shall we?”
“Why thank you, I think we should.” We exit the apartment, and I lock up. “How do you think he’ll take it?” she asks.
“I’m not even going to try to guess. He’s done all kinds of things I wouldn’t expect from him these past couple of weeks.”
“Good or bad?”
My brow furrows. “I can’t tell. Hiring more people would be the logical thing to do if you know you might lose one of your staff members.”
“This is true. You think he did it to be vindictive?”
“I want to say no.”
“I think you’re being paranoid. She shrugs. “I mean, he hasn’t told anyone else, right?”
“Not that we know of.”
“Trust me, your dad would’ve said something by now, and Casp has never been stealthy.”