Follow Me Darkly (Follow Me 1)

Just do it.

I hear the words in Braden’s voice in my mind.

I exhale and dial the number.

“Susanne Corporate,” a voice says.

My heart is thudding. “Eugenie Blake, please.”

“May I tell her who’s calling?”

“Skye Manning, from Addison Ames’s office.”

“Thank you. I’ll see if she’s in.”

A few seconds pass.

“Skye, how are you?”

“Hi, Eugenie. I’m fine. I’m so sorry about yesterday’s mix-up.”

“Not a problem at all, and perfectly understandable,” she says. “Addison was a little taken aback, I’m afraid.”

A little taken aback? Try jealous rage. “We worked it out.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I love how the Cherry Russet stain looks on you.”

“Thank you. It’s my favorite.”

“I can see why. And I must say, you’re starting to amass quite a following on Instagram in record time.”

“I wouldn’t call twenty thousand followers anything big,” I say. “I’ve started dating Braden Black. That seems to be the catalyst.”

“Yes, what a lucky woman you are!”

I’m not sure what to say to that, so I just say, “Thank you.”

“The fact that you’ve gained that many followers within days is very telling. We think you’re going to be huge. Anyway, we had a run on the Cherry Russet after you responded to that comment on Mr. Black’s post, so we’re prepared to offer you five thousand dollars to do a series of three posts on your own account highlighting our products.”

Five thousand dollars? For a few posts? Sounds like a mint to me, but Addie gets six figures for some of her posts. I’m tempted to take it and run, but Braden’s advice erupts like a volcano in my mind.

Never take the first offer.

The problem is, he didn’t tell me how to ask for a higher offer. I race through our conversation. Maybe he did. He said counteroffer something higher. So instead of turning Eugenie down, I say I’ll do it for this amount.

But what is this amount?

I’m new, and I only have a fraction of Addie’s followers. I can’t demand six figures. What’s reasonable? Fifteen thousand? Twenty? Fifty?

How I wish Braden were here to advise me.

“Skye?” Eugenie says.

“I’m here. Just thinking. I truly appreciate the offer.”

“Of course. Take your time. Would you like to call me back later?”

Call her back? And give her time to rethink giving five K to a nobody? No way. I clear my throat. “I appreciate your faith in me and my following.” I echo the words I’ve heard Addie say to clients so many times. “But I’m afraid I can’t do what you’re asking for less than fifteen thousand.”

Silence for a few seconds. Damn. I’ve blown it.

Then, “You drive a hard bargain, Skye. We can offer ten, but I’m afraid I can’t go any higher without the VP of marketing’s okay. If you’re willing to wait, I can check with her.”

Now what?

Maintain control, Skye. You heeded Braden’s advice. You got her to go higher.

I can take the ten thou, or I can take the chance that the VP of marketing will up it to fifteen. She may say yes. She may say no. There’s also a third option. She may very well tell Eugenie that I’m asking way too much as a newbie and not to bother with me anymore.

I can’t take that chance. Not yet, anyway.

“That’s very generous of you,” I say. “I’m happy to do the posts for ten.”

“Wonderful. I’ll email the contract to you. We’re thrilled to be working with you.”

“I’m thrilled as well. Thanks so much for the opportunity.”

“You’re very welcome, Skye. We’ll be in touch.”

I end the call and lean back in my chair.

My heart is still pounding, but I feel good. Darn good. I got twice the original offer.

I can’t wait to tell Braden.

Fifteen minutes later, the contract lands in my inbox.

Addison has one of the hotel attorneys review all her contracts, but unfortunately, I don’t have that option. I can call an attorney and pay for the services out of the $10K I’ll be getting, but who do I call? How do I know who’s good?

I sigh.

I know the answer.

Braden. Braden has access to the best attorneys in town. He can tell me who to hire.

Why is my belly fluttering? I’ve never phoned him before, but I showed up at his place unannounced last night. A phone call is nothing. I hastily search the number and call.

“Black, Inc.”

“Braden Black, please.”

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“Skye Manning.”

“Just a moment.”

Then, “Good morning, Skye.”

My thighs quiver at the sound of his voice. “Hi, Braden. I’m sorry to bother you at work, but I got the contract with Susanne Cosmetics, and I was wondering if you knew a good, reasonably priced lawyer who could review it for me.”

“Email it to me. I’ll review it.”

“But you’re not—”

“An attorney? True, but I’ve reviewed my share of contracts. I also have four attorneys here in the office who can help me with the legalese if necessary.”