With that, he walks away. I watch him approach the photographer and listen to instructions. Then I watch him—as well as all the other newly named brand ambassadors—congregate in front of the backdrop.
My first gut instinct is I don’t want to use Callaghan as a thirst trap to attract people to my page. I don’t want them looking at what’s mine.
On the other hand, it could make a difference. I look at the pictures I’ve taken. There are enough of Cal—with his shirt on—and the group shots to put into a collage video. I assemble it while I wait and send it off to Gunther.
It’s video number nine. I only need one more to complete the assignment. I should be able to pull something together.
After what feels like five hours, Callaghan’s finally done. I’m trying not to fall asleep in my chair. He walks over with two people, introducing them to me as his agent and his agent’s assistant. They’re both beaming like proud parents.
Even Callaghan looks happy. Seeing him happy makes me happy.
The assistant is looking at her phone. “Up next is the meet and greet. Signing autographs, taking pictures with fans, that sort of thing. You’re scheduled to be there for ninety minutes. Then we have a dinner with some execs.”
Callaghan glances at me. “This is going to get supremely boring.”
I smile at him. “For me or for you?”
He cocks his head, matching my grin. “Both.”
My phone alerts me to a new text.
Gunther: Bloody hell. This just put you first in the queue. We need you to come in ASAP for a meeting.
This can only be good, right? They know I’m in New York. This was all part of the test. And I passed.
I had to have. He sends me the address.
“Hey, listen. I got invited to meet up with someone about a possible collaboration. I might go do that while you do your thing.”
Callaghan nods. “Like from ClikClak?”
It’s not untrue. “Yeah, and it could be big for me, so I’m going to go check it out.”
“Meet me back at the hotel when you’re done?” His eyes are hopeful. “We’re going to have a lot to celebrate tonight.”
We’ve reached the meet-and-greet station, and there are loads of people lined up. Maybe they’re here to see the other ambassadors, but someone screams Callaghan’s name. “You’ve got at least one fan. Don’t forget about me before tonight.”
He leans in and whispers in my ear, “I’ll never forget you as long as I live. You’ll always be mine.”
I can’t find the words to reply.
Callaghan Entay has taken my breath and speech away.
