We’ve been home for less than twenty-four hours, and I don’t recall having a conversation with Adam about anyone interested in our photography concept. I have no idea how all this works. Seeing our photo in a high-class advertisement has me tittering with excitement. I’m also confused.
“Unfortunately, it’s a pirated copy.”
I jerk my head to look up at him, eyes wide with confusion. “A pirated copy? You mean, he stole it?”
Adam runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “Basically. Pierre Jardo didn’t have permission or the legal copyright to use our image in his perfume campaign, but he did it anyway. I worked with him several years ago, and he assumed I’d be okay with it. He’s not a good guy, and back then, it was not a pleasant experience.”
“What do you mean?”
“The man is a bully. Extremely rude and hard to deal with. Fast forward and he had a near-death experience last year and has a new appreciation for life, hence the French fragrance name,Nouvelle Vie, which basically means ‘new life.’”
“Well, I’m glad he’s okay. But how did he get our photo?” I keep scrolling through the website, even though I don’t understand the French words on the screen. Still, I realize this is a huge deal.The kind I never imagined. Pierre Jardo’s high-end fragrances have been out of my reach for years. My meager pocketbook can’t compete with that kind of luxury.
“Dan shared the photo with a colleague who works with Pierre. According to Dan, Mr. Jardo fell in love with the image the minute he saw you and couldn’t wait for a formal contract, so he had his team post it to his website. He wants more, and he’s made it known he’s willing to pay top dollar to get more. To get you.”
“How much?” Disbelief sharpens my voice. Our concept actually worked.
“I don’t know yet. A negotiated contract this big could be six figures or more.”
“Six figures?” I gape and lean forward to look at the image again.
I remember the moment Adam took this picture at Feather Falls in California, right after Roxy and Justin’s wedding. My arms are spread wide, and you can make out the subtle profile of my face tilted to the side. My smile is slight. Eyes closed. My blonde hair trailing down my back stands out against the blue of my grandmother’s hand-sewn dress. I remember the sound of the thundering waterfall reverberating through my body and the click-click-click of Adam’s camera. His sexy baritone voice gently coaching me through it. Knowing a billion-dollar brand wants to use the image leaves me shook.
“Told you it was a good concept: high fashion meets Mother Nature. We nailed it,” I croak.
“We sure did.”
I look at Adam again. “What does this mean exactly? Is it too late to implement a legal deal? Or will the man be arrested?”
“Dan is getting a lawyer involved. Pierre knows he’s breaking all the rules by using the image illegally. It’s a shame that some wealthy celebrities like him believe they’re above the law and that rules are meant for others. We’ve filed a cease and desist order to have the photo taken down until we can come up with a plan.”
“A plan? What kind of plan?”
Adam stretches his arms across the table and holds my hands. His serious expression is concerning.
“This is a big, big deal, Keri, and it shouldn’t have gone down like this. But I want you to know, I’m taking care of it. I’m taking care of you.”
“Will we get paid? And what does he want from us exactly?”
“More of you. More photos. Campaign appearances. Possible commercials. Meet-and-greets at high-end department stores. Pierre is a smart businessman with deep pockets. And he has anew lease on life since his accident last year. He took one look at you and pegged you as his…” He stops talking.
“As his what, Adam?”
“His angel.”
I stare off into space, my mind swirling. “Wow. This gives Angel Face a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?”
Adams squeezes my hands. “It does if you want it to.”
“What does that mean?”
“Do you want to be the face ofNouvelle Vieand give up anonymity? Because that’s what will happen.” He lets go of me and raises his arms with his palms up. “Do you want to give up all of this for a life in the spotlight? You told me it’s what you dreamt about as a kid.”
“I… I don’t know.”
“We could always make this a one-photo deal with the man and call it a day. Or…”
“Or?” I wait.
