Eden gave her a hopeful and excited look as she turned around and walked towards the back of the space.
Randi made her way over to the empty table and saw Kelly turn around when Eden took the steps down to where she was standing next to a large table. She could see the delight on Kelly’s face when she saw Eden. Randi knew what it felt like to see one of Eden’s smiles and understood Kelly’s reaction.
She didn’t have to wait long until Cari stepped into the bar. Randi raised her hand and gave her a little wave.
Chapter Eight
“Hi,” Cari said with a smile.
“Hey, glad you made it.”
Cari looked around the space then back at Randi. “Have you been here before?”
Randi shook her head. “No, but I know they have live music several nights during the week. What can I get you to drink?”
“Oh, I don’t know. How about a glass of white wine?”
“I’ll be right back.” Randi smiled and went to the bar. While she was waiting she noticed there were several more people sitting with Eden and Kelly. She didn’t know why she felt so uncomfortable about the situation tonight. They’d done this many times over the years since becoming friends. Maybe it was because Cari was here, too. Randi wanted to get to know her better and wanted to make sure she had a good time, too.
The bartender handed her two glasses of wine and she made her way back to their table. “Here you go.”
Cari took a sip from her glass and Randi could feel her eyes on her. “Are you nervous about the pitch tomorrow?”
Randi set her glass down and gave her a measured look. “Should I be?”
Cari shrugged. “Analise has been trying to get me to sit down with her and her team for several months now.”
“I’m glad you agreed to meet.” Randi smiled.
“Do you want to get this over with now? Then we could relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
Randi looked at her with surprise. “Are you nervous?” She paused and studied Cari for a moment. She watched as Cari inhaled a breath and slowly let it out.
“I’m an independent author and have had to do everything myself. I’m not a control freak or anything like that, but letting go of some of the things I’m used to managing is a big step.”
Randi nodded. “I get that, but we’re supposed to take some of those things off your plate so you can have more time to write. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?”
“I suppose. I’m not sure I’d know how to act if all I had to do was write.” She took another sip of her wine.
“Hmm, I’m sure I could suggest a few things you could do if writing is too much.”
Cari laughed. “Now that might be fun, but you’re right, having more time to write would be heavenly.”
“Let’s wait until tomorrow to talk more about what we can do for you,” Randi said. “Analise is looking forward to seeing you.”
“I like her,” Cari said. “I know she’s running a company and they are obviously out to make money, but she seems to genuinely want to help me succeed. Do you like working for her?”
Randi took a sip of her wine. Cari didn’t know that this was Randi’s first pitch with Hook, Line & Reader and she didn’t plan to tell her—at least not before tomorrow’s meeting. “I don’t really workforher,” Randi replied. “We all work together. That’s how Analise does things. We’re one big family.”
“That sounds amazing,” Cari said. “She’s the boss, but doesn’t act like a boss.”
“Sort of.” Randi chuckled. “Analise is a very…compelling woman. She makes you want to be your best.”
Cari nodded then took another sip. “Is that Eden over there at the table just down the steps?”
Randi nodded and smiled.
“You’re very attentive to her.”
