Randi smiled. “We’ll see.”
Eden tilted her head and narrowed her gaze.
“I know what that looks means,” Randi said. “You need to think about what it would mean if I work here. It could be too much togetherness.”
Eden scoffed. “I have thought about it. That’s why I keep asking you to come to work with me. It’ll be great, Randi. You’d see if you gave us a chance. Cari did. Now it’s your turn.”
Randi took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “Don’t you have work to be doing?”
“Don’t you?”
Randi chuckled. “Come on. I’ll show you the new ads I worked up for Cari’s backlist last night.”
They walked out of the conference room and down the hall to Randi’s office.
Maybe I could get used to working here, Randi thought with a glance over at Eden. She certainly liked the people and she was having fun creating content for Cari’s author brand and books.
At the end of the day Randi went home to change into a more casual outfit for the celebration at the brewery. She’d stopped by Eden’s office first and wanted to be sure she was comfortable meeting Gabi alone on this first date.
When Randi thought about it, the week had been eventful for them both. Eden was doing her interpretation of a social butterfly with her various dates as Randi worked on the pitch for Cari. She’d enjoyed all the research she’d quickly done to get up to speed on book marketing. Randi knew she still had a lot to learn, but that’s another reason she often changed jobs. She loved a challenge. Yes, she knew sales and marketing, but different products in different markets often called for a new approach. Testing these tactics and getting the results she’d hoped for was a special kind of satisfaction that did something to her heart. She loved it.
As she changed into a favorite pair of jeans, Randi gazed through her closet and pulled out a sleeveless V-neck sweater. Eden had suggested a sleeveless top the other night and Randi had felt confident in it, so why not wear something similar tonight. She slid an oversized long sleeve shirt off a hanger to take with her since it might cool down after the sun set.
Randi thought of Eden and realized she didn’t know what she’d decided to wear tonight. They usually discussed outfits any time they were going out. She knew Eden wanted to be in two places at once tonight so Randi had assured her if she was having a great time with Gabi she should stay. Cari would understand since she had been there for the original “pitch a friend” event.
Randi touched up her makeup, did a quick check in her mirror, then headed out for the brewery. The drive was uneventful and she easily found a parking place. She was about to go inside when her phone pinged with a text. It was from Eden.
I just pulled up at the restaurant.
Take a deep breath and have a good time.
Randi waited and saw the familiar bubbles as Eden replied. Eden didn’t have to tell her she was nervous; that’s why Randi suggested the deep breath. A part of her wanted to leave and be there to walk into the restaurant with Eden. She could make sure Eden was comfortable with Gabi, then Randi could disappear.
Thanks. Y’all have fun. Hopefully I’ll see you later.
Randi slipped her phone into her purse and walked inside the bar. She looked around and didn’t see Analise or Cari anywhere, but did spy a high top table at the edge of the larger space away from the bar. This would be the perfect spot to observe the room and people watch while they celebrated Cari joining the Hook, Line & Reader author lineup.
She decided to wait for the others before ordering a drink and within minutes Analise walked through the front door. Randi met her gaze and smiled.
“Hey, this is a good spot,” Analise said, sliding onto the chair next to Randi.
“I thought so too.”
“What are you drinking?”
“Nothing,” Randi replied. “I was waiting on you and Cari.”
“Before Cari gets here…” Analise’s voice trailed off.
Randi raised her brows in question.
“Your pitch was obviously wonderful and I’m grateful for all the hard work you put in this week,” Analise said. “But we didn’t discuss what happens next.”
“There was a lot going on today.” Randi smiled.
“Yes and Cari thinks you’re a team leader who works at HLR.”
Before they could continue their conversation Cari walked into the bar. Randi waved. “There she is. Don’t worry about that right now, Analise. Let’s welcome your newest author.”
