“Tomorrow night,” she murmured as a flutter of anxiety laced with excitement swirled in her stomach.
Chapter Two
Randi looked down at her phone and read over the notes again for her upcoming pitch for Eden. The rustling and murmurs of the crowd around her were nonexistent as she focused on her friend. At this point she’d edited and reedited her pitch too many times to count. She had to get this right because she loved Eden. Nothing gave her joy quite like seeing Eden happy.
Honestly, she’d never had a friend like Eden. She was always willing to celebrate the random things Randi came up with just for a reason to gather their friends for a party. Or she’d spend a weekend binge watching a particular show that Randi knew didn’t interest Eden. Even though Eden was a homebody, she was always available to meet Randi for a quick drink or dinner when Randi had the desire to be around people.
Eden meant so much to her, so this had to be good. Randi didn’t date like Eden did, but she knew dating was important to Eden. Although she wouldn’t readily admit it, Eden was looking for a partner. Randi often emphasized that they were only in their thirties, but she knew being single weighed on Eden.
“Hey, are you reading your notes again?” Eden asked, looking down at Randi’s phone.
Randi dropped her hand to her side and looked into Eden’s eyes. “You know I’m going to be prepared.”
Eden smiled and tilted her head. “Of course you are. I wouldn’t be doing this if you weren’t doing the pitch.”
“Are you nervous? Are you ready?”
“Yeah, I’m nervous. I’m asking myself once again how I let you talk me into this.”
Randi laughed and that’s when she noticed Analise sitting at a table with another woman. “Is that Cari DeWare with Analise?”
Eden followed Randi’s gaze. “Yes! We’ve been trying to sign her. We know our services could take her to the next level, possibly the bestseller list. This is a casual meeting to set up a formal pitch while she’s in Dallas for a while.”
“Oh.”
“Analise really wanted to be here tonight, so I suggested she do the meeting here. Hopefully Cari will see what fun people we are and how connected we are to our queer community.”
“Good idea.” Randi nodded.
“This pitch is a big deal for Analise and especially for our company,” Eden said. She stared at Randi for a moment. “You know, you could help with that.”
Randi tilted her head and gave her a confused look. “Me?”
“Yes. You know how good you are at marketing and pitching. I’m sure you could convince her to give us a shot.”
“I have a much more important pitch to give right now,” Randi said. She didn’t know how many times Eden had asked her to come work at Hook, Line & Reader. Analise had even mentioned it from time to time.
“You’re going to be great because I’m great,” Eden teased.
Randi widened her eyes. “That’s the confidence I love to hear! You’re going to have so many women ask you out. We’re going to find you a girlfriend.”
“Uh oh, here they come,” Eden said.
Randi smiled as Analise and Cari joined them.
“Eden and Randi, I’d like you to meet Cari DeWare,” Analise said.
“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” Randi said. “I’ve read your books.”
“Me, too,” Eden added.
“Eden works with me at Hook, Line & Reader,” Analise said with a smile.
Randi always liked the way Analise said Eden worked with her, not for her. She knew Eden’s value to the company and appreciated Analise recognizing it when around other people. Randi respected Analise and how effectively she ran her company, unlike some of the people she’d worked for in the past.
“You’re not wearing name tags,” Randi said.
“What?” Analise asked. “Those are for the people participating. I’m just here to support you.”
