Randi may have changed jobs often, but she generally enjoyed going to work each day. The last two weeks had been challenging, yet gratifying. Randi had started ads on Amazon and Facebook for several of Cari’s books and series. It was early, but she’d seen a slight increase in sales numbers. She couldn’t be sure if it was due to the ads just yet, however, it was promising.
Eden was going to introduce Randi to Ginger at The Plot Twist. They were working on an in-person event for Cari to sign books and meet readers. Randi loved interacting with potential customers and was looking forward to the event even though Cari was a bit hesitant.
She had plenty of time to work with Cari so she would be more comfortable when meeting readers. Randi was a coach of sorts when it came to things outside of Cari’s comfort zone.Plus, they’d had several meetings since Cari signed and were getting to know one another better which helped Randi better understand what might help Cari.
The challenges and newness of the job made Randi’s days exciting, but she especially liked working with Eden every day. Over the years she’d been unwilling to even think about working alongside Eden, and now she wondered why she’d been so afraid. Their friendship was strong and she knew that, but something had always made her reluctant to say yes to working at Hook, Line & Reader.
Her thoughts drifted back to the night they celebrated Cari’s acceptance of their proposal. When Randi had gone home with Eden later that night things became a little awkward when they talked about tropes and specifically the friends to lovers trope of Cari’s book. Randi couldn’t believe she’d admitted to Eden that she’d once had a crush on her. If Randi was being honest with herself, the crush had never really gone away. Eden didn’t need to know that though. They’d both dated other women and had girlfriends throughout their friendship. Eden had never thought of Randi in “that way”, so it was best for Randi to bury her feelings and protect their friendship. At least that’s what she told herself.
Randi was glad the awkwardness passed that night and she and Eden had ended up spending the weekend together. When work began on Monday they were back in sync and had been ever since.
There was a long line at the drive-through window, so Randi decided to park and go inside to get their drinks. After she’d placed her order she saw a familiar face staring down at her phone as she waited in the pickup line.
“Hi, Tennie.” Randi smiled.
Tennie looked up from her phone and Randi could see her trying to connect the dots in her head.
“Hello,” Tennie replied tentatively. “I feel like I should know you? Do I know you? Uh…”
Randi chuckled. “Yes, actually you do know me, but we only met briefly at the Pitch a Friend night a while back. I’m Randi Powell. Eden Andrews is my best friend.”
“Yes!” Tennie exclaimed. “You’re right, I do know you. Eden talks about you all the time.”
Randi winced. “Sorry about that.”
“What? No! You two obviously have a special friendship,” Tennie said. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“I’m sure you’d rather run into Eden, but it’s my turn to get coffee this week,” Randi explained. “She usually stops here and always brings me something back, so I had to return her kindness.”
Tennie nodded. “Actually, I didn’t get by here at all last week. Work was crazy. I was able to text with Eden a few times. She mentioned that you’re working with her full time now. How’s that going?”
“It’s great,” Randi said. “She has wanted me to come work at HLR for years and I was afraid we’d see too much of each other. It’s still new, but so far so good. She’s not tired of me yet.” She chuckled. “I probably annoy her daily, but that’s what friends are for. Right?”
Tennie laughed.
“Well, well. It looks like great minds think alike,” Analise said, walking up to them.
“Oh, hey,” Randi replied. “I didn’t know you came here too. I’d have been happy to pick something up for you.”
“I’ve only been here a couple of times,” Analise replied. “Eden speaks so highly of this place so I had to give it a try.”
“Analise, this is Tennie…” Randi paused. “I don’t know your last name.”
Tennie chuckled. “It’s okay. I don’t think any of us used last names that night.” She turned to Analise and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Tennie Still.”
“Analise Reilly,” she replied with a smile, shaking her hand.
“I know who you are, Analise,” Tennie said.
“And I know who you are,” Analise replied. “Eden works with me. You two met at the pitch a friend event. I was there that night, but left soon after Randi’s fabulous pitch.”
Tennie grinned. “It was a great pitch.”
Randi stood a little taller at their praise. “Thank you.”
“It was so good that Eden has several women vying for her attention,” Tennie said.
Analise chuckled. “Eden mentioned that she sees you here on occasion.”
