“Hold up,” Eden said. “You’re making me sound very vulnerable.”
“Okay, okay. Not at first, but once you’re comfortable, you’re not afraid to be vulnerable,” Randi said. “We’re running out of time. This is valuable information I’m giving you on the way to my bestie’s heart. This would take three, four, maybe even more dates to discover. I know her heart and believe me, you’re going to want to know it, too. Eden is for serious competitors. You may be thinking, oh we can go out and have a lot of fun which is true, but she is worth investing your time and your life in because she’s going to make yours better. She’s worth it and who knows that better than me.”
Randi smiled at Eden as their time ran out and the crowd applauded. She hoped someone out there would be the one who could give Eden the happiness she wanted.
Before they left the stage Eden wrapped her arms around Randi and they hugged for a moment.
“I hope that was okay,” Randi said softly as they left the stage.
Eden shrugged. “Only serious competitors?” She chuckled. “I’m a boring romantic. Unfortunately, you hit the nail on the head.”
“You’re not boring!” Randi exclaimed.
Eden scoffed as they walked over to Analise and Cari. “I’m not as long as you’re dragging me off to do something new.”
“That was great,” Analise said. “I knew you had a romantic streak you like to keep hidden.”
Eden smirked.
“I really enjoyed it,” Cari said, standing up. “I can’t stay for the others, but Randi, that was a great pitch.” She looked at Analise. “I hope she’ll be doing your company’s pitch to me.”
Randi stared at them with confusion.
“I’ve really got to go,” Cari said. “Thanks again. I can’t wait to hear about your dates, Eden.”
Randi turned to Eden as Cari walked away. “What did she mean about your company’s pitch?”
Eden shook her head and shrugged.
“I think there’s been a miscommunication,” Analise said. “She must think Randi works with me instead of you, Eden.”
“Oh!” Eden exclaimed.
“Excuse me,” a woman said from behind them. “I wanted to meet you, Eden.”
“Go ahead,” Randi said with a big smile.
Eden stepped away and Randi turned to Analise. “So?”
“You know I’ve been wanting you to come to work with us,” Analise began.
“Yeah, at least you’ve stopped asking me every time I see you.” Randi chuckled. “Now it’s more like once a month.”
Analise smiled. “I thought between Eden and me we could wear you down. How about this?”
Randi raised her brows and waited.
“Come do this pitch for me,” Analise said. “You know the author; you read her books. We are trying to attract more sapphic authors and landing Cari DeWare would be a big deal. I’ve done most of the research and already have a plan.”
Randi narrowed her gaze, considering Analise’s offer.
“Why don’t you come in this week?” Analise suggested. “You can see how we work and get a feel for everything. We can dothis pitch as a consulting gig and if you like it then we can make a more permanent offer.”
Randi looked over at Eden who was now surrounded by several women. They were talking, smiling, and laughing. She could see the delight on Eden’s face and it made her heart skip a beat.
“You could have lunch with Eden every day,” Analise added with a lilt to her voice. "Wouldn't that be a perk?”
Randi chuckled. “Yeah, but she’s buying.”
