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The way she says it makes it seem not so crazy. Elisa is so persuasive and intense. And not asking us to lie or fake anything. Maybe it is an opportunity to show BlindDate’s possibilities?
“And we’d pay Riley, of course. A sponsorship like this could be very lucrative for her too. I don’t know what her current sponsorship endorsement fees are, but I guarantee we’ll pay considerably more.”
Elisa sits back in her chair and smiles. “As I see it, it’s a win all the way around. We can highlight the success of BlindDate, something you’ve worked on for a long time. Riley gets an assured sponsorship that will increase her visibility and profitability. And best of all, it’s authentic, genuine love that can’t be manufactured, which is why everyone will go nuts to support you two and celebrate what you’ve found. My understanding is that Riley likes to ‘spread sunshine’, as she says? Well, I’m seeing a total solar eclipse.”
Wait, isn’t that when the sun is blocked?
Focus on the important things, Noah. And newsflash, it’s not science right now. It’s business. And Riley.
I’m not sure about everything Elisa has said. And most importantly, this isn’t a choice I can make alone. Riley and I need to talk about this . . . a lot.
And I need to gather my wits so that I can have a conversation with Elisa without sounding like a stumbling, stuttering moron.
I take a deep breath and nod. “I need to talk with Riley about this. I’ve got twenty-five friends online. Riley’s the one with over a half-million followers. But . . . I’ll talk to her.”
“Thank you,” Lady Elisa says, obviously thinking she’s got this in the bag. “Your story, Riley’s story . . . it touches me. And I would love for the world to have the chance at that too. We all deserve love.”
Elisa puts her hand over her heart, her smile sweet and gentle. I swear I feel the claws of the trap she’s set slam shut around me.
She’s good. Really good. And I’m in over my head with her, but I won’t be smooth-talked into doing something that won’t work for Riley and me.
But maybe it could work? We did find our happily ever after with BlindDate. Why can’t others too? Especially if it helps Riley too.
Chapter 23
Riley
“Rowf!” Raffy barks from beneath my feet.
I click Save on the draft I’m working on, a post about a new pair of earrings made from entirely recycled e-waste. You’d never be able to tell by looking at them, but the hoops used to be part of a smartphone. The core of the hoop is aluminum that’s been coated in gold, with twin baubles that look like polished jade but are actually ground up circuit board plastic that’s been recast and then shaped by hand.
The earrings aren’t from a sponsor company but rather an opportunity to support a good cause. Not everyone can get out and volunteer, though I definitely highlight that on my page, but we can all have an impact on bettering the world. Like donating e-waste to a small company who reuses it creatively, supporting them with our purchase power, and encouraging the causes we believe in like recycling.
I’ve got the bulk of the post done, including some statistics and important information, but I want to find or write the perfect quote to use as the tagline to really inspire my Sunshiners.
“I know, Raffy. I’m ready too, but we’re waiting on—” I start before there’s a knock at the door. “Never mind, there’s Noah now. You ready to walk?”
At the familiar word, Raffy goes nuts, running around and barking. I try to get him to calm down while opening the door for Noah. “Hey, come on in. Let me get Raffy’s leash on or he’ll probably make a run for it.”
We don’t have any specific plans tonight, having talked about a nice, long walk and dinner but not much else. I like that, though. It’s a blend of Noah’s need to have the whole evening mapped out and my confidence that something spontaneous will happen and it’ll be great.
Will we get takeout or find some hole in the wall diner neither of us has ever been to? Maybe skip dinner entirely and only eat ice cream? As long as we know there will be food of some sort, it’s enough of a plan for us both.
Noah comes in, closing the door behind himself and telling Raffy, “You’d better behave, man. You have a cushy gig here . . . good food, daily walks, allowed to get on the couch, and the prettiest mama ever.”
“Aw, you’re so sweet,” I say, standing to greet Noah now that I’ve got Raffy’s leash hooked to his collar. I meet Noah’s lips with mine, soft and tender, but suddenly, I fall into him. “Ahh!”
