AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Absolutely!” I grin.
We strap in, and the helicopter speeds over the city, as I crane my neck in every direction. There’s no way I’m playing it cool for this, and soon, Austin is pointing out landmarks as we leave the city and head for the Hamptons.
“So, this is your life, huh?” I ask Austin over the headset. “Helicopters to the Hamptons?”
“Generally, no,” Austin says.
I arch an eyebrow. “Usually private jets to dinner?”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Things are just on overdrive at the moment. This event in the Hamptons is a pop-up for the spa; there will be media, locals, influencers… We’re trying to build some buzz for the launch. I want you to see for yourself what the team’s working on.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” I nod. “Events like that can generate a ton of free exposure.”
“And we’ll need all the press we can get.” Austin nods. “The recruiter tells me this is your strength—spearheading big splashy initiatives. I stay off social media, so that’s exactly what I need.”
Luckily, we land before I have to explain that the splashiest initiative I spearheaded at SNZ was switching from black-and-white photos in the company brochure to full color. Austin climbs out first and offers me his hand. Good thing—I’m a little dazed.
“That was incredible!” It feels like I’m shouting. “Am I talking too loud?”
“No,” Austin yells back. “Am I?”
We both laugh.
We’re on a stretch of beachfront, near shops and houses. There are a few white tents in the distance, with a crowd gathered around, and the sound of bad hip-hop music playing.
It’s a beautiful day, but as we draw closer, I realize that the vibe here today is not sunny or breezy. There’s nobody snapping photos in front of the Instagram-friendly wall of florals, the stage is empty, and all the people milling around seem restless and annoyed—except the pimply faced dude in a backwards baseball cap, enthusiastically DJ-ing from his iPhone.
This is… Not what I expected.
“Austin!” A young woman intercepts us, looking panicked. She’s dressed in what seems to be the spa staff uniform of cool neutral shades and is clutching a tablet screen like a life raft. “Thank God. We’ve been trying to reach you. The DJ’s stuck in traffic, the food’s still not ready, and people are already leaving!”
“What’s the hold up?” Austin frowns. “They were supposed to start serving an hour ago.”
The girl pauses.
“I… don’t know.”
Her eyes dart around, like there’s something she’s not saying.
Austin huffs a sigh, looking irritated. “Fine. I’ll handle it.”
Without another word, he makes his way to the stage area and gets the amateur DJ to cut the music. “Good afternoon and thank you for being here!” He calls, drawing attention. He flashes an MVP smile, like nothing’s wrong at all. “I’m Austin Banks, CEO of Vital. How’s everyone feeling?”
The group shifts restlessly, with a few grumbles. I do not envy Austin in this moment, up against a cranky crowd.
“Bodies tense?” he suggests, taking the mic off the stand. “Bad-mood cloud hovering over your heads? It sounds like you’re in need of some next-gen therapies, courtesy of our amazing therapists.”
Still, crickets.
I wince on his behalf, but Austin seems totally at ease, clocking the mood. “Now, Camille,” he says, pointing to a reporter in the front row. “I read your column on essential oils. Care to have our on-staff aromatherapist give you a showcase?”
She tries to fight the smile but can’t help it. “Well… For the story… Sure.”
“And how about we put those phones down for five whole minutes?” Austin suggests, nodding toward a group of influencers. “Group meditation with our Zen masters? Head that way. Please, try our five-minute massage for clarity! And our clean, delicious snacks will be ready in moments—thank you.”
Austin sets the mic down to applause and moves into the crowd, greeting everyone by name and shaking hands, like he’s delighted to meet each and every one of them. Soon, there are smiles, even laughter, as everyone thaws under the warmth of his charm.
Damn, that’s some charisma.
