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Prologue
One Month Ago
“Thank you all for making the ‘Social Media Transformation, Innovation and Common Man’ conference the success it has become today. We couldn’t have done it without your support and partnership.”
Andrea looked out at the crowd of people applauding. A wave of pride washed over her at the realization she’d just hosted one of the largest social media conferences of the year. Even as the curtains were drawing, she had to admit she had not anticipated that it would’ve had such an exponential impact on drawing top-tier executives from major social media platforms, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Reddit. She also wouldn’t negate any of the accolades coming her way due to her role in all this.
She’d spent most of her adult life honing her craft of social media marketing, and this week had been a testament to how much her blood, sweat, and tears had paid off. The social media gurus and tech moguls in the room that attentively listened to her presentations and the staff that had been assembled to assist her in making the event a success had proven this.
As she walked backstage, many congratulations were directed her way from staff and guests alike.
“Andrea, you are beyond brilliant. I can’t believe we didn’t think of using you sooner,” Tim, the managing director of SMW, the organization responsible for the conference, congratulated her. Grasping her hand, he shook it heartily. His light brown eyes stared back with a grin that bore straight, white teeth glistening like gems under the luminous lights.
This event had catapulted her into another realm, not that she was lacking in the department as in her own right she was described as the “Facebook Queen” for the inventive ways in which she advised on how to market with Facebook Ads and the success it had garnered among her clients and subscribers. She already had a cult following on her blogging and YouTube channels and had many connections in the field.
“Thanks, Tim. I couldn’t have done it without you and the team,” she spoke sincerely as her face lit up with her smile.
Tim gave her another dazzling grin.
“Before I forget, Kerry Davis wanted me to give you this.” Tim fished out of his pocket a small, square card with the name Kerry Davis, Executive Social Media Marketing Director— WeChat, written in bold navy letters.
“Wow! This is great, Tim,” Andrea expressed, flipping the card over to see that the number for the exec’s direct line was printed on the back.
She’d been trying to set up a meeting with the messaging app’s director for a couple of months now, but each time, she’d gotten the run around that she wasn’t in the office or just wasn’t taking calls at the moment. To be sought after by her now was another achievement she had to attribute to the level of exposure this conference had just given her.
“I have a few clients who have been pretty persistent about getting tips on how to post their ads on this platform,” she informed the man who stood before her, brows raised in interest.
“I wanted to talk with Kerry to get a better understanding of the app, but it’s been an uphill battle,” she explained further.
“Well, you’ve just proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you can roll with the best of them, so prepare for the accolades that are coming your way. Trust me, you’re going to blow up even bigger than you are right now,” Tim spoke sincerely.
Andrea’s heart swelled as a feeling of warmth washed over her at the credence in which he spoke.
“Thanks, Tim,” she accepted graciously, “I’m so grateful for your confidence in me.”
“Oh, it’s more than just confidence, Andrea. It’s knowing what you’re capable of and affirming the level of influence you have in this sphere.”
Andrea could see the sincerity shining through his eyes, but there was something else there that she couldn’t quite decipher.
Tim cleared his throat as he thrust his hands into his pockets.
“Listen, Andrea,” he started slowly, facing her completely. “I was wondering if maybe after we’re done here, we could maybe… that—”
Andrea tensed. She could already tell where he was going with the conversation. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she also wasn’t looking for a relationship right now, casual or otherwise. The Carolina Herrera, green velvet, off-shoulder, close-fitting dress suddenly made her feel a little more exposed than it should have, especially sitting above her knees with four-inch Louboutin heels.
He tried to continue. “—you would like to join me for…”
“Andrea, there you are.”
Andrea turned her head toward the voice to see Kathy Bernstein, one of her associates, and another business owner walking in her direction. She was thankful for the distraction.
Looking back at Tim, she gave him an apologetic look just before Kathy interrupted them.
“I’ve been looking all over for you,” Kathy said, looking between the two of them. She’d just realized that she’d intercepted a rather awkward conversation, at least on Andrea’s part.
“I’ll leave you two at it. I have a few people that I need to speak with before they leave,” Tim spoke up.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something important?” Kathy played coy, placing a delicate, manicured hand across her chest and looking from Tim to Andrea with concern.
