Page 41 of Sharing Shadow Secrets
“Okay, okay, I might still ask you about it in one month from now, because I really like this idea.”
Nicholas laughs, then looks down at the printed timeline for the event.
“Something I haven’t told you yet,” I start, and he groans. “You will like this—a girl I know who does marketing for a boutique hotel in Chicago will gift the winners of the costume contest a weekend getaway. So, one for the individual winner and one for best couple’s costume.”
Nicholas nods, approving.
“The only catch is that we have to put the hotel’s logo on all of our event graphics, tag them in posts about the event, and give them a shoutout when we announce the winners.”
“Easy enough. That’s a great prize, and it doesn’t cost me anything, which I like.” He picks up the timeline, lookinghesitant. “This all looks good. But my friend Chad wants to talk to you about something. He wants to do something during the event but won’t tell me.”
I hope his friend isn’t trying to do magic or something stupid during the party.
“Honestly, I think he wants to propose to his girlfriend,” Nicholas says with a smile, like he is cool with this idea.
“If it’s something stupid, can I tell him no?”
“This is your event. You can say no to any idea that comes out of his mouth.” Nicholas looks thoughtful for a moment. “Keep in mind Chad owns a boat rental company, and he’s intrigued by the results that you’ve gotten for me. He also wants to chat with you about all the social media stuff.”
Chad.The first impression is not great based on the name alone, but he is friends with Nicholas, which helps his case.
“We’ll chat. I really need more clients, like right now.” I sigh.
“You’ll get them. I’d be happy to sing your praises if people want to hear from a client.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
“You driving back to the city now?”
I nod.
“We can do virtual meetings in the future.”
“I felt that this first one should be in-person since we’re official now.” I giggle, feeling a rush of satisfaction at having full access to High Five’s social media accounts again now that he’s done with the agency.
“It’s always great to see you.”
I stand, considering if I should shake Nicholas’s hand or something. “Bye!” I wave, walking out of his back office and through High Five. “Bye, Claire.” I wave at the red-headed bartender.
In the rental car, I exhale. That meeting went exactly how it was supposed to go. Now I need to find a model to be ourvampire. Popular TikTok audio begins playing in my head. I am definitely not mad about how I’ll have to scroll through thirst trap content to find a hot guy to work the event. It will be good to get a guy with a decent following too for the cross promotion.
Starting the car, Brandon pops into my thoughts. We’ve only exchanged a couple of texts, but I feel like texting him. I want to tell him about the meeting and potential new client and also share that I’m in Lake Geneva, where we met. Blankly staring out of the car, I decide to text him something funny.
28
Sitting on the lake house dock, kicking my feet in the water, I’m decompressing after my virtual therapy appointment. Addiction and patience have never been friends, and I don’t know if I will ever be able to cultivate patience. One thing is for sure: I miss Taylor. I don’t think it’s in a withdrawal way. She is special, different, and I’ve never felt like this about someone. Especially someone I haven’t even slept with. My thoughts about her aren’t really like that. It’s more like, what is she doing? How is her business?
My lock screen lights up, and I look down.
Taylor
Have any audiobook recs? I’m about to drive back to Chicago from Lake Geneva.
Brandon
You’re in Lake Geneva? Meeting with High Five?
Taylor
