Page 58 of The Wedding Toast
Callie pursed her lips.“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I’ve seen your work – it’s not only gorgeous, but it … it has thatsomething.Even I haven’t figured out a tag line for it yet but … girl!And hearing Hannah say that Jacob wants to commission you would confirm it for me even if I weren’t already damn sure – that man has impeccable taste.”
Callie felt like that was the first thing they could agree on – Jacob had the good taste to choose Becca.
She turned to Hannah and Mary Ellen.
Mary Ellen shrugged.“I don’t know – all I’ll say is that if Delaney wants to brand you and your work, I’ll look forward to having you as a neighbor soon.”
Hannah smiled.“What she means is that if Delaney Morgan decides to market your work, you’ll make a fortune and become a well-known, highly sought-after name before you know what’s hit you.”
Callie just stared.They didn’t know what they were talking about – she made clay mugs.Wind chimes from the broken pieces and the projects that didn’t quite work out.
“I have to go and stop Antonio from harassing people,” Mary Ellen said with a smile.
“Oh, and look, Hannah, Grady’s calling you over,” Delaney said.
When they’d both gone, Delaney gave Callie a wry smile.“You can tell me to take a hike.I’m not going to try to take over your work or anything.”
“Wise move.That wouldn’t work out well for you.”Callie might not know how things worked in the branding world, but one thing she knew was how to defend herself in every sense.
Delaney sighed.“I’m sorry, am I coming across as a condescending bitch?”
Callie let out a short laugh.“You want the truth?”
“Your laugh told me the truth.And I’m sorry, can we start again?”She held out her hand.“I’m Delaney Morgan.It’s so nice to meet you – I’m a huge fan of your work.Is there any chance you’d be interested in getting together to talk about how I might help you market it?”
“What’s in it for you?”Callie asked.
Delaney laughed.“Either a fixed fee – which for you I would waive until you make that much and at least ten times more as a direct result of my work, or maybe a percentage – but you’d have to think about that carefully before you agree to it.
“Why?”
“Because with the way your work will sell if you let me run your brand, even a tiny percentage will amount to a fortune in a few years.”
“You’re that sure of yourself?”
Delaney laughed.“I am.That’s not unusual.What’s out of the ordinary is just how convinced I am that the way you’re underselling your work and your talent is almost criminal.”
Callie finally took hold of her hand and shook it.“Let’s talk – after the wedding.But I’m not making any promises.And I’m not signing anything.”
She stopped short when Elliott, one of Jacob’s pilots, appeared at her side.He was a good guy.She’d had a laugh with him the few times she’d met him.He was a big old flirt, but he wasn’t interested in her, nor she him.Becca had told her about him losing his dad, and she felt for him.They’d bonded a bit over losing people they loved – her oldest brother had been killed in Afghanistan.Elliott just felt safe and more familiar than most of the wine people.
He put his hand on her shoulder and smiled.“How are we doing, ladies?”
Callie nodded.She’d bet that he’d come to make sure she was okay against this Delaney.
“All good, thanks, El.”
~ ~ ~
Elliott had no clue what was going on between the two women, but he’d come over to make sure things were okay.All he knew was that Callie looked agitated, and Delaney was … well, he didn’t know what to make of Delaney.When he and Trick had flown her in, she had to have been one of the most nervous passengers ever.But as soon as they were back on the ground, she’d transformed into this … businesswoman, all go-getter attitude and …
She met his gaze and stared at him coolly.“Sorry,” she said to Callie.“I didn’t realize that the two of you were … I won’t hold you up, but please.”She handed Callie a card.“Think about it and give me a call.”Her features transformed when she smiled and added, “And please don’t think you need to avoid me for the wedding weekend – I won’t mention work again unless you do.”
Callie took the card and examined it, and Elliott watched the whole exchange, wondering why Callie hadn’t set her straight.If she wanted this Delaney woman to think that she had a boyfriend then he was all about being the stand-in if she needed one, but … if he were honest, he was intrigued by Delaney, and her thinking that he was with Callie wouldn’t do him any favors.
Callie looked up again.First at Delaney, then at him, and smiled.“Thanks for the card, and Elliott’s just a friend.Do you two not know each other?Sorry.Delaney, this is Elliott.Elliott, meet Delaney.”
