Page 95 of Wishing for La Luna
Thanks?What in the world of backhanded compliments is happening here?
“Okay,” I say instead.
“All that to say, I have been impressed with your ability to craft messaging and your sound recommendations. Your choices are well-informed, and you keep your ear to the ground. So, I want to assign you a client. It will be under my supervision while you’re on probation, but you will be responsible for the portfolio.”
A jolt of adrenaline courses through me, making me straighten up even more.My first client so quickly.This is great news. I wonder if they’ll assign me to one of the female singers. It’s got to be Nyxara Solé. I independently drafted a proposal for her and put it on his desk. We can do so much more to further her career.
It doesn’t matter, though. Whoever it is, I will make it work.
“Thank you, Victor. I’m so excited. Who is it?”
He adjusts in his seat. “This client has had a challenging history and will require a lot of hands-on guidance for a successful strategic rehab.”
My stomach sinks.Oh crap. He’s going to assign me Killa-Kyra, the boxer and rapper who consistently keeps feuding with everyone online, including friends, while complaining everyone envies her. My hopes are a little beat up but undaunted. I will find ways to channel that fighting energy into pushing her music. Maybe a collab with a boxer or a gym. I could probably also get her to host an episode ofCatch These Hands, the popular show about sexy street fighters. She would rock that.
“I can work with any client. I won’t let you down.”
The quick grimace doesn’t put my nerves at ease. “I’m glad you said that because I need you to keep an open mind. We just acquired his contract this morning.”
His contract?A new client? “I’ve heard nothing.”
Victor clears his throat, the sound causing a weird tingling at the base of my spine. He’s adjusting in his seat like the chair is biting his ass.He’s definitely setting me up for something.
“You see, Luna, this acquisition was kept under wraps. We didn’t know if it would go through until the last minute and wanted to keep the media’s nose out of it. But now that Thierry Banks is fully part of Elevate, we can share the news with the world. That will be the first task you will undertake under his portfolio.”
The blood drains from my face, my fingers shooting to my temples. I couldn’t have heard him right. “I’m sorry, what did you just say?”
His face reddens but he clears his throat again. “I know there’s a history there, but this is purely transactional. He’s a client like any other.”
“Except, he’s not.” My tone is harsh so I pause and take a breath.Because hell no, this is not happening to me.“Victor, I don’t think you understand. It’s not just history. It’s deeper than that.”
I keep my voice in check, low and soft, trying to find a way to rationalize with him without giving in to the anger that’s surging through my chest. Because…there’s no motherfucking way.
“Yeah, I remember the big public misunderstanding. But no one remembers that anymore.”
I remember. I still don’t drink in public because I’m scarred by that day. I vividly still hear Adina and her mom telling me to keep my mouth shut, threatening my mom and me. I open my mouth, but he continues.
“Thierry and Adina Belmont are no longer together. You’re in a high-profile relationship with Rio. This is a good opportunity for both you and Thierry. Your history puts you at a unique advantage. You have insight into his past, personality, and relationships. It will help you craft authentic content and find him opportunities where he can excel.”
This is a hell no. “I understand and trust your judgment, but I think everything you said is the exact reason Thierry and I are not the right fit. We all moved past it, but there’s still bad blood with the Belmonts.”
He waves a hand. “Don’t worry about the Belmonts. They’re not going to be your clients. Thierry is. You said you trust my judgment, right?”
No, I fucking don’t anymore.But I can’t say that to my boss. I nod instead.
A smile flickers and wavers on his lips. “Then trust me. This is a growth opportunity for you. You’ll be able to demonstrate not only to me, but also to the agency, that you can handle a challenging portfolio and turn it into a success. You’ll have my support and oversight all the way. To prove my confidence in you, I’m also adding Nyxara Solé to your portfolio. I read your proposal and love everything you outlined for her.”
The rumbling in my chest, the heat in my skin, thefuck noat the tip of my tongue…I stomp on all of it and stay silent. How badly will a refusal affect my career? It’s my first assignment, and I’m already telling them that I can’t handle it because it’s someone I hate. He’s going to see me as emotional and take back all those great words he just said. I didn’t make it through the last six months only to let the past get in my way.
“I want to say that I have reservations about this—not about my ability to perform my duties, but about the client. However, I trust your judgment here. I accept the assignment, but I will not deal with the Belmonts, only with the client.”
Victor nods. “This is a great step for your career, Luna.”
And also a pain I’m already feeling everywhere. Rio is going to hate this.
I stand but he stops me. “I’ll forward the emails and send the link to the SharePoint folder with the client’s information.”
I walk in fast steps to my office, not stopping even as someone calls my name. I close my door. My phone, sitting on my desk, lights up with messages. I dive for the first one.
