Page 26 of A Private Affair
“Whoa. Oh no! Full stop! That is not what I said. Let’s just change the subject.”
Riley chuckled at RJ’s completely over-the-top but hilarious reaction as they stepped into the elevator.
“Yeah, I think changing the subject might be a good idea,” she said and laughed a little more.
“What’s your vision for ChatMe? Do you see yourself finding the woman of your dreams through your singles app?”
Chaz was momentarily taken off guard by the question. He hadn’t custom designed a singles app. That had not been his vision at all. And the part about finding the woman of his dreams... Just no.
“ChatMe will be a hub for a certain demographic to socialize, share their triumphs, issues, goals, etc. The app was never intended to be just about dating.” He gave the response in a smooth and relaxed tone even though on the inside he was irritated by the question.
Maybe because Riley had said something very similar last night.
“Okay, I hear you.” The interviewer’s name was Valeria and she was the owner of a popular blog and YouTube show. She was pretty and had already expressed her personal interest in him prior to requesting a formal interview.
Chaz had declined the personal invite but accepted the professional one because her blog and show had over two million subscribers.
“But you have to admit that your following in the past few years since you blew up on social media has been women. Many of whom are looking for a way to reach out to you personally.”
Valeria had a sly smile, sea green eyes and a mass of curly hair. A week ago, Chaz would have slept with her. Today he was simply trying to get through this interview.
“Social media is all about making connections. Business networking, friendships and, yes, even committed relationships have been born from the many platforms out there. At Conversation Media our goal has always been to start conversations. ChatMe will do the same on a more focused level. We’re excited about its formal release in two weeks and hope you’ll join us for the launch.”
With that, Chaz stood. He buttoned his suit jacket and said, “We’re done.”
Valeria stopped her recorder and hurriedly stood, as well. “Ah, okay. I hope you weren’t bothered by the questions. Inquiring minds want to know.” She attempted a joking tone but Chaz really wasn’t feeling it.
“It’s fine. Can you just let my PR people know when the interview will be posted?”
“I really wish you’d let me do a live show, Chaz. I’m sure we would’ve gotten thousands of viewers if we’d gone that route. Maybe you’ll reconsider for the week of the launch. It’ll be double exposure for you on the blog and the broadcast.”
Chaz started to walk away. “As I stated before, that’s not possible. I’ll be tied up with pre?Fashion Week events during that time.”
“Oh, right, the favor you’re doing for your uncle. That’s so noble of you.”
“There’s nothing noble about what I’m doing. King Designs is a family business that put me through private schools and college. My loyalty will always be to my family.” Chaz wasn’t sure why this woman was irritating him so much today. He just knew that the sooner he could get away from her, the better.
“Well then, I’ll be sure to let your people know when I post the interview.”
He didn’t miss the bite in her tone and he understood the real meaning of her words—she would post when she felt like it.
“I appreciate that. We have a vigorous lineup of promotion on all media platforms beginning early next week and going into the month after launch, so we’d like to keep track of all of the places we need to thank for their support.”
And if she wasn’t one of them, he would have to accept that, but Chaz had never allowed a reporter to take advantage of him or to play him for their own personal reasons, and he wasn’t about to start now.
His phone rang and Chaz said goodbye to Valeria before walking out of the room.
“I was able to move the first run-through to one thirty but we’ve got models, makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers on the clock,” Chaz’s assistant said when he answered.
“I’m on my way. Getting in the car now.”
Chaz ended the call and stepped into the elevator. Minutes later, he was walking out of the building and onto the sidewalk filled with New Yorkers on the move.
Guy, his driver, had already stepped out of the black town car and was opening the back door for him to get in. Chaz slipped onto the backseat and pulled up his text messages. Nothing from Riley.
He wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
