Chapter Forty-Seven

Back at the office, I electronically sign the contract that Braden approved and email it to Eugenie. I check email. Better check yesterday’s post again. I log in—

The password doesn’t work. I must have mistyped. Before I type it again, the phone rings.

“Addison Ames’s office.”

“Skye?”

“Yes?”

“It’s Eugenie. I just received the signed contract, and we’re thrilled to have you on board.”

“Great! I’m looking forward to it.”

“We’d like you to do the first post as soon as possible. Today if you can.”

“All right. Do you have any—”

The door to the office opens and then slams. In walks Addie, the Babbler in her clenched fist. “What the hell is this?”

“Skye?” Eugenie asks.

“I’m sorry. Could I call you back? I have a…situation here.”

“Hang up the damned phone!” Addie slams the tabloid down on the desk.

“Sure,” Eugenie says. “But get back to me within the hour, please.”

“I will.” I end the call.

“Poised to become the next sweetheart of Instagram?” Addison glares at me.

“I already know about the article. I never said any of those things, and I have no idea who their alleged source is.”

“Your BFF, no doubt?”

“Tessa? Of course not. Tessa wouldn’t lie about me.”

“Even if they offered her some money?”

“They pay their sources?” I shake my head.

“I don’t know,” she says, “but I wouldn’t put it past them. Just how many calls have you gotten from my clients, Skye?”

“One. Just the one from Eugenie.”

“That’s not what this says.” She points to the rag.

“You can believe me, or you can believe some source,” I say. “Your choice.”

“It doesn’t matter who I believe. You’re the competition now, which means you have a conflict of interest. You’re fired, Skye.”

I widen my eyes. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. I’m a professional, so you’ll get two weeks’ severance pay, but you’re done here. I already locked you out of my account.”

That explains why the password doesn’t work. “What about tomorrow’s shoot?”

“I’ll handle it myself. Or I’ll hire a new assistant. You’re not indispensable, no matter how much you think you are.”

“All right,” I say.

“You’ll lose in the long run.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Braden. He’ll destroy you. He may make you into a huge influencer, but one day you’ll be wishing you took my advice and stayed away from him.”

“How can I take your advice when you won’t give me any details?”

“Figure it out for yourself. I’m done.” She stomps into her private office but looks over her shoulder. “Pack up your shit and get out of here.” She slams the door.

My flesh goes numb. It’s over? Like this? This was never my dream job, but I did good work for Addie. Not just good work. My best work. It sucks not to be appreciated.

I don’t have a lot of personal things at the office. Everything fits easily in a reusable grocery bag. Before I go, however, I print out Addie’s email contact list before she locks me out of that as well. I won’t go after her clients, but a lot of those contacts are also my contacts, and I’m not about to lose them.

I return Eugenie’s call as soon as I reach my apartment.

“I’m so sorry for the interruption,” I tell her. “Trust me that it will never happen again.”

“Not a problem. Will you be able to do the first post today?”

“Absolutely. Do you have anything you specifically want me to include?”

“No. This is all you, Skye. Just wear the Cherry Russet and mention it. Otherwise, be creative. I’ve already contacted payroll. Since you chose automatic deposit, your first half should hit your account by the end of business tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

“As per the contract, the second half will clear after all three posts are published.”

“I understand. Thank you again. I truly appreciate the opportunity.”

“You can be huge, Skye. We know you’re the brains behind Addie’s posts. Be yourself and use your talent. You’ll outshine her in no time.”

I’m not in this to outshine anyone. But I don’t say the words.

“I’ll get the post up before seven p.m.,” I promise. “Oh, and from now on, please contact me on my cell.” I recite the number.

“Awesome. Talk soon.”

Eugenie has my number. Excellent. Only problem? All my other contacts will attempt to call me at Addison’s office. That’s a problem. If she’s answering the phone, she’ll no doubt try to blackball me.

You’ll outshine her in no time. Why would Eugenie say that? Is she Kay Brown’s source?

I laugh out loud. The social media director for a major cosmetics company certainly has better things to do than give out false information to a gossip rag.

You can be huge, Skye.

Eugenie talked about me being the brains behind Addison, about using my talent and being myself.

But the truth is, Braden is the only reason anyone cares what kind of lipstick I use.

Braden.

Once he’s out of the picture, no one will care what I think anymore.

I sigh. That’s a fact. But I have another fact to consider.

I’m now unemployed. I need a steady stream of income, and if this will give me income, I have to do it.

I’m a photographer. An artist. I’m going to get creative and give Susanne Cosmetics a post that’s not only catchy and informative but also a work of art. I’ll use this to my advantage, as Braden suggested. It’s a chance for me to put my talent as a photographer out in the world.

If only I had a photography studio where I could manipulate the lighting.

Of course, studio shots can sometimes look sterile.

A photo in my apartment would be more personal, but again, I have a lighting issue.

This requires some thought.

I go to my bathroom and touch up my hair and makeup until I’m satisfied. Not bad. Not bad at all.

My contract is for three posts featuring the Cherry Russet lip stain. What do I love most about it? It’s dark enough for a dramatic effect at night but neutral enough for everyday wear.

Casual, formal, and dramatic—perfect.

I’ll begin with casual. I look good, so I leave the apartment and walk outside. It’s not the greatest day for an outside shoot, so I walk a couple of blocks to Bean There Done That. I peruse the setting. Lighting is good, especially if I can get a table where the sunlight shines in opposite. I quickly order a cinnamon mocha latte and find a table that works.

I don’t have an assistant to hold the phone for my “selfie.” This is all on me. Good thing I have a lot of experience taking influencer photos.

I take about ten selfies—smiling, serious, even feigning laughter in one.

And that’s the one I choose.

It’s spontaneous and lively. Perfect for my casual theme. I do a few quick edits until I look as good as I’m going to.

Now for the copy. I almost always wrote Addie’s copy unless the client writes it. I understand Addie’s voice.

I’m not Addie, and I don’t want to be.

I must find my own voice, and my own voice will be authentic, not fake.

What to say?

How do I feel about the lip stain?

I love it. It’s my go-to. And that’s all I need.

Love my Susanne Cherry Russet lip stain. It’s my go-to for every occasion. Perfect for a casual afternoon! @susannecosmetics #sponsored #lips #lipgloss #kissproof #kissablelips #youknowyouwantsome

Hmm. Five hashtags is a little much. I delete #kissablelips. I add Bean There Done That for my location. Perhaps they’ll see the post and want me to do one for them. I actually like coffee.

My heart races as my finger hovers above the Share button.

I analyze the post once more. Perfect photo? Check. Decent copy? Check. A nice mixture of marketing and fun hashtags? Check.

I swallow, gathering my courage.

And I hit Share.

Within a minute, comments appear.

Gorgeous on you! #orderingnow

Love the color!

You look so happy!

Totally getting this for my wife.

More and more of the same. Emojis, too.

Until—

@realaddisonames #fuckyou