“Because Alley Prem is paying you ten thousand dollars for one month of product promotion. Besides, you won’t be using them during the shows.”
His brow lifts. “Say no more.”
“Several other brands have put in offers. I’ll forward you the ones I think are worth pursuing.”
Carl sits back in his chair and exhales a long breath. “I can’t believe just how much you’ve done for me in less than a week. I honestly feel guilty, because all I’ve done is give you a bunk to sleep in, which cost me nothing.”
Now’s your chance.
Don’t blow it.
“Your brand is strong, and I can only imagine how far we’d go together if I had more than just a month.”
“How much would a formal contract set me back?” Carl asks.
“For you, half of what I charge my typical clients. How does a three-month contract for ten thousand dollars sound?”
“Sweet lord,” Carl mutters under his breath. “It’s not that I can’t afford you, but I can’t justify the expense.”
I cock my head to the side, as though suddenly struck with an idea. “You know, we could barter again.”
“Why do I feel like I’m not going to like the terms?”
“I see no reason you shouldn’t, as they’re the same as they were before.”
“You want to spend another week on the bus?” Toxic blurts, looking at me in disbelief.
I shrug. “The week flew by, and I still feel like there’s room to get to know you better.”
“But you’re pregnant, and it can’t be comfortable sleeping on a bunk.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve overstayed my welcome.”
Toxic’s eyes grow wide. “No, it’s not that at all. I just…wish you didn’t have to sleep in a bunk.”
“Trust me, Tox, I have options. I choose to sleep on the bunk.” I look over at Carl. “That is, if I’m still welcome.”
“To be clear, you’re asking to stay on another week in exchange for an additional month of PR?” Carl asks.
“If it’s not too much.”
“As I said, it cost me nothing to host you, so I’d be a fool not to say yes, but I want to make sure you remember that rule I have.”
“You mean the no drama rule?”
“That’s the one.”
“Since boarding the bus, I’ve caused zero drama, and if I have been involved in any, it’s because I was an unwitting participant.”
Carl drums his fingers on his desk, looking conflicted.
“It’s only one more week, and if at any time you think I’ve broken my end of the deal, you can evict me.”
“Fine, one more week, but only because you’ve done such good work.”
“You won’t regret this!”
“I know I won’t,” he says as he looks over the products.
