My phone buzzes with a message I’d been expecting from Cassie Hoffman.
Finally.
Cassie:You wanted to speak with me?
Samantha:I have a proposition for you regarding your pairing.
Cassie:Are they A-list?
I press my eyes closed, trying to keep my frustration at bay.
Some publicists would dangle the nonexistent carrot for as long as possible, and it works for a time. But eventually, when the client realizes they’ve plateaued, they blame it on the publicist.
And ya know what? They’re right to, because if a publicist isn’t honest with their client, they’ll make poor decisions.
This is why I’ve practiced honestly throughout my career. People say I’m the devil to work with, and I can be, but they’ll know where they stand, what their options are, and what their next move should be.
Samantha:No, and if I’m being honest, you’re unlikely to ever be matched with an A-list celebrity. I know that must be hard to hear, but if someone tells you differently, they’re not looking out for your best interest.
I can’t afford to lose her as a client, but I know that being blunt is the right thing to do, and I can’t emphasize enough that I want to do right by her, not just because she’s paying me, but because she’s remained loyal to me despite her grievance.
Cassie:What is this proposition?
I send over a picture of Jacek.
Cassie:Who’s the beefcake?
Samantha:Your ticket to becoming more interesting.
Cassie:Is he a reality television star?
Samantha:No, there’s nothing provocative about that.
Cassie:A director’s son?
Samantha:Nope, and again, that won’t elicit any gasps.
Cassie:I give up…
I send over the link to the Hunks The Show webpage, sit back, and wait for her overreaction.
Cassie:No-fucking-way! Have you lost your mind?
Samantha:Cassie, let me be clear. You’re an upper C-tier celebrity on your best day. You’re gorgeous, but you’re approaching thirty, and we both know how unkind the industry is to women after they turn twenty-five. You could date a more recognizable reality television star, and people would roll their eyes at you, or you could date Jacek and get tongues wagging.
Cassie:I’d be a joke.
Samantha:It’s a baller move, Cass. Your gossip score will explode because everyone will be talking about you. Think about it. Jacek is twenty-two. People will know you’re just out to have fun.
Cassie:When we break up, they’ll say it’s because of my age.
Samantha:Not with him. He’ll be your boy toy, and you’ll get legend status.
Cassie:I’ll have to think about it.
Samantha:While you do, I’ll hammer out the details on my end.
I breathe out a sigh of relief because this isn’t just good work—it’s exceptional.
