And like I shouldreallylook up what to expect at a networking brunch.
Chapter Eleven
Nicole
I smooth out the linen napkins for the fifteenth time, arranging them into perfect triangles on the cream-colored plates. The apartment complex lounge is nothing special—just a glorified community room with a few fancy light fixtures and a view of the pool—but today, it’s my practice arena. My chance to prove I’m not a complete social disaster before Alice Ketchling’s brunch next week. Because if I can’t handle a few neighbors, how am I supposed to network with the queen of beauty startups?
“Okay, we’re ready.” I step back, my gaze sweeping over the entire scene in the lounge. I turn to Cocoa, who’s on the other side of theroom. He’s gnawing on along-lastingtreat I gave him and doesn’t look up at my voice.
I’ll take that as a good sign.
The Korean BBQ I ordered is arranged on warming trays—the same food from the BBQ sauce disaster with Dom the other day. I wince at the memory of his ruined shirt, but push it aside.
Focus, Nicole.
I catch my reflection in the glass door leading to the patio. My cream blouse is tucked perfectly into my black high-waisted trousers, hair smooth and styled, makeup subtle but polished. I look like I have my life together. Like a real entrepreneur. Like someone who hasn’t had two failed business ventures.
The sound of heels clicking against tile makes me spin around, a smile automatically spreading across my face.
“Hi! Welcome!” My voice comes out a pitch too high as three women enter the lounge.
I recognize Eva immediately—tall, impossibly fit, with a sharp bob that looks like it could cut glass. She teaches the spin class I sometimes attend on Tuesdays. The other two women are unfamiliar, but their matching athleisure outfits and identical ponytails scream Eva’s entourage.
“Nicole, darling.” Eva air-kisses my cheek. “Your email sounded desperate, so we thought we’d stop by.”
I wince at ‘desperate’ but keep smiling. “Thanks for coming! I really appreciate it. I’ve got this big networking event next week with Alice Ketchling, and I’m trying to practicemy—”
“Alice Ketchling?” one of Eva’s friends cuts in, her eyebrows shooting up. “The dry shampoo mogul? How didyouget an invite to that?”
My smile falters for a half second, but I recover. “I’m in beauty products, too,” I say, gesturing toward the seating area. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’ve ordered some amazing Korean BBQ.”
“Smells divine,” Eva says. “This is Megan and Jade, by the way. They’re launching a fitness app next month.”
The trio gravitates toward the food, picking up different items and setting them down again, inspecting every detail. One of them even snaps a couple photos. But none of them take any of it.
Cocoa chooses this moment to make his grand entrance, trotting over to investigate our guests, his tail wagging furiously.
“Oh my goodness, he’s adorable,” Jade—or maybe Megan, I’ve already lost track—coos, bending down to pet him.
“His name is Cocoa,” I say, grateful for the ice breaker. “He’s a rescue.”
“Rescue or not, he needs a proper groomer,” Eva says, eyeing him. “I know someone who does miracles with these little mixed breeds. Makes them look almost purebred.”
I force a laugh. “He’s perfect just the way he is.”
An awkward silence follows as the women exchange glances. I can feel my pulse quickening already. This is exactly what I was afraid of—the conversation stalling out beforeit even begins.
“So,” I say brightly, “who wants a mimosa? I’ve got fresh-squeezed orange juice.”
“I’ll pass,” Eva says. “Alcohol bloats me, and I’ve got a private client at three.”
The other two women quickly decline as well.
“Well, more for me,” I joke weakly, pouring myself a glass and taking a gulp that’s definitely larger than what’s socially acceptable. “So, tell me more about your app! That sounds fascinating.”
For the next ten minutes, Megan and Jade take turns explaining their revolutionary fitness app, which, from what I can gather, is basically just another subscription workout program with marginally better filters. I nod enthusiastically, asking follow-up questions and making approving noises at all the right moments.
See? I can do this. I can network. I can be normal.
