At nine o’clock, I woke to the doorbell ringing. It was Levi’s assistant with the contract. I signed it and handed it back to the tall, gray-haired man, who sealed it in a folder and proceeded to hand me another folder with all the information I would need for the next six weeks.
At nine thirty precisely, I received a notification from the bank on my phone that a hundred thousand dollars had just been deposited into my account.
My stomach actually flipped when I saw the number.
At first, I looked at it in pure disbelief. The kind you feel when you’re waiting for someone to tell you there’s been a mistake.
I was so astounded I logged into my bank account on my laptop just to see the full details. And, my God, nothing could quite compare to looking at all those zeros on the screen.
I’ve never had that much money in my life. To think that there was more to come was unreal.
At ten, Alexis came over with celebratory chocolate, even though I only told her I had good, life-changing news. I didn’t lay down the full story until after she’d signed Levi’s NDA.
She screamed with excitement and is still on cloud nine.
Alexis is sitting around the table scanning the project files I have on my laptop with a wide smile on her face.
Sunlight spills across the desk, catching on the empty candy wrappers and half-finished mugs of coffee we abandoned during our planning frenzy.
We’ve been eating junk food all morning while we went through my business plans. I’ve had those saved up since grad school.
I knew exactly what I wanted for my own business. It was just a matter of getting it done.
Looking over it now, there’s nothing I would change.
For so long, this dream lived in folders and notes apps and secret moments where I let imagination run wild. Knowing I have the funds to actually live the dream is something I can’t describe to anyone.
My marketing and advertising firm is still going to be called Bloom & Brand. The name has that vibrant, upscale edge I’m going for. I also think it would make my services feel strong, like the place you’ll go to if you want to scale your business and grow.
“I think we’re done.” Alexis claps, scrolling over the last page in the file. “That’s everything, unless you want another review of your services. I personally believe you could work with bigger companies as opposed to just start-ups.”
I straighten in my chair, thinking about the suggestion. “Do you think these big companies in New York would hire me?”
“Of course. You worked for Silverman and Co. in San Fran for years. Once you get those testimonials up on the website from your old managers, companies will be lining up to work with you.”
I love the faith she has in me. “Then I’ll go for it.”
“Yayyy! Is there anything else you want to add?”
The bones are all there, but now that I have the money, I can seriously take things up a notch. “I want to get my own office space.” That’s the only thing we haven’t spoken about. “Right in the city. I think I can afford to lease something really nice.”
I can already picture it. I want a real office where I can have employees and a long-term presence. I want an amazing building with glass walls, warm lighting, soft cream furniture, and fresh flowers somewhere near the entrance. A place that feels sophisticated and elegant and mine.
Alexis squeals, clapping again with joy. “Oh my God. This is so exciting. I can’t believe this.”
I laugh. “Me either. It still feels like I’m dreaming.”
“It’s a good dream, and I’m so glad I’m in it. Oh, Piper.” She reaches over and hugs me. “I’m so excited for you. Have you told Aunt Bess and the family yet?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. I’m eager, but I think it’s best I wait until I have everything put together and moving along. You know what my aunt is like.”
Alexis grimaces. “She’ll be asking all sorts of questions.”
“The moment I tell her I managed to get an office in the city, she’ll want to know how I can afford it. At least if I’m up and running, I can tell her I got some good clients and show her that business is doing well.” At least I hope it will. I’m mindful that I won’t get that influx of people I imagined in my dreams. I’ll be a small fish in a big pond of sharks.
“How are you going to keep this quiet for six weeks?” Alexis giggles. “Your whole family knows how much this means to you and you’re beaming with excitement.”
“I will have to seal my mouth shut and limit the phone calls.”
