“I know, I know. I misspoke,” the man says sincerely. “Look, all we have to do is find our golden goose and get Maxilene to sign her—that’s target number one.”
The woman nods. I bite my lip.Maxilene?I pour some macadamia nut milk into my coffee and slowly stir, tilting my ear to catch every last word.
He goes on, “Once she blows up internationally, we strike while the iron’s hot. Leverage that success into a contract that guarantees they hire our models exclusively. We’re talking millions.”
Tingles race down the back of my neck. That kind of contract would make the agency invulnerable…and ensure DRM’s models have a permanent spot in the industry hierarchy. In short, it would fix everyone’s problems in one fell swoop. No wonder this guy is so worked up.
“This ‘exclusive contract’ is just a glint in your eye,” the woman scoffs. “We have to deliver first, convince them we have the roster they need. I know all you see is dollar signs, but you have to be strategic. The agency hasn’t had a strong foothold since the KZ shit hit the fan.”
They’re referencing the trafficking scandal, of course.
I take a little more time doctoring up the coffees, then washing the spoon slowly and deliberately, but they seem to be done talking. As they go off on a tangent about a modeling contract that fell through, I take my cue to leave.
My heart thrums hard in my chest. Darting back into the conference room, I slide Emzee her mug and grip mine in both hands as I sink into the thick leather chair. My mind is racing with possibilities. I want that Maxilene contract.
“What’s that look on your face?”
Emzee’s question pulls me away from my thoughts. I take a sip of my coffee, quickly realizing I put way too much sugar in it. “Nothing. I was just daydreaming about the new Maxilene campaign. I’d kill for that gig.”
She quirks a brow. “So ask your husband to pitch you to them…” Her words are mild, but I catch the hint of questioning in her tone.
I’m sure she knows something is up with Luka and me. She hasn’t come right out and asked about it, but with all the work she does for Danica Rose, she’s around her brother often enough to know when he’s in a mood. She’s said as much to me in the past.
It’s crossed my mind to mention Maxilene to Luka, of course, but there’s never a good time to bring it up, especially considering that we barely speak to each other. And on top of that, there’s my pride. I know I can ask Luka for help, but I’d rather land this job without it.
“I don’t want to use him for this,” I say firmly, lifting my chin as I look Emzee in the eye. “I want to earn it on my own merit. I know I’m good enough. I can give them what they want.”
“I get it.” Emzee nods, respect flashing across her face. Taking a sip from her cup, she regards me for a few seconds. “But there’s nothing wrong with asking when you know you’d be the perfect fit. Didn’t you marry my brother specifically to get better contracts and make a name for yourself? I’m not judging you for it. I just don’t see why you won’t use all your resources.”
I hold back a heavy sigh. How can I explain to her that things are different between Luka and me without having to tell her why? Yes, we made a deal. But I no longer feel my husband has my best intentions at heart anymore. Not after what I did to him.
And more importantly, this would be the pinnacle of all that I’ve worked for in my career. Landing the job just because the boss ordered it would undermine my achievement.
“Besides, Brooklyn, look in the mirror,” she goes on. “It’s not like you aren’t qualified to be the next face of Maxilene. You’ll be doingthema favor.”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“I’m not going to tell you what to do, but maybe think on it some more.” She rises and collects her things. I take it as a sign work talk is over. “Come on. Let’s go eat.”
As we head down to the parking garage to pick up Emzee’s car from the valet, I think hard about what she said.
She isn’t wrong. I did marry Luka to help further my career.
He may not like me right now, but the fact is, he still needs to meet the conditions of the contract we both signed. I’ve been spending too much energy on my relationship with him, and not enough on the business side of our partnership. It’s time to change that. If I’m going to see my dreams through, I need to get my head straight. Make my move.
After all—this is my future on the line.
Brooklyn
Chapter 11
I’m banging the kitchen cabinets open and shut, pulling out ingredients and lining them up on the counters.
“And how’s married life going?” my mom asks over my cell’s speakerphone.
“It’s…amazing,” I fib, glad she can’t see the lie on my face. I just got done recapping the honeymoon in Paris, but with all the awful parts left out. “Nothing like I imagined, though.”
“Are you two taking good care of each other?” she prods. “The first few months can be quite an adjustment.”
