‘Thank you.’ Jimmy shook his head in awe. ‘And your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.’
My phone lit up in front of me.
Jimmy:You look so beautiful today x
I was smiling at the screen when Fee called on Katy.
‘Yeah, we have over ten thousand reviews in at present from the university students who have rated their dates so far. But since we changed the app a little, we’ve also used the Flirtify social media channels to recruit different demographics, asking them to review in exchange for a free subscription. We want a broader age range, so it’s not an app only accessible to Gen Z.’
Fee nodded. ‘And how many people do we think will have submitted reviews by the time we launch?’
Katy glanced through her phone, checking her notes. ‘We’re estimating fifty thousand.’
Jimmy hummed. ‘Let’s put out paid ads on socials and get that number up. People are sick of how toxic and unsatisfying the dating app culture has become. We can get more people to do the reviews.’
Katy grinned. ‘I can do that.’
‘And PR,’ Fee said finally. ‘How are you getting on, Britney?’
There was a silent tension in the room. Surely, Fee was aware I was doing that now? I thought everyone was. Britney’s face was thunder, her brows stuck to her hairline as she opened her mouth to speak.
‘Ella’s on the PR for this one, right?’ Jimmy cut in, his voice neutral.
‘Yeah, so it’s all going well,’ I said carefully. ‘I’ve planned the investor party one week from today, and I’ve organised the launch party too, which will take place the following week, on the night before Thanksgiving as planned.’
Fee glanced at Jimmy like she wanted to say something.
‘It’ll be a great night. I can send the plans out to everyone when I’m back at my desk,’ I added, keen to reassure Fee I had it all under control.
‘I’m sure it will be, but do you mind me asking why Britney isn’t taking the lead on this one?’ Fee said.
Great.
‘Difference in opinion.’ I managed a smile.
Britney let out a laugh without a shred of humour in it. ‘Yeah, call it that.’
What a Class A cunt, I thought.
Zola and Katy were nudging me from either side so much that it was beginning to hurt.
‘Look, Ella’s sorted it, and it looks perfect,’ Jimmy piped up, shrugging.
Fee held a hand to her head. ‘We need this launch to be more than perfect, Jimmy. Absolutely no dramas, especially when the investors are there.’ She pulled a face at him as if to say,or you could be out. Her worry was clear – she knew the investors’ reactions would determine Jimmy’s future and didn’t want any mistakes jeopardising him, and by extension, her and Travis. ‘Britney is more experienced,’ she continued, pressing her point.
Katy scrunched up her face. ‘Than Ella? Ella’s knockout at events.’
I nudged her back to keep quiet.
‘But not in New York. Britney knows the investors. She knows what they like. She’s done this a million times before.’ Fee sounded stressed, concerned that my inexperience in the city and with their individual network could risk the launch’s success. ‘Look, I know you did PR in Glasgow, but this is different, Ella. I don’t mean any disrespect, and I know your plans are advanced by now, but we use specific vendors, we use particular caterers, and Britney is right here. She knows this .?.?.’
‘Enough!’ Jimmy called out, almost making me jump. ‘Ella, Zola and Katy created this app. They know how they want investors and the public to perceive it. If Britney’s plan didn’t fit their expectation .?.?.’ He paused and hummed. ‘Their vision, even .?.?. then they can change it.’ Jimmy sounded angry. I had never seen him lose his shit like this before, but I knew how much was at stake for him and how pointed this questioning must seem just now.
I glanced towards Zola and Katy, who looked as awkward as I felt.
‘Fee,’ I said softly, trying to calm the tension. ‘I know how vital this pitch is, and I’m happy for any suggestions on my PR plan. In fact, I’d welcome them. But at least let me send over the details.’ I managed a smile. ‘The investor launch is only a week away. I have it handled.’
‘I’ve worked in PR for years,’ Zola added. ‘And Ella is outstanding at her job. This project means everything to us, too. The events will run perfectly. I do not doubt it.’
