Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Thanks.”
“Did, umm, Braxton find you?” she asks carefully.
“Yeah.” I want to tell them that the next time they think it’s a good idea to tell my... well, whatever he is... where I am, they should warn a girl. But then I’d have to explain all that went down, and I’m not in the mood, so instead, I let it go and go to my room so I can continue my pity party for one.
I’m lying on the bed scrolling through social media when my phone goes off with a text from Layla saying everyone is going out to dinner and that I’m invited. Because I know she’ll give me shit if I say no, and because, at some point, I’m going to have to face Braxton since we’re friends with the same people, I agree to go.
“Where’s Gage?” I ask Declan, giving him a hug and ignoring the tension between Braxton and me that’s so thick, it would be hard to cut with even the sharpest knife.
“At home.” He shrugs. “Probably sleeping the tour off.”
We find our seats, and I’m shocked when Braxton comes over and sits on the other side of me. We obviously didn’t leave things on good terms earlier, so I’m not sure why he’s not sitting on the other side of the huge table.
To keep it from getting awkward, I make it a point to talk to various people throughout the meal, afraid if it goes silent, Braxton will find a way in, and the last thing I want is to argue with him here in front of everyone.
“Hey, Kaylee,” Easton says, grabbing my attention. “We received your résumé from a recruiter.”
“Oh,” I breathe. I filled out a form with an online recruitment company, hoping they might be able to find places hiring that I couldn’t. Since the companies are the ones who pay their fee, if they hire someone they find, I figured it couldn’t hurt.
“I must’ve selected the wrong info, or our wires got crossed,” I explain. “I’m actually not looking to do anything in PR. My goal is marketing and advertising.”
“That’s where we’re hiring.” He smiles. “With so much changing with social media, YouTube channels gaining more popularity, and platforms like TikTok and interactive apps, we’re doing a complete overhaul. When I took over, I was focused on the artists and let the marketing side of things go, so our aim this coming year is to bring Blackwood into the twenty-first century, so we stay relevant and on top. We saw a huge increase in Raging Chaos’s following when Layla took over and created the YouTube series, so we’re planning to take that approach with some of our established clients as well as the new ones we’re in the middle of signing.”
“That’s smart,” I agree, having learned a lot about marketing and advertising through social media while in school. “The days of simple television, magazine, and radio ads are long gone. Now, it’s all about social media. Look at Kylie Jenner. She’s created a billion-dollar empire from her Instagram. Obviously, there’s more to it than that, but one of her posts will bring in like a hundred-thousand dollars. People think she’s simply posting, but it’s all a marketing gimmick.”
“Exactly,” Easton agrees. “A few of Blackwood’s marketing execs aren’t on board, wanting to keep it traditional, so when I spoke to the team, a few made the decision to retire early, opening up positions.”
“People hate change.”
“And change is necessary.” He shrugs. “I’m sure you have a few interviews lined up, but we’ll be calling you on Monday to schedule one. Bailey will be running the department since she’s familiar with the social media aspect, but she needs a team of marketing and advertising experts to work with her. And before you think it’s a pity interview, it’s not. I’m looking for young employees who are tech-savvy and willing to learn.”
He’s right. That was my first thought, but I know Easton doesn’t do pity. He owns a multibillion-dollar recording label that houses some of the top artists in the world. You don’t get to that level without making smart decisions. Which means if he’s considering me, it’s because he believes I might be a good fit, and I would be a fool to turn down an interview with his company. “That sounds really good. Thank you for considering me.”
The rest of the meal is spent with everyone getting caught up since the guys have been gone. Bailey and Cynthia tell everyone about the week in Hawaii they spent for their honeymoon, alternating between the pool, beach, and spa.
When the check comes, Easton, of course, insists on paying. We walk out to the front, and after everyone says their goodbyes, I start heading to Camden’s SUV when a hand grabs my wrist.
“Can we go somewhere and talk?”