Page 48 of Drive Me Wild
Kelsey runs a hand through his corkscrew, caramel-colored curls. “If you’re open to it, I’d love for you to take some photos of the space. Get inspired, let your creative juices flow. I don’t need a stuffy business proposal, but I’m looking for someone to give me some direction. Find the right voice for the brand. I have a Pinterest board full of ideas, but it’s all over the place. I need someone to hone in on my vision and execute it.”
I press my leg into Lucas’s in a silent “oh my God.” Kelsey having a Pinterest board is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. Ilovethat he has a vision board—I have about twenty myself.
“Not to shoot myself in the foot,” I say hesitantly, “but don’t you already have a marketing agency you use? For Wells Boxing?”
“Yes, but they’re too…” He waves his hand, as if the word will magically conjure in front of him.
“Corporate?” I supply.
“Yes. Exactly. Too corporate. They get the job done, but they don’t give it that personal, unique touch I’m looking for. I want creative, provocative, intoxicating. Something that will get people talking, you know?”
Sounds all too familiar. “Makes sense, especially for such a rare space.”
Design isn’t my specialty, but I know how important ambiance and atmosphere are. The ideas start flowing through my mind like lyrics to a song. Gemini—the unofficial name—has to takeexpect the unexpectedto a whole new level. Serve fancy top-shelf whiskey in small inflatable flamingo pool floaties. Feature tater tots topped with caviar at the bar. Hang a disco ball in a marble-filled bathroom.
“Are you looking for someone full-time? I’m not sure if Lucas told you, but?—”
“You’re a Formula 1 lady.” He nods and smiles. “All good. Right now, I’m just looking for someone to help me get this place up and running.”
I clench my teeth to stop myself from belting out my favorite Hannah Montana jam, “Best of Both Worlds.”
I begin asking Kelsey questions about the bar. They come to me easily, despite the food and beverage industry being wildly different than the motorsport industry. All I have to do is tweak the things I looked for when I did a deep dive into McAllister’s marketing plan to find blind spots and solutions.
Has he done a competitor analysis? What will Gemini have that other places don’t? What’s the sort of crowd he’s hoping to attract? What does he want to be known for—atmosphere, food and drink, the music? All the above? What’s his timeline?
I’m glad I brought my notebook along with my camera because, an hour later, I’ve written down six pages of notes and taken over fifty photos.
“Let’s link up in a week or so?” Kelsey says as the three of us leave the space. “Talk next steps then?”
“Sounds great!” I squeak out.
When he’s out of eyesight and earshot, I lose any ounce of so-called cool I may have. “Oh my God, Lucas! When yousaidsomeone,I didn’t think you meant Kelsey Wells. Are you freaking out as much as I’m freaking out? Why do you seem so calm? This is a stop, drop, and roll kind of situation, babes.”
Lucas laughs. “I’m taking it you’re interested?”
“Um, duh. Thanks for thinking of me. Do you think tomorrow is too soon to email him a nice little thank you note? Or should I send, like, candy or something? Are fruit baskets still a thing? Or is that too desperate? I haven’t had a job interview in forever… not that this was an interview, or even a job. I mean, it is, but it’s more of a side hustle, I suppose. Just call me the Hustler. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
I sing Van McCoy’s “The Hustle” as we walk down the alley, toward where Lucas’s car is parked down the street. He stares at me with a what-the-hell-is-happening look. I don’t blame him. I feel like I just downed a pint of ice cream and am experiencing some sort of sugar high. If my mind is going a million kilometers per hour, my mouth is going double that speed.
My phone vibrates as I slide into the passenger seat of Lucas’s jet-black Porsche.
Theo Walker
Did you turn down plans with me to hang out with Lucas?
I whip my head around, expecting Theo to pop out of the backseat. Instead, I see Lucas’s gym bag and an empty plastic water bottle.
Josie Bancroft
Are you stalking me?
Theo Walker
You didn’t answer my text. I thought you died.
His text from a few hours ago read:How do you feel about Fish and Chips for the girls? Very English-themed.My lack of response was supposed to be indicative of my displeasure at his newest name for “the girls.” Each combination he thinks of for my boobs is somehow worse than the last: Sherlock and Watson. Mario and Luigi. Thunder and Lightning. It’s hard to keep a straight face when he comes up with a new moniker solely because his excitement is so genuine.
Josie Bancroft
