Page 75 of The Meeting
“Do you think it would help sell my designs?”
“Personally, yes. But it’s up to you.”
Kailynn leaned back in her chair. Maddie had said “it’s up to you” twice now. Maddie clearly didn’t want to step on any toes with making suggestions, but Kailynn needed the input, and the fact that Maddie was willing to give it was enough to comfort her and make her feel like they could do this—thatshecould do this.
“Maddie, I appreciate all of your input. I’m at a loss when it comes to promotion since it’s nothing I’ve had to ever worry about before. I have always had someone else do it. Please don’t feel like you can’t offer suggestions, especially if it’ll help sell designs. I need all the help I can get in that area. If I feel like it’s something I can’t afford to do at that point in time, I’ll let you know. But please give me all of your input. Don’t shy away from it.”
Maddie visibly relaxed. “Thank you for saying that. My last job didn’t enjoy input, but then we would get in trouble when things failed. It put all of us in a hard position.”
“I can imagine so. I won’t do that to you. If you suggest something that I turn down and it ends up failing, that’s on me, not you.”
Maddie smiled and looked around at the different items Kailynn had lying about and at the small pile she had waiting to be put on the website. “You’re a very gifted designer. I think I could get some of my New York contacts to buy your designs if you’d like me to try.”
Kailynn’s eyes widened. “That’s a dream of mine. You really think you could?”
“I really think so. I’ve sold some pretty awful things to companies just because of a brand name. But your stuff is genuinely good. It’s beautiful, in fact. I’d like to try if you’ll let me.”
Kailynn nodded. “Please do. That’s incredible.”
“We really need to get some good photos in order to do that. Models would help, but it’s not a big deal if we can’t do that. Most companies just look for sketches, but actual product that’s already been created is better. I think if you get the lighting ordered and some editing software, you’d have a real shot.”
“Why don’t you look at the few lights I have saved in my cart and let me know what you think is the best option. Also, take a look at editing software that you’re comfortable using. I would like to get everything ordered sooner rather than later.”
Maddie smiled. “I’m on it, boss.”
A notification pinged through on Kailynn’s phone and she picked it up to find a text message from Chase.
How are things going with Maddie?
Incredible. I can’t wait to tell you about it at dinner tonight.
Looking forward to it.
The day flew by as Kailynn and Maddie discussed strategy. By the time the workday was over, Kailynn felt more energized about her company than she had in years. She felt like it would finally go somewhere; although she realized the work hadn’t been done yet. It was only the beginning.
She showed Maddie out of her apartment just as Chase pulled up. He said hi to Maddie as he passed her and walked up to Kailynn, pressing a kiss to her lips.
“I’m going to go change and drop off my stuff.”
Kailynn nodded and grabbed her purse before heading over to Chase’s apartment. He left the door unlocked for her, so she walked in just as he walked out of his bedroom wearing khaki shorts and a green button-up shirt.
When they were seated at the restaurant and placed their orders, Chase took Kailynn’s hands from across the table.
“So tell me about your day,” he said.
Kailynn told him all about her day with Maddie. Talking about it with Chase had her brimming with excitement all over again. With Drew out of the picture, she could finally breathe.
“Wow! So she might really be able to get you into some big-named stores?”
Kailynn nodded, wondering if her head would bobble right off.
“That’s great, sweetie. You deserve it.” Chase squeezed her hand.
She stilled and looked at him. With just those few words, he made her feel complete. He made her feel like she mattered and everything she went through with Drew had been worth it in the end.
He picked up his wineglass. “To new beginnings.”
She clinked hers with his. “To new beginnings.”
