VIVIANA
“I really think this is going to do wonders for your ranch, CT,” I tell my brother’s friend as we look over our marketing strategy for the next year.
When I received a call from him for help, I couldn’t hide my shock over the phone. Apparently, my new friend Quinn was doing some excellent word-of-mouth advertising for me and told him all about how I helped organize marketing for their festival.
It had been fun to work on a marketing campaign that was truly wholesome and not trying to swindle anyone, but to actually bring a community together.
Similar to what CT is doing here.
“I hope so.” He glances at his watch and motions to the sheet in front of him where he took notes. “You really think we need a name?”
“I think it would help. As well as Trevors Ranch is known, you want something that speaks volumes. Something that no matter what you decide to use this place for in the future, it will be that particular name.”
“Well, I don’t exactly plan on using it for anything other than a ranch.”
I shrug and give him a smile. “You never know. Just think about some things. Maybe talk it over with your brother or dad.”
“Thanks, Viv. You’ve been a huge help.”
“No problem.” I hop up to gather my things for the trek back and watch as CT bites his lip and glances at his watch. “You okay?”
He gives me a small smile. “Yeah, fine. Just waiting on someone.”
I don’t know him well enough to pry, but I would almost guess he was nervous about whoever he was meeting.
I head out the door and as CT walks me to my car, I notice a truck with a trailer attached pulling into their courtyard. A beautiful blonde girl with all the confidence I wish I had steps out of the truck and I glance at CT, who seems to be mesmerized.
Ah. Got it. “Thanks again, CT. Don’t hesitate to call.”
He gives me a nod of thanks and heads toward the newcomer who’s got her arms crossed and is toeing the ground. He keeps his distance and I watch them converse before she heads to the back of the trailer and he follows her.
There’s definitely a story there.
As I drive back to the city, I let my mind wander over the past couple of weeks. So far I’ve been fired, scouted for a new job, put on the hiring track, found myself a fake fiancé and potentially—hopefully—regained a lost friend.
Plus, made two private clients in Warren and CT.
It was a lot to keep up with. I was excited to work with both men on their businesses but it was also nerve racking to have that all on my shoulders. I didn’t have a boss to turn to for help—not that Charlotte was all that helpful—and it was my name that would be mentioned if their marketing failed and they were asked who was their marketing person.
I sigh and try to focus on the positives.
This weekend was the first cocktail party to introduce the new potential employees, I’d heard there were several, to the new boss. Never in my life have I heard of such a ridiculous process for hiring someone. It made me hesitate slightly, wondering if this would be the right job for me based on the fact that this guy was clearly a control freak.
But no, he was Charlotte Armani’s top competitor and if she was going to toss me aside, then I wanted to blow her company out of the water.
“Are you nervous? I’m a little nervous.”
“No. I mean, yes. A little. But it’ll be fine.”
“Right. Fine.”
“Just breathe. Act normal.”
“Okay—”
“Wait! Not normal. 'Cause normal means we don’t touch or kiss or act lovey lovey.”
“Kiss, huh?”