Page 9 of The Daredevil
Motivation:You’re amazing! Go buy yourself something.
Don’t forget this:What are you grateful for today?
I was grateful for this opportunity to work for NewYou Beauty.
“Hey, Becca!” someone shouted.
I turned, and saw a smiling Fiona Clark sashay toward us. She wore a black leather jacket with jeans and knee-high boots. Her makeup wasn’t overdone, and her wavy blonde hair draped past her shoulders, making her appear like a fashion model. She was a popular blogger specializing in beauty and fashion and had a larger following than me. We weren’t friends, more like acquaintances.
I wore a baggy sweater over dark jeans and ankle boots. Seeing her fit figure made me want to rush to the gym and work out for another two hours. I already got in my two-hour exercise at the gym next door to my apartment earlier this morning. Staying fit was important to me.
Fiona looked at me. “It’s so nice to meet you in person. I’ve visitedFinding Life’s Treasuresa few times.You’ve got great content.”
“Thank you,” I said, tucking my phone into my purse and trying to remain professional as I gauged how truthful her words were. Probably zero on a scale of one to ten. How could I forget she had tried to ruin my reputation a few years ago by starting rumors about me?
I was a forgiving person, but I didn’t forget easily.
People like Fiona didn’t mesh well with me. I couldn’t deal with the fake smiles and dishonest words. She reminded me too much of the beauty pageant circuit.
Becca clapped her hands together. “I’m so glad you both know each other. That saves me an introduction.”
Fiona sat down and turned to me. “I’m also covering NewYou Beauty skincare. My followers would absolutely love it. Aren’t you a travel blogger, Michelle? Sorry, I haven’t read many of your posts. Been too busy trying to keep up with my growing business. We just signed with Chanel to promote their new handbags.”
I shrugged, not caring if she did or didn’t read my blog or what fashion designer she signed with. This temporary job for NewYou Beauty had just taken a turn for the worse for me. I’d been excited about the job, but Fiona brought in a distinct energy that rubbed me the wrong way.
Don’t let her ruin your joy.
“We have different followers, Fiona. So it makes sense for NewYou to place their products in front of various audiences.”
Fiona tossed her hair back as though dismissing my comment.
I wished my girls were here with me. My Super Spy Girls, aka SSG 003, would enjoy an evening gossiping about Fiona and men, not that those topics had anything to do with each other. That reminded me I had to send them a text message later to let them know I’d landed safely in Iceland.
Maybe I could sneak in a few questions about Royce. His face hadn’t left my mind since that day he saved me from the storm. My friends were smart, so they’d probably ask questions. I passed on the idea for now because I didn’t have answers prepared for my friends. They’d want to know why I was inquiring about Royce’s relationships. Not that they’d know, anyway.
“Yes, I agree,” Becca said, breaking my trance. She probably sensed some awkwardness stirring in the air. “NewYou Beauty wants every opportunity to promote its products.”
Fiona glanced at the portfolio and closed it as though she was done with it. Ignoring her, I pulled the portfolio closer to me and flipped it open again, reviewing the products once more.
“Becca, do you have extra tickets for next week’s banquet? I have a friend who would love to attend. She works for a fashion magazine.”
“Sorry, we don’t have any more.”
Fiona pouted. “I thought you had one left over from our chat last week.”
“Oh, that was reserved for Michelle.”
Fiona twisted her lips, thinking. “If you have another, let me know.” She rose from her chair, the Chanel logo on her handbag glinting in the light. “I’ve got to get to my next meeting. Catch you ladies next week.”
When she left, Becca sighed. “Sorry about that. She’s a character. Her parents are friends with the CEO, so the company is letting her promote our products. I preferred you because you’re more authentic. Fiona doesn’t know about that. I want to keep my job, you know?”
I smiled. “No worries, I understand. I’m not a fan of drama. There are people like her everywhere. You just have to know how to deal with them.” I leaned in. “Be like me. Shrug them off like a mud scrub.” I mimicked the scrubbing motion on my face.
Becca laughed. “Your ticket to next week’s banquet will be in tomorrow’s email with the link to all the information about NewYou, including a digital portfolio you can browse. The banquet is a charity event at the Volcano Museum. NewYou Beauty is donating to the research team looking for innovative ways to use lava as an energy source. Their discoveries will help our products too. A lot of wealthy people will be there. Four of us from NewYou will attend: the CEO, me, you, and Fiona. A good-looking scientist is giving a speech that most of the office girls are dying to see.”
“It sounds like a fancy gala. I only have a black evening dress.”
Becca waved a hand. “A black dress on you is perfect. You have an elegant figure. No need for anything flashy.” This time, she leaned in. “I think Fiona is jealous of you. She didn’t react like that to anyone else in the office.”