Homecoming Proposal: Book One

Chapter 15 - Building relationships

Trigger warning: discussion of abusive behavior

CORA-Present

The Bitch is still fucking beautiful and funny as fuck. How the hell can anyone be so perfect at every damn thing? Carmen still rocks as a human being, mom, and friend. She's going to burn up the town when she goes back. Talk about old flames.  The guys are going to fucking incinerate.

Spending the weekend with her again, I learned there was more depth there than I ever imagined. And people thought Jenny, the head cheerleader, had game back then. Shit, they had no clue. The things she told us blew my mind, and I'm used to that happening on the regular.

Her house was immaculate like I ever doubted it would be anything else. She had impeccable taste and style. I loved how she put everything together, a skill I didn't possess.  Her cooking was even better than before she left.  Though, cooking for so many gave her plenty of practice.

Her kids are freaking adorable, and that Jackie is her spitting image. I think I'm going to make it back for the reunion to watch the show. Going with Carmen is going to be a total mind-fuck for the guys. I'm glad I don't have to be the janitor to clean the men's room afterward. If they don't remember the past, they will after seeing Carmen and Jackie together.

The biggest surprise of the weekend came from Jackie. Carmen doesn't know Jackie spilled the beans. While Carmen was getting Maria from the airport, I had the chance to learn that Carmen was a published author. The best part was finding out she was a Best-Selling author, and her last four novels ranked in the top ten.

Being an editor, I keep up with the up and comings. I never saw Carmen's name, so I had asked for her pen name. Jackie blew me away when she told me. I had been trying for six years to find out about that author with no appearances, no social media, no hint even within the industry. Her publicist was phenomenal at keeping things under wraps. My best friend, the surprises are never-ending.

I have my secretary contact Evan's to set up a phone call. When the phone on my desk rang, I wasn't exactly ready, but I'm the master of quick thinking.

    If not published under the name Gigi Foster, this is stolen and in violation of Copyright laws.

"Please hold for Mr. Evan Berg." I heard a click and a masculine sound emanated, clearing his throat, before I heard, "Evan here. How may I help you, Ms. Morrow?"

"Cora, please. I want to talk to you about one of your authors. Specifically, Carmen Davis." I heard a sharp breath.

"I'm sorry, to whom are you referring?"

"Evan, are you seriously going to keep fucking around with me? I spent the weekend with my best friend from high school and learned about her godforsaken secret. Do you want to talk and be straight with me, or are you going to make me ensure you're a damn last call on the chain?"

"She's coming to meet me and PR for her next novel on Friday next."

"Send me the deets. My team wants to offer a new proposal, to include your position as an agent in our company and your choice of new clients. You've come up several times as a potential asset to our organization. Say yes, and I'll make it fucking happen by the end of the day, whatever you need, but I want Carmen." I heard spluttering on the other end of the line.

"Ms. Morrow, I cannot guarantee she'll break her contract with us and move over to you. If you are her friend, you know she's loyal to a fault. Let's talk after I speak with her."

An hour later, I had secured an excellent editor and publicist in Evan Berg on board. Of fucking course, he made it contingent on Carmen's yes, but I knew how to work that bitch. She's mine, and this was going to be fucking epic.