Accepting You

Chapter 42 - Recovery

Another week without Lizzie. It felt like there was a gaping hole in Lily's heart and in her life but Lily refused to change her mind. Even if Lizzie hated her for it, at least she isn't being targeted.

The good thing that came out of the past week are the numerous meetings Lily scheduled with various contacts. Most were to discuss sponsorships and brand deals. She hasn't gotten a casting call yet or an audition but it's only the start. Only one week working with Nikki and applying her new knowledge and strategies, she already had half dozen meetings set up for the next week.

Lily stuck her head in work, spending up to 12 hours a day on her laptop just replying to emails, reading offers and contracts, or doing research. She never knew there were so much back and forth that goes on behind the scenes.

Now that she is doing everything herself, even handling a few clients was overwhelming. It's hard work but she enjoyed it. She knew she had to develop a better system as time goes on but for now, she could only do her best.

After another week of actually meeting with people and discussing any partnerships or sponsorships, she ended up landing a six month deal with Nike where she'll film a few ads, post on her Instagram, and wear Nike shoes and clothes as exclusively as possible if she were to go out in the public. For striking her first deal by herself, it was a hefty payout and she felt quite proud of herself.

The only thing that they needed to do is wait for Lily's ankle to heal up and they can get to work.

She got in talks with Calvin Klein as well to do a perfume line as well but they need to work out the details. Until then, just as Nike did, they shipped her a bunch of different products. Calvin Klein sent her a variety fragrances that she could try out as well as other apparel even though she would only be sponsoring the perfumes while Nike sent her shoes and new athletic wear.

She could get used to this.

Sure she's done brand deals before but they were rare. Joseph always leaned more towards exclusivity to keep her image and reputation tightly managed so she was never spoiled with free things like this, though the money wasn't bad either.

Hailee plucks a Nike hoodie from the pile on the couch and throws it on; one of dozens other from a second delivery that they graciously sent to Lily's apartment.

"Yes, Hailee, you may have a jacket," Lily says in a joking tone. "Oh, thank you Lily. You're such a great friend letting me take my fifth piece of clothing from your brand deal."

Hailee rolls her eyes and mimics her tone with, "Thank you, Lily, my bestest friend in the entire world. It's not like I've been keeping your lonely butt company for the past few weeks." Lily opens her mouth to say she never asked, but Hailee grabs a Nike hat from the box. "Can I have this too?"

"Are you asking for permission?"

"No," Hailee replies, putting it on her head and examining herself from a nearby mirror. "It was a statement that I'm taking it."

Lily gives a breathy laugh and returns her attention to fitting a pair of sneakers on her feet. She didn't mind sharing. Hailee is only a few centimeters shorter than her and they are similar in size. The only difference is Lily is slightly more lean and athletic due to her workouts and training for Jessica Jones, but Hailee wasn't far off so anything that Lily wore, Hailee could also fit.

And besides, Lily really was grateful for Hailee's company. Hailee could drive her crazy at times but also keep Lily sane.

"Hey, remember I can take you to your appointment but I have plans with Sophie tomorrow," Hailee reminds Lily. "You'll need to uber back."