Can't Let You Go

Chapter 52

"Well speak of the Devil. That was William on the phone. We may be getting our opportunity to change his mind right now. He's on his way over. Do you have time to wait with me?" Carter asks his dining companion.

"Do you think we can convince him?"

"After what you did the other day that proved my point? I think we have a chance. But if it feels like we're losing ground, just flirt with him a bit. He never says 'no' to a beautiful woman." Carter laughs. "I'm kidding, we don't do business like that, but you, Emily Smith, are most definitely a beautiful woman."

"That's not how you do business? That's a little disappointing, I've been sitting over here thinking you were flirting with me for the last thirty minutes. Honestly, I thought you calling me to talk about this was all a cover to have an opportunity to meet with me alone."

Carter laughs without knowing if she's serious or joking. "No, I truly believe you're the right choice for the job. Will's not going to get on board without better 'ratios' that show your audience is our target audience. And, actually, I thought your manager, Ashton, would be here too."

"He's not in Alaris at the moment, besides, he doesn't need to know everything I do when he's gone. Tell me, Carter, what do you like to do when the management isn't looking?"

Carter and Emily spend a stretch of time talking bars and clubs and low key flirting, while they wait on Will.

"Carter!" Will raises his hand in greeting when he spots his cousin across the restaurant, he adds, "And Emily," once he clears the column that was blocking his view. "Hello, I wasn't expecting this."

"Emily and I were having a little strategy session. Come sit." Carter indicates the seat next to Emily, but Will sits next to his cousin. "I know you have some concerns about the relevancy of her followers so we've been brainstorming some remedies to that. Did you see the skiing post she made the other day?"

"No, I didn't."

"You said I shouldn't ask her to do any more model posts, then she posted, well reposted, one of her own volition. From your mouth to God's ear." He clapped Will on the shoulder. "When you called I thought it was the perfect opportunity to talk to you about this since you seem to be the one Dad is listening to on this decision."

"Where's Ashton? Shouldn't he be part of this conversation?"

"Ashton is in California," Emily answers, "until mid June. I'll be handling this directly."

"I'm sorry, but everything I said still stands. When your account is split up by tags, your numbers just don't compare to the other designer."

"But my designs are better."

"That's subjective. If we're going to use the designer of the space to attract additional customers for our clients, they need to have a loyal following. Not only that, but the other designer has famous clients and famous followers. If even one of them comments on his post or is inspired to go visit the resort, that increases the audience by one point five up to four times depending on the celebrity. Furthermore--"

Carter's phone rings and interrupts. "Sorry," he says as he looks at the caller ID. "Shit, I've got to take this call." He goes outside to speak in private.

Will takes the intermission to check for messages on his phone. Despite his inattention, Emily continues trying to convince him that she fits the criteria he has for the project.

"I've already run some test posts and simulated the expected response to future posts. I've got it all here. The modified data on past posts and the map of future posts which I will use to boost my current rankings." Emily pulls something out of a leather bag in the chair next to her. She reaches diagonally across the table to hand it to Will. "As you'll see-- Oh shit!" In her rush to hand Will the folder, she has knocked Carter's glass of vodka soda over. Unfortunately, it has spilled directly into Will's lap. "I'm so sorry."