Page 17 of The Singles Club
“But?”
“There was one in your ‘maybe’ folder that I really think could knock this feature out of the park.”
“Which one?”
Becky opened the folder, pulled out a paper, and handed it to me. “Penelope Rogers. The one who has a thirtieth high school reunion coming up. She’s got a really great backstory we could use.”
Crystal sat on the edge of my desk. “What’s the story?”
“Well, apparently she and this guy she used to have a crush on in school have connected through the reunion site and have been emailing each other back and forth pretty much every day,” Becky said. “Turns out, he secretly crushed on her but was too shy back then to ask her out. They haven’t exchanged pics and plan to meet at the reunion. A first date.”
Crystal put a hand to her chest. “That’s adorable.”
It was sweet, but risky.
“I don’t know about that one,” I said.
“Why not?” Crystal asked. “Even I want to know what happens… whether you feature it or not.”
“That’s just it.” I looked down at her application, her picture staring back at me and making this even more real. “We don’t know what will happen and have no guarantees. What happens if they don’t hit it off? Or what if one of them gets cold feet and doesn’t show? Not exactly something that drives sales and customers to Carlos’s site.” I handed Becky the application. “What about the one who’s making a career change?”
“You’re right.” Crystal crossed one ankle over the other, examining her nails. “Love can be fickle. It’s not likeanyonecan haveanyonethey want.”
No she didn’t.
I narrowed my eyes. “If I were her dating coach, that would be different, but I’m not. I’d be her personal stylist.”
“Yes, I’m sure Penelope wouldn’t want any advice on making sure this turns out exactly how she hopes it will.” Crystal folded her hands together, waiting for me to top it off with an objection.
“This is not just about me. Becky’s name will be on that article.”
Crystal frowned, knowing I had won her soft challenge.
“I’m willing to take the risk if you are,” Becky said.
“Are you sure? If this feature bombs, then any chance of being a full-time writer here is out the window.”
Becky placed the application on my desk. “I’ve learned that the best stories to chase are always the ones that have a high risk. You have to be willing to go all in and roll the dice if you want something truly great.”
It’s what would happen if it didn’t work out that bothered me, but it really was Becky’s article, and it could give her a lot of recognition if it did go well.
“Contact her. If you think she’s serious about this, we’ll go with it.”
“Yes!” Becky hugged the folder to her chest. “I was also thinking that we could do the ‘before’ feature without revealing their photos since they haven’t exchanged pics… focus more on both sides of the story to get people interested, and possibly do a double makeover? I don’t mind doing the research on it.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Just make sure it’s okay with Penelope that we reach out to him on it too.”
“Great.” She bounced on the balls of her feet as if she’d had way too much coffee. “I’ll call her now and set up a meeting. Is there a time that’s best for you?”
“Try for tomorrow if you can. And look into other candidates too, just in case Penelope doesn’t work out.”
“Will do.” Becky practically power walked out of my office, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. I had to admire her courage on this one.
I turned to Crystal. “You think Carlos will like this?”
“He’ll love it if it gets him sales.”
I laughed. “True.”
