Page 48 of The Close-Up
Me: It’s A LOT.
Simon: You convinced me. I’ll leave my place in a little bit.
Me: You’re really giving up headlining at Bangerz for me? I’m flattered :P
Simon: It’s got nothing on you.
My stomach dips at his phrasing.
Me: Warning: We’re doing a spa night and you have to join in. I’m talking hair mask, sheet mask, teeth whitening, the works. Promise you’ll look so, so pretty.
Simon: Can’t wait ;)
Chapter Eleven
Have you seen the stats for your latest video??
It takes a minute for Simon to reply to my text as I wait in line at the coffee shop down the street from the Dash office building.
Simon: No...is it good or bad?
Me: Good! Like very, very good.
I take a screenshot of the homepage, where the latest video I’ve posted for the series is the featured content. Then I text it to him.
I move up in line and order a double shot of espresso, hoping it’ll power me through my walk to work this morning. I’ve been pulling loads of late nights editing Simon’s series and brainstorming episode ideas and bonus content to include on the site, but I’ve been loving every minute of it.
No other project I’ve worked on has been this enjoyable to film and edit. Probably because I’ve become such good friends with my subject, and Simon is a blast to collaborate with. Every time we talk or hang out, time flies. It’s less like I’m working on a high-stakes project and more like I’m spending time with a good friend. And even though it makes for groggy mornings, it’s worth it because of how happy I feel and how well it’s helping me do at work.
I check my phone as I wait at the far end of the counter for my drink order.
Simon: Holy crap 500k views??
Me: Yup! Viewers love you!
Simon: Well, they only love me because of you. You’re the one filming and editing the series.
Me: I’m happy to take some of the credit.
Me: But seriously, it’s all you. You’re a hit.
“Naomi!”
I whip my head up at the sound of the barista calling my name. I walk over, grab my coffee, say thank you, then walk out the door. I head down the block, staring at my phone, turn the corner, and smack chest-first into a stranger.
I stumble back, quickly catching myself.
Espresso pools around the lid of my coffee cup, but I exhale in relief. Thankfully I didn’t spill scalding hot liquid all over myself or the person I bumped into. And thankfully most of the coffee stayed inside the cup so I have enough caffeine to power me through the morning.
“Crap, I’m sorry,” a male voice says in front of me.
“It’s fine—” I look up and lose all my words. Because there stands Landon, Simon’s superhot client.
“Hey,” he says, brow raised.
I let out a flustered sound. “Sorry, that was my fault.” I raise my hand that still holds my phone. “I was doing that super-obnoxious move of staring at my phone and not paying attention to anything around me.”
Landon flashes a smile at me and my insides promptly melt. “Don’t even worry about it.” He tugs at the lapel of his suit jacket. “You could have thrown your coffee in my face and I still would have been happy to see you.”
