Page 67 of Maverick Mogul

“Hey,” Charlie says, ducking down a little to look me right in the eyes. “You’ve got the goods. All you have to do is sell your vision.”

“Easy for you to say,” I mumble. I gesture at the gorgeous bar that Charlie and his friends brought to life. “We’re standing in the reality of your vision.”

“Yeah,now,” Charlie points out. “Before all this—before blueprints and permits and business plans—it was just on me to make people believe what could be possible. What Mavericks could bring into their lives.”

“Okay.” I say, uncertain.

“Once more with feeling,” Charlie demands.

“Okay!” I repeat, louder this time. “

I better go camp out in a coffee shop and figure out what, exactly, I’m going to bring into her life.”

“Sounds like a plan. Call me after.”

“Okay.” And then, before he can correct my timid tone, I repeat it. “Okay!”

I hurry toward the door and Charlie calls after me, “Trust yourself, Sommerville!”

The words echo around the empty bar, carrying me out the door.

* * *

Katherine Vanderberg’ssprawling penthouse is not a house. It’s more like a movie set. Or the Louvre. I’ve been in some fancy homes before, but this is jaw-dropping: from the luxurious furniture, to the incredible art on the walls. Katherine isn’t just wealthy. She hastaste.

I’m still trying to steel myself when Katherine ushers me into the living room, where she’s set up tea.

“It’s so great to see you again,” I blurt, then wince at how over-familiar I sound. “How have you been?”

“Well, thank you.”

She gestures for me to sit. “So, tell me, I’m curious what this concierge business of yours will offer, beyond something my regular personal assistant can provide.”

I take a deep breath. I spent all morning trying to put my plans into words, and here’s the big test, right out of the gate.

“Well, a personal assistant is just one person,” I say, launching into my pitch. “And as talented as they may be, they’re not going to be an expert in everything you require. In any given day, you might need a dozen different projects—and of course, you’re not going to want to research and hire every individual to do those jobs. So, what if you knew that just one call could connect you to all of those experts, so you’d be guaranteed top-level service and expertise?”

“Well, that would be valuable indeed.” Katherine regards me thoughtfully.

“I’ve built up an extensive network,” I continue, fighting my nerves. “And I can bring together the best experts. I work with several tiers of membership, from occasional projects to a 24/7 VIP service.”

It’s all hypothetical, but she doesn’t have to know that right now.

“Just imagine how much time you could save,” I add, trying to paint that picture Charlie talked about, how my business could fit into her life. “You’d be able to focus on the things you find rewarding, while everything else runs like clockwork. And, well, that’s the pitch,” I finish, awkward again. “Does it seem like something you’re interested in?”

She nods slowly. “Perhaps. Except… When checking your background, I spoke with a Mr. Bret Bassinger recently. It seems, while under his employ, that you unceremoniously dumped a cake into his lap?”

Heat blooms across my chest, the feeling of hot panic. Why is one entitled man-child allowed to ruin so much? I pull my shoulders back, even though I want to cry. “It was an accident.” I explain. “And technically, I wasn’t even working for Bret. It was his parents who employed me, and they were happy with my services until, well. Until the cake incident.”

“Hmmm,” Katherine says, unreadable. “I take my philanthropy work very seriously. Keeping my network of donors means maintaining relationships—wooing, even. Their preferences and birthdays and children’s opinions all matter here. ”

I nod with as much dignity as I can.

Goddam Bret.

“If you’re thinking that it sounds tedious and finicky, you are correct.” She smiles. “And yet, there is great satisfaction in filling the pockets of worthy causes.”

“I understand that completely,” I say, finally recovering my voice. “But like I said, this was a one-time accident. Everyone else who’s worked with me will give you nothing but rave reviews. I promise, I can give you a list of a dozen references. Or give me a shot, on a trial basis!” I add, desperate. “Give me a chance to prove my skills. I promise I won’t disappoint.”

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