Page 104 of Stepping Up to the Plate

“Not yet,” I say. “She is still taking time to work on herself. We’ve made progress, but I don’t think she’s ready to be full-on again.”

“She’ll get there,” he states.

“I know,” I reply, blowing out a breath and reaching for my warm-ups. “Until then, let’s focus on bringing the Commissioner’s Trophy home.”

ChapterForty-Nine

• LOLA •

While on this break with Brady, I have been making major progress on my blog. Turns out you can get a lot done when you’re resisting the urge to text someone or show up at their apartment unannounced. At least it has paid off. Several brands have contacted me through Molly, but I need that one big deal to transform my blog from a hobby to a full-time gig.

For that reason, Tiffany might say I manifested this call with an opportunity that is a huge step forward in my career.

“Hi, Molly,” I greet.

“Lola, sweetie. How are you?”

Molly has been incredible throughout the entire process. Aside from asking if she needed to find Brady the most embarrassing endorsement deal imaginable when I first got back, she hasn’t brought him up. I was nervous things would be awkward since he is an actual, paying client, but she has been nothing but professional and supportive.

“I’m doing well considering my friends and I tried out the mixers from that organic cocktail company last night.”

“Now that sounds like a good time. Any favorites?”

“Carina and Tiffany are obsessed with the peach bellini but the watermelon mint marg was my favorite.”

“Awesome, I can’t wait to see your content using them. I’m glad to see you are enjoying the brand partnerships we’ve been able to bring you. I was approached about another opportunity that I think is going to be of great interest to you. Are you sitting down?”

“Yes… I am sitting. What is it?”

Molly takes in a deep inhale as if she is struggling to hold back her own excitement. “I received a call yesterday from the producer of Cami Graham’s show. Cami discovered your blog while navigating her divorce and loved it. With all the lifestyle and mental health content you’ve been doing the past few weeks, they wanted to see if you would be interested in a weekly self-care segment.”

My heart stops. I heard the words Molly said but I cannot comprehend them. Cami freaking Graham, winner of Singing Sensation season one, wants me to do a segment on her daily talk show.

“The woman was too stunned to speak,” Molly says, amused. “You okay, Lo? Need a minute?”

“Wha-ho-why, Cami Graham?!” is all I manage to get out.

“Cami Graham,” Molly repeats. “The segment can be whatever you want. Some ideas the producer offered were DIY spa treatments, everyday workout or meditation routines, comforting girl dinners, etc. The only parameters are that they be geared towards women 21-45 and accessible to the everyday American, which is already your brand.”

“Oh my God!” I stammer.

“I can see we aren’t going to get much business discussed until you have time to process this,” she laughs. “The show said if you were interested, they could have an offer drawn up and sent over by Thursday. I’m going to let them know you are interested.”

“Yes!” I blurt out.

“Can you come in Friday morning to review the details?”

“Yes. For sure. I will be there. I can’t believe this,” I utter.

“You deserve this, girl. You’ve worked your ass off and bared your soul these last few months. You make it easy for everyone to relate to you and you care deeply about your audience. I can’t wait to see what you make of this opportunity.”

“Thank you for everything, Molly.”

“You know it, girl,” she states before hanging up.

My first instinct is to text Brady, but we’ve already messaged today. The team has the first game of the Championship series tonight and I don’t want to split his focus. Instead of reaching out to him, I open the group chat and tell the girls to clear their schedules for a sleepover Friday night. I also mention that I have pee-your-pants big news.

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