Page 33 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)
One month later
“ I still don’t have my vampire!” I whine to Morgan in the living room of our apartment. “I think I’ve DM’d over a hundred guys at this point. No one wants to travel to Wisconsin, and I can’t find any local people either.”
“Message your number one draft pick again,” Morgan says, sitting next to me on the couch. “He probably gets hundreds of DMs a day.”
“I’ve already messaged him twice.”
“Three times the charm.”
Opening up TikTok, I think about what I should say to not sound too desperate or creepy.
“I will gladly pay to have that man pretend to bite me,” Morgan says, looking down at my phone.
Kyle Rathbone is a smoke show. Tall, dark, and handsome with black hair and brown eyes. He’s basically shirtless in every post, showing off his defined abs and body. He lives in Chicago at least. So it wouldn’t be that terrible for him to commute to Lake Geneva.
“I know. I mean, I know he’s the perfect pick and … yeah, he’s beyond good looking. Plus he has a million followers so if he agrees to cross promote, that would be amazing.”
Staring at my past two messages, I feel less desperate about messaging again because they don’t say ‘seen,’ which means he hasn’t read them. “Maybe he doesn’t check his DMs …”
I toggle over to his most recent post and decide to be bold and publicly comment. I start typing: Have you ever wanted to be a vampire? Because I want to hire you to be the model at my next live event.
“Do not fucking post that,” Morgan says, snatching my phone. Then she starts typing, “Check your DMs. We’re trying to hire you for a vampire themed shoot in October.” She hits the up arrow, posting the comment and I gasp, but … that is better.
“You’re welcome,” Morgan says, then stands. “Okay, wish me luck on this date. I hope he doesn’t suck.”
“Me too.”
Looking back down at my phone, I can’t wait around for Kyle Rathbone to reply. I need to get this locked in. I giggle while starting a new text to Brandon.
Taylor
How many pouts would it take for you to be my vampire?
Brandon
I will be in Puerto Rico.
Feeling silly, I snap a photo of me pushing out my bottom lip and text it to him.
Brandon
Very cute, but you are not the only person who has to focus on work.
I groan because it’s a little different. I mean, he chooses to work, and I’m forced to work. But he has his priorities, and I have mine, and we respect that about each other. Him more than me right now because I’m stressed.
Morgan gives me a sidelong glance as she holds the door handle, ready to leave the apartment. “Brandon?”
“Yeah.”
“That guy must be really into punishment.” We exchange a knowing look, and I shrug. Morgan laughs. “I feel bad for him.”
“Feel bad for me!” I whine. “I only have two clients, and I’m networking like crazy.”
I’m almost going to give up on networking events. It seems like no one attending actually needs my services; rather, they are just doing it as a way to meet people to possibly date.
“Just fuck him already…” And with that, she’s out the door.
Brandon is so much more than that. He could be my first boyfriend.
My last …
Focus on work.
Monday, September 8th
L ooking at my notes app seeing all of the to-do items for both of my clients, one is staring at me more than the others: Lock in hot vampire.
It’s happening today.
I will DM every hot guy on TikTok if I have to. Opening the app, I sharply inhale, seeing Kyle replied to my comment with a thumbs up. Then I check my messages and gasp, seeing he responded.
Kyle Rathbone
Sorry I missed your earlier messages. Tell me more about the shoot.
Social Experiment
It’s more of a live modeling gig. We do social media for @highfivebar. They have a Halloween party coming up, and we are hoping to have a vampire taking pictures and videos with guests.
Kyle Rathbone
I know High Five! Just checked out their profile. I can’t believe it’s internet famous! Not the place I remember. I actually grew up in Elkhorn, which is pretty close to Lake Geneva. Also, cool company name for a social media agency.
This is going to happen … Hopefully a grand is enough. I can’t pay him anymore.
Social Experiment
Small world! High Five changed owners this time last year, and I’ve been working with the new owner since then.
We’ve done a couple of viral pop up events.
So … hear me out. We are looking for a shirtless vampire who pretends to bite people.
You’d start taking photos with people around eight and then leave about eleven, unless there is a major line for photos still.
We have a budget of a grand for this. - Taylor
I add my name so he doesn’t feel like he’s talking to a void.
Kyle Rathbone
I’ve done worse for that kind of money. It will be a good excuse to see my parents. Are you providing the costume?
“Yes!” I scream. I’ll eat the cost of the costume. I should have been clearer there.
Social Experiment
We can collaborate on the costume, and I’ll buy the items. I’m envisioning a cape, fangs, black pants, and a leather shoe.
Kyle Rathbone
What’s your email? I’ll look up some stuff and send you what I’m thinking, and then you can send me a contract with payment terms.
So professional. This week is off to a great start.