Page 4 of Stick to the Deal

Grabbing a free table, I perch on the green slatted chair and unpack my pastry bag. The first bite explodes in my mouth, eliciting a lusty moan. An older woman at the next table looks at me reproachfully, but then smiles as she spots my croissant in hand and chipmunk cheeks. Smiling an apology, I pull out my cell and open an email from Time.

Ms. Kato-Atherton,

We are absolutely thrilled with the initial images you’ve provided. This is exactly the tone we were hoping for. I’ve marked which photos we would like to select for the article and look forward to seeing the final edits. We’ll definitely be looking to work with you again in the future.

Regards,

Rebecca Green

Senior Editor, Time Magazine

With a mental fist pump, I take another bite of my pastry. The rest of my inbox is easy to sort through, mostly inquiries or spam.

I scroll through the photos from last night on my phone. Most are still on my camera memory card awaiting editing, but I’d snapped a few candids on my cell. Choosing one, I send it to my bestie group chat. The reply is almost instant.

Breehive

Holy shit! How did you find front row seats to Kenzo Star? Did you drain your trust fund?

I chuckle as I take another healthy bite of my pastry. Oh, the dreaded trust fund. While I appreciate not being the stereotypical starving artist thanks to my family’s generational wealth, I don’t appreciate all the strings that come with it. More than once, I’ve thought about telling Grandmama exactly where she can shove her money. My Jimmy Choo sneaker taps the gravel under my feet. I like nice things, though, and a deal is a deal.

Lettygo

Kenzo was part of the Time article and he asked me to cover his concert. VIP Pass completely FREE.

Annabanana

No way! That’s an awesome shot. My brother would die if I showed him this.

Anna is the head chef of the restaurant, Pop, we co-own. She’s sweeter than chocolate and one of her four brothers is an aspiring musician.

Breehive

OMG did you sleep with him? I swear your life rivals the novels I read.

Lettygo

Don’t let Irish hear you. Your dear hubby would be so hurt. Oo... let me tell him!

Breehive

He’s very satisfied. These pregnancy hormones are no joke.

I like to give Bree’s husband, Colin, a hard time, but I can’t dislike a guy who makes my best friend so happy. In one year, he’s managed to loosen her neurotic, tightly wound persona better than I have in a decade. He’s kind of like the brother I never had. Not that I’d everadmit that to him.

Annabanana

How much longer are you in NYC?

Lettygo

I fly out for London tomorrow morning.

Breehive

How long are you staying this time?

Lettygo