The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

15. Ari

15

ARI

Despite the raging party, Ari couldn’t take her eyes off of the elevator doors. Hazel Ford had yet to arrive and as the night grew later, Ari was beginning to fear she might not show.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to remind herself that even if Hazel didn’t come, the night had been a smashing success. Ari’s current clients felt special and she’d gotten a few new interested clients.

Besides, she could see Taylor Young cowering in the corner, too nervous to approach any of the new agents.

From what Ari had gathered, Taylor was pretty lucky to never have to handle these negotiations herself. Kimberly Parker, a former pro herself, had managed Taylor’s career from daycare.

Ari leaned into Cass’s ear. “I might go chat with Taylor Young while we wait for Hazel.”

But just as Ari turned, the elevator dinged again with a late arrival. As soon as the doors opened, the cameras flashed.

The star walking in, a tall, slender brunette, covered her face with her hands.

“That’s our girl.” Cass nodded, following Ari over to the newcomer. Tapping Rose on the shoulder, Cass smiled. “Do me a favor, don’t let these pictures see the light of day.”

Leaning over to the photographers, Ari smiled. “This is a private meeting, so just delete what you got. I appreciate it.”

Drew and Rose nodded, dismissing themselves from the scene.

Turning her attention to Hazel, Cass hugged her. “Thank you so much for coming. It’s so good to see you.”

Hazel nodded. “Of course, anything for Cassie Owens. You saved my ass in class a dozen times.”

“Oh god, that was nothing.” Cass shook her head before putting her arm around Ari. “Hazel, there’s someone I want you to meet. This is my girlfriend, Ari Graves. I mentioned her on the phone.”

With a knowing but nervous smile, Hazel shook Ari’s hand. “The lead agent at SDO Management.”

Ari waved off the compliment. “Welcome back to New York. Lead agent is generous. But it’s a pleasure to meet you, Cass has nothing but good things to say.”

A caterer appeared with a tray of drinks as if on command. Reaching for the tray, Ari passed a glass of champagne to Hazel.

“A little early for champagne, no?” Hazel raised a suspicious eyebrow.

As Ari guided Hazel through the crowd and toward a table at the back where they’d have some cover from the other guests, she shrugged. “You tell me.”

The three of them gathered around the table as Ari cleared her throat. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time, I know you're busy and I know you’ve gotten a dozen of these.”

Hazel smirked.

“But I’d be ashamed if I didn’t give it a shot. Rumor is you’re looking for a change. A big one. And I think I can help.”

“Is that right?” Hazel narrowed her gaze. It was obvious that she’d already done her own research, prepared for this very meeting.

Nodding, Ari leaned closer. “You want an image shift and your current management isn’t game. But I am. My entire career is about helping artists find their path, no matter what that is. I have the connections in this city to get you the gritty roles you’re looking for and I won’t rest until you’ve gotten the scripts you want.”

It was a good sell, one that Hazel was struggling to argue with. “My contract with my current agent isn’t finished for another two years.”

“SDO’s legal team is the best in the country. We’ll have you out of that in two hours with no damages. That’s a promise.” Ari clenched her jaw, her game face on.

From the corner of her eye, she watched Cass’s face as she looked from Hazel to Ari, trying to gauge the conversation.

Letting out a deep breath, Hazel looked at Cass. “Tell me honestly: you trust this?” Of course, Hazel knew it was a biased opinion, but she needed someone to vouch for what Ari was offering.

Cass nodded, placing her hand on Ari’s forearm. “More than anything. All she talks about is her clients. She falls asleep thinking about your career and wakes up with a plan and contingencies. If I’m wrong, you can roast me in the alumni chat all you want.”

Licking her teeth, Hazel brought her champagne to her lips. After she took a drink, she shifted the faux-fur coat draped over her shoulders. “We’ll be in touch.”

She took a look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I forgot how gorgeous this city is in the snow.”

Walking her to the elevator, Ari nodded. “New York is always here for you. And so are we.”

After they shook hands, Hazel got back into the elevator and disappeared from the party. As soon as the doors closed, Ari pumped her fists. It was quick and easy. The odds of success were high. All Hazel was someone to give her permission to act selfishly and Ari was more than happy to oblige.

But there was still work to be done.

Turning to Cass, Ari kissed her cheek. “I need to go snag Taylor Young.”

“Get to it, baby.” Cass winked as she watched Ari disappear into the crowd.

Ari pressed through the bustling party, a small dance floor having broken out at the center. At a hidden away table, Taylor Young snacked on a stuffed mushroom. When she saw Ari approaching, she wiped the corners of her mouth and smiled.

“Taylor Young, I’ve been looking for you.” Ari smirked as she stuck out her hand. “You had a great season and I think we’ve got many more coming.”

Raising her eyebrow, Taylor laughed. “We?”

It was the only in that Ari needed as she rested on the high-top table. And now it was time to close the deal.