Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
My internet followers would love that, and obviously it would be an amazing opportunity.
But not even thoughts of adorable endangered otters are enough to stop me from thinking about that sea freak toying with drowning like it was nothing.
What kind of man has that big a grudge against living?
And why?
“This way. Let’s get out of here, girl.” I jog away from the point so I can no longer see him.
I pull out my phone and check my notifications.
There are a bunch of Insta Likes and comments adding up, plus a healthy trickle of new followers. I swipe past to a few new Discord messages.
I’m in this chat with a bunch of other local people where we hash out new ways to grow and gripe about what it’s like to be an influencer.
Every so often, someone shares a cool new opportunity.
Usually, though, it doesn’t blow up unless there’s something serious going on.
Today, the messages are coming fast and furious.
Too curious, I open the chat and read through the messages.
ClaraDoesChickLit: OMG OMG YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHAT
MegTea: I CAN GUESS
c h a o s b e a r: what? whats up?
jennineedscoffeeornope: new program? deets?
ClaraDoes ChickLit: RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT
ClaraDoesChickLit: How do you always get it first Jenni? Omg
MegTea: Who did you blow? Like did he taste good?
I wrinkle my nose. Meghan Tea’s whole brand is loud, crude, and she’s never shy about reminding us she’s number one in the pecking order.
I hate that she’s in our group when her brand is mostly self-centered and not based around a coherent niche like cooking or travel or random acts of kindness. Mostly, her videos are the Seattle dining scene, where she gossips about everything banal and scandalous in this city.
Still, I keep reading as the messages pop in.
ClaraDoesChickLit: Ew Meg. F off and find your next story somewhere else.
jennineedscoffeeornope: babe I always got an ear out
ClaraDoesChickLit: ANYWAY it’s a new Young Influencers program with Home Shepherd. Y’know the one with the hot messed up CEO? You guys it looks a-MAZING
I stop walking to type a message.
DestinysChild: Home Shepherd, huh? The global security company?
Several people start typing again, but Clara responds first. She usually does. I swear that girl has bionic fingers that type at the speed of light.
ClaraDoesChickLit: YES!! I mean, I know I know. It’s kinda weird, but it looks like a really cool program and a great opportunity. Every Seattle library will slay if I get that money
MegTea: Whatevs. You do your little books. When I win, I’ll feed the homeless. #peopleoverpages
Nobody laughs at her bitter joke.
I purse my lips as I think, tapping my chin.
Mol settles next to me and licks her lips.
Well.
I should look into this.
Free money and real opportunities to help people typically don’t grow on trees—but for Clara to get so worked up, it must be good. She’s more than a book snob when her high expectations extend to charity.
But the thing is, I’ve dealt with companies like this before I was old enough to drive.
Consider it one of the many life lessons that come with growing up a billionaire’s daughter.
Dad taught me early and often to suss out ulterior motives.
Oh, sure, most places say they want to help the world. They all read the right script.
But it’s really all about finding a fresh cause to make themselves look good and offset the real damage they do. Especially when it comes to Mother Nature.
They usually have a shitload of environmental damage to offset.
Dad knew that better than anyone, too, and he’s invested a ton in making sure Wired Cup runs as the most sustainable regional coffee company around.
It’s all about public perception, in the end.
I’m guessing the CEO of Home Shepherd doesn’t give a single solitary fuck, especially if he’s a walking mess like they say. I don’t really follow rumors but the way they talk about him is enough.
He’ll probably pawn the (un)lucky applicant off on an intern or corporate program manager in charge of philanthropy.
That will turn a great opportunity into something mediocre. A nice little bullet point on a résumé and nothing more.
See? It’s never too early in the morning to be cynical.
I turn my attention back to the conversation.
ClaraDoesChickLit: OH AND LOOK AT THE PRIZE MONEY!!! Hang on, lemme find a link
MegTea: Hurry up. Some of us have places to be Clara.
Prize money?
I read back and realize I must’ve skipped over that part.
That changes things if the big bad company is offering real skin in the game.
Stroking Mol’s head, I click the link and wait for it to load. If Clara sent three exclamation marks, that means something.
The webpage looks professional enough with simple, readable text and actionable links. I skim through everything until I find the real meat it’s offering and—
And holy crap.
Holy meatballs.
Home Shepherd, Inc. is offering two million dollars as prize money to a charity of the winner’s choice.