Lucky Charm Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the fashion industry. Over the years , Annabel had bec o me a pro at writing advertising copy for new lines of lipstick, perfume , and designer shoes. Occasionally, there were a few out li ers, such as posh restaurants or hotels, but the client list never really varied much.
    “Neither,” replied Paige triumphantly. “Are you sitting firmly in your chair?”
    Annabel nodded, wondering what all the fuss was about.
    “I just wanted to make sure , because once you hear what this woman does, you will be litera ll y blown away. Her name is Marlene Parker , and she has her own shooting range! Isn’t that marvelous?”
    “ Marvelous ” was another one of Paige’s favorite expressions.
    “Her own shooting range?” Annabel repeated, thinking that she might have misheard things.
    “You heard me.” Paige flashed a bright smile.
    “Where is she from, Kentucky ?”
    “ Upper West Side – the Dakota building , to be more precise. I met her at a birthday party I went to this Saturday . T errible party, but meeting Marlene more than made up for it. Her husband died two years ago, and she told me this wonderful story about how lear ning to shoot helped her get over her grief . T hat’s what gave her the idea to open her own shooting range. She wanted to help women cope with grief or anger. Apparently, this little venture of hers became extremely popular, and now she wants to expand. She’s been looking for the right agency to represent her , and believe it or not, most of the New York shops refused to represent her, telling her that the business is too risky. So , she’s hired some amateur s, and she hates what they did . I t really is very tacky and primitive.” Paige waved a manila folder she was holding in her hand. “The moment I heard Marlene’s story, I wanted to represent her . I know we could do so much better!”
    “Shooting can help cope with grief?”
    “Have you ever held a rifle in your hands?” Paige demanded.
    Annabel silently shook her head.
    “Well, I have . M y daddy taught me how to shoot.” Paige paused. “And I tell you, that year when I lost my parents, I used to go out in the backyard and fire away at a line of empty cans . I t never failed to cheer me up.”
    “But we don’t normally handle this type of… industry,” Annabel stammered. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
    “Where is your sense of adventure? Have some faith in yourself, will you? You are my best writer. I could , of cours e , give the account to Janine . S he is catching on fast, but I think you would do a much better job.”
    “Thank you, Paige . I will do my best,” Annabel assured her boss . S he was not about to turn down an assignment for it to go to Janine. Fresh out of college, Janine Saunders had joined the agency a year ago and immediately became Annabel’s nemesis as she relentlessly vied for Annabel’s position of Senior Associate , a title that was distinguished by not only higher pay, but also by the cupboard office that Annabel occupied . Janine sat behind a desk next to the reception area. It had taken Annabel over five years to earn the promotion, but apparently Janine was not concerned with this fact. Aided by her bubbly personality and angelic blond looks, Janine expertly kept her hostility under wraps, but she never missed a chance to steal Annabel’s ideas or take credit for her work.
    “That’s what I thought. Just wait till you meet Marlene Parker . Y ou are going to love her!”
    “I’m sure I will.” Annabel nodded, conjuring up a bright smile. Paige was a pretty good boss most of the time, but every now and then, her manipulative streak kicked in.
    “Mrs. Parker is coming in at one o’clock. Here’s some background info.” Paige handed Annabel a thick manila folder. “And be sure to give me an update first thing tomorrow morning. Once you come up with the content for the website, make sure to coordinate with Eddie regarding the site layout.”
    Eddie Frank was a freelance