Free Parker by Maddie James Page A

she simply needed to keep her private life private.
    And she needed for Bekah to project life in a
perfect world—a world where things like cancer and death do not
intrude. People needed positivity in their lives, and she strived
to provide that—along with a temporary escape. She knew that
because she craved it, too. Besides, Jack had insisted she not
discuss their lives, and his illness, in public. No doubt it was
the right decision.
    Things needed to change—Jack had been gone
over six months now, and she was eager to introduce Montana as her
new home. She also wanted to share beyond her virtual life and make
the cabin and renovated kitchen known to her followers. She was
ready for it to be real. Now was as good a time as any to make that
transition.
    “I was surprised when you and Mercer said you
followed her the other day,” she told Callie. Funny, but Reba often
referred to Bekah in the third person, as if she really was a
different woman. And in some ways, she was.
    “Are you kidding? She’s a rock star in the
foodie blog world,” Callie replied. “I mean, you are a rock
star in the blog world. Between your awards, your massive number of
followers, and your Cottage Chats podcasts, plus the quality
and frequency of your posts, you have this thing tied up in knots.
I’m not surprised you landed a book deal.”
    “I was shocked when that happened,” Reba
said. “I owe it all to my agent.”
    “And the other thing,” Callie added, “is your
anonymity. That was brilliant. I don’t understand why you did it or
how it came about, but it was good move on your part.”
    Reba sighed. “I suppose. At the time, it was
a necessity. Nothing strategic about it. I can tell you more about
that. Maybe later. When the book comes out though, the anonymity
factor will likely be gone, and I have to prepare for that. There
are book tours and talk of a television show. Of course, my agent
wants the YouTube channel to go live very soon, but I’m thinking
there will be a pause on that with this black eye thing…”
    “No doubt, but I have to say it is looking so
much better today than last time I saw you.”
    Reba signed. “Oh good. Sometimes I can’t
really tell…”
    “It is.” Callie snapped her fingers. “Reba,
do you have a publicist?”
    Reba studied her new friend. She truly liked
Callie McKenna and hoped their friendship would grow into something
significant. “Actually, no, I don’t. My agent handles some small
stuff, like an occasional press release, but she’s made it clear
she is not a marketing person. I do everything I can, but I often
wonder if it is enough. Do you know of someone?”
    Grinning, Callie said, “Well, hell yeah. Me! I worked several years for MediaBurst in New York. My
area of specialty is social media marketing.” She stopped and bit
her lip. “Reba, I’m not trying to horn my way in on a job, because
I don’t even know if you are looking for someone, but I sure would
love to take on some pro bono work for you—like I said Sunday, to
keep my skills up.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “I’m flabbergasted, and the answer is
yes!”
    “Awesome!” Callie rushed forward and gave
Reba a hug.
    Reba pulled back. “But only on one condition.
It’s only pro bono for so long, then we figure out how to pay
you.”
    “Deal.”
    “Fantastic!”
    And Callie was ready to dig in. “So, how much
time can you spend with me today? I need background information. I
want to know your goals. What you have done so far. Do you have a
marketing plan? You have a helluva digital footprint already and a huge platform upon which to build. Let’s talk about the
anonymity thing, why it came about, and how we move forward
revealing who you really are strategically….”
    Reba’s head was spinning, and Callie must
have realized it when she stopped talking. “By the look on your
face I think I just totally overwhelmed you.”
    Reba laughed. “Not at all, Callie. You are
perfect, and in