บท 30: Power in Numbers
The fandom of Twisted Tales had grown in the past year, so much so they eventually created their own fan page. At first, there were just a few loyal PatronPower contributors who liked to chat about their favorite plots. As their numbers rose, they became a network of loyal readers, the most elite status going to those who lived in the same town as Evan Nicholas. Kelei hated that she wasn't one of those rare few, but she did appreciate their contributions. After all, without them she would have never seen the photo that popped up.
'Look who I spotted at the movies yesterday!' One of them exclaimed. Kelei had to enlarge the picture to verify it really was Evan. A quick scan of his face confirmed it, but she felt her heart drop when she saw the rest of the image. He was holding hands with a girl!
'I thought he was single?' Someone else commented. Another reposted the image drawing a bright red circle around the entwined hands.
'Single or not, that doesn't look promising.'
Kelei frowned, trying not to be drawn into the debate. Since she lived in another state, she didn't share many of the dreams these girls clung to. They were close in age, and yes, he was very attractive, but she wasn't crazy enough to fawn over him from so far away. Even if he did make that Z of Legend shirt look stunning...
One of her action figures seemed to be glaring at her in disapproval. She knocked it over with a huff.
"I like his art. Not him," she glowered. She looked up at the shelf where her FanQuest badges were waiting. She was not romantic like some of these fans, who wanted their commoner lives to be turned around by a rich prince. Kelei has plenty of money. Why should she chase someone successful? She just wanted to be acknowledged for her own abilities. These other fans should be looking up to HER.
In the end, the news upset her for a different reason. Love meant distractions. Romance broke deadlines. How many times did the male lead drop everything to chase after his destined someone? The CEO put business aside as someone became their new focus. If Evan got involved with someone, Twisted Tales could suffer! She would not let that happen.
'We need to keep pushing for another backer tier! Maybe he will listen and get some merch made!' Kelei planted the seed, urging the others to follow.
They were a community now, they could convince Evan to keep doing what he was best at. He needed merchandise, branding, a forward thinking plan! Kelei stares at the photo again, fearful. She couldn't let him lose sight of his future!
Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. Kelei looked down and groaned. It was her father.
"Hi daddy," she answered sweetly. She hoped she didn't sound as anxious as she felt.
"Kelei, dear, how are you doing?" He was starting casually but that didn't put her nerves at ease.
"I'm fine, just doing some research." She popped a book off the shelf, flipping through the manga thoughtfully.
"I got copies of your expenditures for the last month. I know we said we would avoid pressuring you with college for awhile, but I do wish you would be more cautious with your spending."
Ah, so that was the reason for his interest. Money, as always.
"Daddy, I know the travel expenses are a little high, but this is a good opportunity for me. There is an important client I need to meet." A certain Evan Nicholas needed to see her in person!
"Kelei, what client could you be meeting at an entertainment expo? This better not be just a shopping spree for you. You know I don't mind getting you things, but I also need to know you're planning for the future. Your brothers are going into business, but you need long term goals! Did you attend the luncheon like I asked?"
"Yes, and frankly that boy was a skirt chaser. Daddy, I can find a way to support myself, I don't need to marry to satisfy myself."
She looked at the art above her computer. What husband would embrace a girl like her? She was already lost in the world of animation, of pretty dresses and rebellious heroes to save the day. She twirled a golden lock of hair and pouted.
"Don't you respect my right to be happy?"
"Of course dear," he was quick to defend. "Just, give me hope that you will be okay. I won't be around forever, show me you have plans for the future. Who is the client you are visiting?"
The question surprised her. Kelei switched the phone to her other ear, "He's an artist, and with any luck I can steer his current success in the right direction. I've been following him for a while and the fan base is really growing."
"Kelei, dear, supporting is one thing, but you need a plan to benefit from his success as well. We aren't a charity. If it's business, treat is like that."
"If we move forward with my plans, I am confident I can show you financial stability from this. There are plenty of contract opportunities, and I intend to be part of that." It was tricky to convey her forethought without revealing the entire plan. The phone was silent, then she finally heard him laugh.
"Very well. Go to your expo, have fun. But when you return, I expect to see some results! If not, you will continue courting suitors and follow through with MY plans." He left no room for argument. The finality was depressing as Kelei hung up the phone.
So, that was how it was going to be! Kelei had shown her cards, and now she was resting her hopes on Evan Nicholas, and his success.
She chewed her lip and focused on the screen. Now, more than ever, she needed to make sure his new romance didn't destroy what they worked for!
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