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“In otherwords, it is too expensive,” Elizabeth murmured. “It wasmeant to be. The brand was geared for a specific market when it wasfirst created. We used actresses, well-paid ones, and top models toshowcase it.”
“That’sall well and good-” Melissa was determined to make her point,even if it meant stirring up the bear and revealing her claws.
Everyone knew thatthe boss was exacting and very hard to please, and please her theytried to do every single day, not just because there was the healthyfear of her wrath, but beneath that was the uttermost respect for awoman who had managed to rise from the ashes of a scandal that hadrocked the very foundations of the company.
“We needsomething less expensive.”
“You aretelling us to put our stellar reputation on the line?” Thesilky smooth voice did not deceive anyone in the room, and Melissawas tempted to take her seat for a few seconds. But if there was onething Elizabeth Connelly hated, it was any sign of weaknesswhatsoever.
“I am notsaying that at all. The brand is excellent, and women - ordinarywomen want to get the chance to wear it - but it is out of theirreach.
We have done themarket research - even the women advertising the foundation are outof reach. These are top-of-the-line models and famous actresses.Normal women look at this and dismiss it, and that is where the moneyis.
We create somethinglike this for those types of women, the ordinary housewives who wantto dress up and go on dates with their husbands - women working inoffices who want to get the chance to say that they are wearingsomething designed and manufactured by Connelly’s.”
“Iagree with her.” Brennan had roused himself out of his troubledthoughts to listen to her. “And for that kind of product, weshould use ordinary women - working class women so that they canrelate.”
He nodded whenMelissa gave him a grateful smile.
“Do we have avote on the proposal?” Elizabeth asked after a few minutes ofdiscussion. When it was affirmed, she indicated to Melissa to get itdone.
“We will putfeelers out there, of course. Melissa, I would like to see a detailedreport on my desk or in my inbox by tomorrow. Thank you.” Shewaited until the others had left the room before turning to her son.
“Why don’tyou tell me what’s on your mind?”
Pushing back hischair, Brennan went to pour himself a glass of water. “Otherthan work, nothing much.”
“I planned adinner party for tomorrow and invited the Whittinghams.”
“Why?”
“Because youhave not been out since you arrived, and Janice has been asking afteryou.”
He sent her a wryglance as he took his seat. “I am not interested.”
“She is alovely girl and would make a wonderful wife-”
“Mother,stop.” His quiet voice had a hint of steel that had her staringat him. “I am not interested, and I just returned. Give me timeto settle in.”
“I invited myoldest friends to dinner, and I hope you will not disappoint me bynot showing up.”
Finishing the water,he rose. “I have another meeting in a few minutes.”
“Thisdiscussion is not over.”
“Oh, I knowthat,” He told her sardonically as he left the room.
*****
She contemplated justcrashing over at Kyle’s place for the night, but that meant shewould have to deal with the problem tomorrow. And he might be therewaiting for her again. And she was sure she could not endure anotherday of him being near her again. He had shot her resolves to pieces,and her equilibrium was in tatters.
“Honey, you arehome early for a change.” Aunt Ilene exclaimed as soon as shecame in out of the cold. The weather was blustery, and she was reallyhappy to be inside.
“I made goodold-fashioned soup. Now change. We are eating in the kitchen.”
Bounding upstairs,she removed her work clothes and wore an old sweat suit. Taking thepins out of her curls, she dragged her fingers to loosen up the curlsa bit. If she stayed in her room longer, her aunt would come up tofind out what kept her.
She was notparticularly hungry, but if she did not force herself to eat, AuntIlene would want to know if she was okay and not a very good liar.
