My presence is making what she’s doing harder, and that is the opposite of my intent.
I either stay or go. If I stand in the doorway, I’ll only continue to draw her attention away from her task. And at this point, I’m deeply invested. I can’t not follow through. With that thought, I lurch forward, following her into the room.
She walks backward, presumably to ensure I don’t appear on camera. All the while, she’s laser focused, laughing and smiling as she replies to comments, her pale skin illuminated by that light on herphone. She’s wearing that bold red lipstick and her eyelashes look extra long and dark today, really emphasizing the pretty topaz hue of her eyes.
Observing her this way is like having a front-row seat to a performance.
As she navigates the room backward, she bumps into the island in the kitchenette area and winces.
Traditionally, Japanese hotel rooms are small, but Leslie secured mini suites for the whole team.
As I step deeper into the space and look around, I realize how fortunate we are for that. Evangeline has work supplies spread out on every surface.
I don’t know where to focus first.
She sets her phone on a stand set up on the island, still chatting with her viewers. Behind her, two machines buzz and whir. 3D printers, I imagine.
The counters are covered in bowls of colorful trinkets and loose beads.
And sure enough, in the middle of the island is a prize wheel.
“Here we go!” she cheers. “Remember, every person who placed an order today gets whatever the wheel lands on. I’m so excited for you all.” Clapping, she bounces on her toes.
“I’ll wait another thirty seconds for those of you who still want to get in on what’s up for grabs. It might be free personalization or free shipping,” she tells them. “Or maybe one of my favorite prizes: a free mystery item with every order. That was a popular one a few weeks ago. You know I love to see your fidgets in the wild, so don’t forget to tag @ATizketATasket when you share on socials. I appreciate you all so, so much.”
I can’t look away.
She’s mesmerizing. I have no idea how many people are watching this stream, but there’s no way she isn’t commanding their attention the way she’s commanding mine.
It’s not just her natural beauty. That doesn’t hurt, but it’s the genuine enthusiasm radiating off her. It’s the way she calls people by name. Her genuine giddiness.
“Okay, I think we’re ready,” she singsongs.
Rather than spin, she brings her face a little closer to her phone.
“Oh my gosh,” she says. “Six more orders just came in. You all are the best. This has to be close to the biggest live stream I’ve done all year. I seriously cannot thank you enough.” Her lips wobble a little, but thatsmile is still in place. “Okay, it’s officially wheel time. Are we ready? Give me some likes if you want me to spin this wheel.”
She pauses, drawing out the anticipation.
Then, grinning, she claps a few times, does a sweet little hop, lifts the wheel so it faces the camera, and gives it a hearty spin.
“Let’s see. Let’s see. What’s it going to be?” When it finally comes to a stop, she shrieks. “Free personalization with every order today. Incredible!”
She pauses again, this time to take in a big breath. But then she picks up right where she left off, as enthusiastic as ever.
“For those of you who have purchased today, if you did not request personalization, go back into your order and send me a message. Do it now because the sale closes out at midnight. If you already paid for personalization on any of your items, that will be refunded in the next one to two business days.”
She grins, scanning comments.
“This has been such an incredible night, friends. Thank you for joining me. I’m so, so glad you’re here. Don’t forget, our regular coworking schedule is available in the member portal. And, as always, your first body-doubling session is free, so if you’ve never checked it out, please come give it a try.”
Though she’s still bright and cheerful, her tone is a little more businesslike as she goes on.
“When you join a body-doubling session, there are no expectations or requirements. You can keep your camera off, or you can share what you’re working on, but you certainly don’t have to. If you’re considering, this is the time, because I’m running a special on my annual memberships.
“If you have been a monthly subscriber and upgrade, you’ll also benefit. You’ll get twelve months of continual membership service for the price of ten. This is literally the best deal I have ever offered.”
I wince at that.
