Page 10 of Steel

Was he really looking for the truth or some trumped-up lie about how I gave a damn about my job? Which I did, but I wouldn’t lick boots to keep it. The truth was always better because it was easy to remember factual details, lies eventually kicking you in the ass. “Because I need this job, Mr. Dannon. You live in a lap of luxury with maids and nannies. I have me and an affordable babysitter who is moving out of town because of her ailing mother, leaving me with a brilliant seven-year-old kid who likes to burn things. In addition, I love my team. They are amazing people, also brilliant in their artistry, but they are never given enough credit. Never. I want this for them, an unbridled campaign where they can be free to run with their ideas. They deserve that.”

I stopped long enough to see if he was even listening.

He appeared to be, although I couldn’t read his mood.

“They’ve paid their dues and none of us are willing to bow down to corporate greed even though we know this campaign is very important to the bottom line. That’s why I know this calendar will be the biggest seller in the company’s history.”

There was no movement on his side of the desk. None. As if the man was frozen in time. When he finally took a deep breath, I was relieved I wouldn’t need to call 9-1-1.

“Not only are those men fucking hot, but they’re all in a dangerous profession with being smokejumpers.”

Eric didn’t say a word.

“Plus, we did a little test on the photos and had them added to some accounts we use, ranking creative ideas. They are getting a lot of traction and it’s only been a few hours.”

“How much traction?”

“Well, the photo of the sexy guy without his shirt had already received two hundred thousand likes.”

Did I just happen to notice a little jealousy on the man’s face?

His eyes flitted to the computer screen then back to me. “Very well, Violet. I can feel your passion, which is why I’m going to greenlight the project. To a point. These men are in Missoula?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then that’s where you’re going.”

What? Did he just agree to send my team? “The team will be so happy to get out of the city.”

“Hold on. I didn’t say there weren’t parameters. For starters, as with every normal person in the working world, you need to obtain permission and a willingness to pose for the calendar and other promotional items. That isn’t always as easy as you think.”

“Oh, trust me. I can convince anyone to do anything.” I used a touch of my sultry voice.

He chuckled, the sound nothing that I’d heard before. “I have no doubt about that, but I’m a cautious man, which is why I won’t sign off on major expenses until that happens. In addition, I’ll want some test shots done complete with scenery. Only then will I give you the full okay.”

“Scenery?”

“Well, yes, Ms. Livingston. If we’re going to take this idea of yours out for a spin then we might as well utilize every aspect, including the stunning surroundings. What did you call Montana? God’s country?”

“That’s true.”

“Good. We agree on something. If you can provide those two items and everything appears the way it does in your glossy proposal, then we’ll be a go. You’ll be going to Missoula as soon as arrangements can be made.”

“So I’ll be taking a photographer, a makeup artist. Lighting engineer.” I tried to think about the people I’d need. “And my assistant of course for errands.”

His grin was far too mischievous. “No, Ms. Livingston.”

God, I hated when he alternated using my surname and my first name. It was a little control tool he liked to use on everyone.

“You’re going by yourself. I will imagine you’ll be there for at least two or three weeks. I do anticipate this project taking a full three months if it’s a go. And that’s a big if at this point.”

“I’m sorry? You want me to do all that by myself?”

He stood and I sensed another dismissal coming. “On your resume you list your photographic talents. Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s true.” I’d once thought I would be a photographer. Until I’d learned how little they often made.

“Then you’re a one man, or in this case woman show. I expect great things from you.”