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Chapter2
Damien
Knock, knock. “You busy?” I lift my eyes from my computer to see Jeffrey, my right-hand man here at work, leaning halfway into my office.
“Not really. What’s up?” Closing down my browser, I lean back in my chair and clasp my hands over my chest.
“Word around the office is that Dave has some big news to deliver at the meeting today, something about a high-profile client that he wants to land more than anything.”
That has my ears perking up. “Is that so?”
“And you know who he’s going to be banking on to nab it?”
“Us, my man. It has to be us.”
“Damn straight.” Jeffrey stands tall again, buttoning up his jacket. “I can smell that promotion, Damien. We’re so fucking close.”
“Don’t I know it, bro. Don’t I know it.” Standing from my desk, I follow suit and button up my coat, eager to get a seat in the conference room before all the good spots fill up.
This little bit of information just turned my fucking morning around after that phone call with my mother. Nothing like the sweet reminders of my former life in South Carolina and impending events to attend to put me in a bad mood. Migraines should have names like hurricanes in my opinion, so you know who to give credit to for bringing them on.
But then Jeffrey—sweet, brother-from-another-mother, Jeffrey—just turned my fucking day around with this exciting development in the office.
Striding into the conference room, I notice there are only a few associates filling the seats, so Jeffrey and I grab our spots near the front of the table and wait for the rest of our colleagues to join in. By the time Dave walks in the door, the room is filled with anticipation.
“Good morning,” he says, greeting us as he stands at the head of the table, his hands tucked into the pockets of his beige slacks. Dave has been here since he graduated from college and has worked his way up to a senior account director, which is where I want to be. Goldstein Advertising has grown exponentially in the five years since I’ve started working here, and they're looking for new account directors to expand the business even further and open up new departments.
And I want one of those positions, with Jeffrey by my side as my account manager.
“Good morning.” We all reciprocate the greeting.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve called this meeting today when it wasn’t on the calendar. But it’s a good reason we’ve all gathered here today. A very good reason.”
Rubbing my hands together under the table, I wait for him to drop the carrot that’s metaphorically dangling in front of my mouth right now.
“We have quite the opportunity presented to us today, landing an account with an up and coming product line that is promising big changes in consumer habits.”
Is it a sports drink? Car manufacturer? Toilet paper company? You know how crazy people can get about toilet paper.
He takes a deep breath and then delivers the news. “Remedy, a women’s health line centered around menstrual health and products, is looking for their next advertisement campaign, and we want to be the people they choose to help them in this next wave of business.”
*Insert screeching brake sounds*
Say what? A women’s health line? Menstrual health? You mean—periods?
Several sets of eyes scour the room, but all of the women in the chairs sit up taller in their seats while Jeffrey and I look at each other like someone just told us that Tom Brady was actually going to retire.
“This is a huge opportunity. Companies like this that offer the entire scope of women’s needs have so much growth potential in the market, and that is why we want to secure this account. I already have a team in mind that I think can bring us success on this front.” And even though I know this is nowhere near my forte, I’m still shocked when my name doesn’t fall off Dave’s lips. “Elizabeth, Kerissa, and Ashley, I know you three can come up with something stunning to present to the client next month. We have plenty of time to develop the best idea going forward, and I’m expecting magic, people.”
I feel my brow furrow, still confused as fuck over what just happened as Dave says a few more things unrelated to the announcement he just dropped on us, and then the meeting is adjourned. But Jeffrey and I don’t even bother moving from our seats, staring off into the empty room once everyone has left until he finally breaks through the silence.
“Well, there goes our shot at a promotion.” He slowly stands from his chair, exhaling heavily.
“What do you mean?”
“What do you mean, what do I mean?” Throwing his hands up in the air, he studies me as if I’ve grown two heads. “I mean, Dave already gave the account to the girls, so what are we gonna do?”
I stand from my chair, renewed purpose beginning to flood through my veins. I don’t know the first thing about periods or women’s health, but damn it—I’m good at my job and I deserve this promotion. And so does Jeffrey. “We’re gonna go into his office and ask for a chance to make a pitch as well.”
Jeffrey scoffs, laughing under his breath until he realizes I’m serious. “Are you fucking joking right now?”
“Does it look like I’m joking?”
“No, and that’s what’s scaring me.”
“Jeffrey, you and I deserve this. We’ve worked our asses off and have nabbed high-profile clients that Dave was never able to secure himself.”
“But we’re talking about periods, Damien. Blood and hormones and…” He trails off and shudders at the thought.
“I know. It’s not ideal, but maybe this is also our chance to prove that we can sell anything, man. And I do happen to know a thing or two about women.”
Jeffrey scoffs. “Making a woman come and dealing with her period are two very different things, my friend.”
“Then we’re just gonna have to do some research and learn. Hell, it took me a while to figure out just how well to push a woman’s buttons, if you know what I mean,” I say with a proud smirk. “But once I realized every woman is different, it became a challenge to see how quickly I could solve the puzzle. This is our chance to solve the most challenging puzzle yet.” I slap him on the shoulder before I turn for the door with the intent to walk straight into Dave’s office and fight for our chance at winning this account, not wanting to waste another second.
Jeffrey scurries after me, catching up to me in the hallway. “Where are you going?”
“Dave’s office.”
“Now? You don’t want time to prepare?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I want him to know we’re serious at this very moment. Go in guns blazing, show him our dedication to winning this account for him before he stands firm in his decision to give it to the girls.”
Jeffrey blows out a breath. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Not at all. But that’s part of the fun.” I shoot him a wink just as we arrive outside of Dave’s office. I knock on the door that is ajar, waiting for him to acknowledge us.
“Come in.”
