AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Virginia Beach,” I say with a smile and a nod.
“Virginia Beach,” he repeats. He looks me up and down. “You strike me as more of a Virginia Rainforest.” He moves away, waving at my bright green leaf-patterned dress.
Chuckles from the audience.
This is part of being in a hot seat—having to withstand scrutiny and hard questions, hard truths.
Bring it on. I’m ready.
I take a steadying breath and shift my weight toward Mr. Power just a little, projecting unwavering aplomb. I hope.
“Virginia,” he says in a most condescending tone, “did you not get the event prep email, the one that said to dress in business casual?” Will Power holds a mic out to me. I take it and tilt my chin, trying to forget about how many eyes are staring at me.
“I did. But given my line of work, I thought businessformalwould be more appropriate.”
Mr. Power’s eyes widen, and he barks out a laugh, repeating my words, “Business formal. And what business are you in, Virginia?”
“I’m a botanist. I take care of people’s houseplants.”
I’ve learned, listening to others on stage all weekend, to be brief so the king of coaching will have more time to impart his wisdom in my ten-minute block.
“Ah. I see. So this getup makes a little more sense.”
I smile. “Yes.”
“That was sarcasm, Virginia.”
More laughs from the darkness.
“Why are you dressed in this … well, frankly, ridiculous costume? Do you think it makes you more credible as a plant whisperer if you’re impersonating a field of … what kind of plants are those?”
“Caladiums. More commonly known as Angel Wings,” I say, trying not to quiver.
“So, is that your logic here? Look like a plant to convince clients you speak their language?” Derision drips from his words. “May god help you.”
I drop my arm, the one with the mic, and quietly say, “The plants like it. I dress for them.”
“Did everyone hear what Virginia just said?” Power booms, scaring me a step away from him. He grabs my arm and pulls me back.
A chorus of enthusiasticnoesfills the air.
“Virginia Beach is dressed to impress the plants she waters.”
I knew that by coming onstage, I’d risk embarrassment. But humiliation? I’ve seen him coach nineteen other people during this two-day conference. Sure, he’s gotten a few laughs at the expense of the entrepreneur on stage, but I had no idea how different it would feel to be on the receiving end of his ribbing.
I expected him to talk about my business. Ask me about my model, my income, my marketing, the way he has with every other entrepreneur he’s coached today. Never in a Giant Sequoia’s lifetime did I think the focus would be on my dress. A dress that I love and look damn good in.
After the laughter dies, Power continues.
“Who are your clients, Virginia?”
“People in the top one percent income bracket who want someone to come in once a week to water their plant babies. I have a few who have me visit monthly to make sure all their plants are healthy and happy.”
He holds up his hand to stop me from talking. “Healthyandhappy? To make sure their plants arehappy?”
I nod.
“She nodded, folks. All right. And what was your gross earning last fiscal year, Virginia, the plant whisperer?”
