by Vivien Vale
"We need her, Liam. She notoriously has one of the most creative companies in the business. And she's about to fail miserably. We can capitalize on this. She'll need our help anyway."
"Oh yeah," I say to him from across my desk. "And what if she gets the client, huh? What then?"
"That's why we need to see her ideas beforehand. It's crucial to our success. We cannot, under any circumstance, let her win Velvet Luxe. It's such a big client that it could be our undoing."
I look at him and realize with reluctance that he's right. We are the biggest ad company in town, but if Claire gets this client, the money will be so staggering that she’d become an actual threat.
Right now, Epica is a small company, leagues from us. But given the funding and boost it needs, they could skyrocket to the top because they actually have the backbone a good ad agency needs and that is creative talent.
I drink my espresso and savor the caffeine high. Suddenly, I feel torn between two worlds. I care about Claire, but not enough to put my business in jeopardy.
"You're right Evan. Of course, you're right. I keep minimizing the importance of this campaign but we can't let her get it."
"Yes, Liam. Finally, you see. I've been researching her and watching her grow for months. She may not have a single idea on how to properly run a business, but she has that creative edge. I think she's our biggest threat for this project, more than any of the other competition."
I think on it a minute. I had no idea Claire's little firm was gaining that kind of traction. Not a good sign from a competition.
"We have to eliminate the threat. She can't win this client," I tell Evan.
"So," he says. "All I'm saying is that if you're going to be fucking her anyway, why not try to uncover some of her secrets? When you're at her place or her office, just try to see if there's any clue as to the direction she's going to go in for the campaign. This way we'll see it coming and we can eradicate the problem before it starts."
I hate the idea of spying on Claire, but I’ll do anything to maintain my position as the top agency in Manhattan. I didn't work this hard for this long only to lose it to some woman I barely know.
The image of her beautiful face flashes across my mind. Her sweet sensitivity is something I want to protect and yet I know what I have to do.
"I knew I hired you for a reason, Evan. I hate to do this to Claire but we must gain every advantage that we can. This client is too important. Am I right?"
"Yes," Evan says. "I'll work on the logistics of what it will look like to buy her company and fold it into Dignity Creative. Who knows, maybe when it's all over, Epica could become a new division of this firm that I could head. I think I'm ready for the responsibility."
The fact that Evan is mentioning himself as a forerunner to take over Epica has me on alert. I know he's always been self-serving but give me a break. He can’t make his motives right now any more obvious.
"That's something we can think about, Evan, if Claire doesn't want the position herself. Besides, I like you on the business end of things. I hate to say it, but I'm not sure you're creative enough to head Epica if we obtain it. Your strength lies in the corporate environment. But let's consider that when the time comes, alright?"
He looks forlorn and I hate to bust his bubble but there's no way I'm giving him Epica. Likely, it will remain Claire's little project within the realms of Dignity Creative. I’d hate to acquire a company only to let it crash down. That’s not good business.
Who knows, maybe Claire will one day thank me for hatching this plan because when she loses the campaign, she'll lose everything. When that happens, I can help her stay afloat. Granted, her autonomy will be gone but that's kind of the point.
I want Claire operating under my thumb. I want her where I can see her and where I can control her. The idea makes my blood heated. I think it's time Evan find something else to do besides bothering me with his own aspirations.
"Okay Evan, I'll talk to you later."
It's his signal to leave and he takes it.
He's a good VP and his ideas maintain the company in good standing, covering for pitfalls that could have serious consequences. But sometimes I think he cares more about his own upward mobility than he does about this company.
I need to have a VP with honor and with a sense of investment in this firm. Not someone who will do anything to personally get ahead. I do like his idea of making sure Claire doesn't succeed, but I make a mental note to no trust Evan entirely.
Once he's gone, I have peace in the penthouse at last. I drink my coffee and look out over the stunning view of New York. I love this city. It's always alive and that motivates me to be alive with it. The pulse and pace of the streets match my own insatiable desire to succeed and to work hard.
I put Claire at the back of my mind and work on directing my people to create the most intriguing and awe-inspiring lingerie campaign the world has ever seen. Those Victoria's Secret angels have nothing on me.
Ideas are bursting forth and I think I know exactly how to frame these to propel Velvet Luxe to that next level. This is the beauty of the ads I do for companies, I don’t just make the product, I make the client itself.
This is what I'm good at...making companies ascend past even their own dreams.
My dreams for them are bigger and better, and that's why any company who's lucky enough to work with me always does well.
I didn't become a billionaire without this personal sense of ambition. I know I'm good. Just like I know Claire will be happier once she's safely under my corporate wing.
Claire
It's officially been two days since I've seen Liam.
He hasn't texted me. He hasn't called.
I try to push the meaning of this out of my mind. I'm not going to get wrapped up in some guy who has no interest in having a girlfriend.
At least, this is what I tell myself as I try to focus on making the lingerie campaign sensational. If I'm honest, all of my ideas revolve around me wearing the lingerie and Liam seeing me in it.
Is that so wrong? I have to get my inspiration from somewhere.
I know I shouldn't be even thinking about him at this point because he's a player, because he's unavailable, and because he hasn't been seen with a real girlfriend in New York’s social scene.
Liam is the consummate playboy and I have to remember that. I willingly gave myself over to him knowing that and now I have to be strong and understand that all good things come to an end.
I'm designing away on my computer, trying to bring sexy elements into the lingerie ads. This is what I'm good at. I know how to embed that sex appeal into anything.
That's why even the most boring of companies are satisfied with my work. Sex sells. And somehow, I'm able to cast mundane businesses in an exciting light that even they didn't know was possible.
This is why my little firm is becoming famous. Though we may be on the brink of closure, at least I will have made a mark in the creative world.
I idly wonder what I'm going to do if I don't win this campaign. I have to be realistic and think about my next steps.
Will I be a freelance designer? Will I go work for one of the corporate businesses that I so disdain? My future is left up in the air but what I'm most worried about are my employees.
These people have stuck by me through thick and thin. They know I'm a small company and that I can't pay them a ton of money, but together we created Epica.
From the other designers, to the social media manager, to the head of business affairs, we've all worked together to keep his company afloat. And I've worked extremely hard to make sure this is a creative environment where people can thrive.
I have a rule about not having rules. I think creative people should be able to come into work when they want and leave when they want. I think creative people need to be in a flexible, fun environment and that's what I strive to make this company into.
The idea of having to go work for a suit makes me nauseous. The idea of wa
lking into a building under cold, fluorescent lighting with virtually no aesthetics or decor makes me sick to my stomach.
In truth, I'm an artist, and as an artist, I need to work in a place where I can thrive. A corporate environment would squelch any creativity I may have left after this whole thing is over.
This is why I cannot lose. I know Liam is good. I know his company is the biggest in town. And I know my other competition is stiff, too.
But no matter what, for my sake and for the sake of my people, I have to win this campaign.
I call for Charlotte to come in and she brings my afternoon tea. She and I have this kind of ritual of having tea together every afternoon and catching up.
That's a perk of working with your best friend. Like I said, it's fun around here.
"Earl Grey or green tea?" she asks.
"Um, let's go with Earl Grey. It sounds like the perfect thing to perk me up for the rest of the day."
She makes her way to the little kitchen I have in my office and prepares some boiling water.
"So," she says over her shoulder, "how was the other night with Liam? You haven't even mentioned it."
I try to act coy but she knows everything about me. I might as well just tell her the truth.
"You want the truth? He was amazing."
"Amazing, huh? I wouldn't have expected anything less from a man with that kind of reputation," she says dryly.
She brings the tea tray over to the little seating area in my office and we relax.
"Well," I begin, "don't think that I don't know what I got myself into. I know he's not gonna date me. I know it was probably a one-night thing."
"Yeah," she says. "You don't do one-night stands so I was wondering what happened."
I want to say that I feel shame but I don't. I don't regret a single thing that happened with Liam. It was totally worth it.
I think of his rock hard abs and the incredible "V" that leads down to his massive cock. It's enough to get me off in my fantasies for the next year.
I sit back into the plush chair with my hot tea and say, "I broke my rules for him, Charlotte. And it was worth it. He is seriously amazing in bed. I must've come like 1 million times."
Charlotte bursts into laughter.
"Wow, Claire, that's a lot coming from you. You're not usually into any guy."
"I know," I say with a sigh. "And I just had to fall for the most unavailable man in New York City. Why do I do this to myself?"
My best friend tries to console me. "Listen, Claire, I saw him. He's hot. He is like straight off the runway hot. He is like rugged, I've climbed Mount Everest hot. You'd be crazy not to have gone for him. You deserve a little fun in your life."
Her words make me feel a little bit better. I don't feel remorse for having been with him but I did feel sad that it's over so quickly.
It was a brief encounter and a magical night that I'll never forget. But I know you can't change a man and besides, I don't even know if Liam is the type of guy I'd ever date.
I sip my tea and tell Charlotte, "The problem is that I'm gonna have to see him again. He's working on the same campaign. He's our biggest competition and that makes him a fixture in my life for the time being."
"Yeah, but you're gonna win. Claire, you have to realize that you're gonna win this campaign. You're, like, the most creative exec in the city. They'd be lucky to have you."
Her words pump me up a little bit. I know that she's speaking honestly. I am valuable. I do have so much talent.
Every once in a while, I just need my friend to remind me of that. It's not easy being a little company going up against giant firms that have hundreds, if not thousands, of employees.
"What's freaking me out, Charlotte, is the fact that if I lose this client, our company will close. I'm worried not just for myself but for everybody else. Where will they go?"
She looks relaxed as ever as if she's not worried at all. "Oh, don't worry about them. Everyone here is super talented and they'll find another job easily. I know we're all just committed to keeping Epica open."
"Thanks, that helps. I'm feeling a lot of pressure to win his campaign because I know it's so important for the company," I say.
Charlotte grins at me. "Well, I've been thinking about something that's a little bit naughty.”
Now I'm intrigued. What could be on her mind?
"What is it?"
"Well, if you ever see him again—I mean, if you guys keep fucking, you might have the opportunity to see what he's working on. He's our biggest opposition and if you were to say...get some secrets out of him, or perhaps find some paperwork that reveals his grand plan for the lingerie campaign, then it might help us get an edge."
I can't even believe she's saying this. I know Charlotte would never even suggest this kind of underhanded behavior if it didn't mean the survival of our company.
She's acting optimistic, trying to help me believe in myself, but she knows the dire truth. Could our doors really close in a matter of weeks?
"Are you seriously suggesting I spy on him?" I asked incredulously.
"I wouldn't call it spying, more like vetting out the competition. What could it hurt? He might even tell you," she says.
I scoff. "Yeah, right. He's not gonna tell me his ideas. He's definitely smarter than that."
"I'm just saying, Claire, you guys aren't even serious. You may not see him again outside of work. You know that you're just a fling to him so why do you care so much? Just see if he asks you out again and, if he does, do a little snooping. It won't hurt anything."
Her words sting a little bit, but I realize it's the truth. I mean nothing to Liam. I shouldn't care about hurting him. And it might really help to do a little detective work to try to see his stance on the campaign.
I wonder if he's even working on it himself or if he's assigned it to his corporate minions.
I don't want to steal his ideas, but at least I can see how I measure up to him so I can adjust my thoughts accordingly.
"Okay, Charlotte, I guess you're right. I need to make sure not to get wrapped up in him personally. If I see him again, outside of work, I will try to see what his campaign looks like."
"Great!" she says. "And in the meantime, you can pull out all the stops to make sure that your presentation wins. We're gonna get this client, Claire. And it's gonna be bigger than big. Just imagine how far our company will go once we win this thing."
After that, Charlotte takes her leave. Her words make me daydream about the future.
Velvet Luxe is exactly the kind of client I need to drive me and my business forward. They are my dream client and I let myself to marinate in that thought for a minute.
To gain their business would validate everything I've worked so hard to achieve. It would mean that I really am that good.
Claire
I work throughout the afternoon, furiously creating sexy designs to match a super sexy company.
In truth, this is the perfect fit for me. I absolutely love lingerie and that makes working on this campaign all the better.
I'm lost in my creative bubble when the phone rings.
I answer it absentmindedly and hear a deep voice on the other end. "Hi, Claire, how are you doing?"
It's him.
My stomach clenches with a kind of excitement that I can't tame. Just the sound of his voice is enough to make me wet.
"Hi. I didn't think I'd ever hear from you again."
"What? Why? Didn't you have fun the other night?"
I know he's feigning disbelief as to why I thought he wouldn't call. He knows as well as I do that he has a reputation for bedding women. It makes me jealous even to think about how many he's been with.
"I didn't think you'd call because I figured that I was just another one-night stand, a notch on your bedpost," I say honestly.
When I'm honest, it catches him off guard. I love to tell the truth to him so that he knows that I know exactly what he's up to. He's not going to play me without my full and t
otal willingness to be played.
"You've been listening to too many rumors," he says.
"You think?"
"I'm calling for reason," he says, smooth as ever. "I want to take you out tonight. I can't stop thinking about you, Claire."
His words cause a nervous excitement to bubble up within me, but I caution myself not to take them too seriously.
"What do you have in mind?" I ask.
"I'll have a car pick you up tonight around nine, okay? Does that time work for you?"
"I have no plans, except for shampooing my hair."
He laughs. "Okay, baby. I'll see you tonight."
He hangs up and I'm left holding the phone, feeling the electricity that pulses between him and me even at a distance. Does he feel this, too? Am I insane to want to date a ladies’ man?
I recall my conversation with Charlotte and about how she wants me to spy on him. This gives me motivation to go out with him.
I have to meet with him to try to steal his ideas, I tell myself. I'm not going to fall for him; it's impossible. I'm smarter than that.
I get back to work and put the full force of my inventive mind into the process. I'm extremely motivated to land this project, so much so that I don't notice the building becoming quiet as everyone has left.
Evening has descended over the city. The days are getting shorter with the coming winter.
The darkness alerts me to the fact that I'm running late. I got lost in my work and now I'll barely have time to get ready before meeting Liam.
I wanted to have a proper bath before seeing him and I'll have to hurry if I'm going to do that.
I close up the office and take a cab to my place.
Once inside my little apartment, I'm completely inspired. I live downtown in a one-bedroom. It's enough space for me. And let me tell you, it's designed perfectly. My environment has to be beautiful or I simply can't function. It's part of being an artist and a designer.
I need to be surrounded by beauty at all times. My place is modern and eclectic. Everything I have tells a story.