Page 9 of Volatile Obsessions

? you should see me in a crown -

Billie Eilish ?

“Your brand is exactly what I’m looking for, Miss Mercier. From what I’ve seen, I believe Black Widowcan make it to the top with all the big-name competitors. You just need more exposure.”

“And how would you provide that exposure?” I asked the woman, mostly because I had no choice.

She’d been trying to get a hold of me for months despite my PA having turned her away more times than I can count. Isabella was a semi well-known field marketing rep in the make-up industry and she was adamant on securing my line under her belt.

“We need to get you in all the major retailers like Sephora and ULTA, even department stores like Macy’s would be great. The more women can see your products in the flesh and test them out, the more likely they’ll be to abandon an old brand and try yours,” she explained confidently, which in turn piqued my interest.

Clearly, Isabella was not a woman easily deterred. Problem with that was, I wasn’t either. Sure, I could see how using her particular set of skills might play to my advantage in the long run, but I preferred to do shit my way, and there was just something about her that didn’t sit well with me.

What the hell did she know about my brand anyway?

Black WidowCosmeticswas still fairly new. Did well for an online-only based company, but I knew she could be far bigger. When I started her up just over a year ago, I made sure my products had it all; high-quality ingredients that weren’t tested on animals, fierce pigmentation and long-lasting wear, aesthetically pleasing and uniquely designed durable packaging. Prices were damn reasonable, too, when in reality they should’ve been a bit higher.

I was so sure of my brand, in fact, I dared to say I could compete against Two-Faced or Anastasia Beverly Hills with my eyes closed.

Reclining into my seat, I swiveled my chair around to the long rectangular windows at my back and gazed out at the prime view of the beach, wishing I had a margarita in my hand.

“How are you so sure you can get me into said retailers, though, Miss Cruz?”

“My connections are solid and reliable, Miss Mercier. Sephora and ULTA will be chomping at the bit to showcase your products once we present them with your bestsellers. It’s really quite simple.”

If it were so simple, I’d have done it myself…

“That all sounds fine and dandy, Isabella—really, it does, but unfortunately, I need proof. Mock-up a proper marketing scheme and get in contact with, at the very least, one of these companies. Once you’ve heard from them, and they give you the green light, then you and I can discuss a contract. Until then, I’m afraid I can’t take a chance.”

“I understand,” she conceded, her tone only half-defeated. “I’ll get a mock-up through to you this week for approval and then—”

“Absolutely not,” I interjected, turning back to my desk. “You want this position as my head of marketing, correct?”

“Yes…”

“Then a mock-up shouldn’t need my approval. It’s your job to know my brand forwards and back, inside and out. Get it done, contact one of your supposed reliable sources, and we’ll chat when agree. Clear?”

“Yes, Miss Mercier. Speak soo—”

Click.

Tossing the receiver onto the console without a single fuck to give, I buzzed my PA, Ellie, no less than five seconds later.

“What’s up, L?” she responded immediately.

“I’m going to bloody kill you,” I huffed, typing Isabella’s website into my search bar with the tips of my nails.

“Why? What the hell did I do?” she laughed.

“You know damn well what you did. Why in the actual fuck would you put her through?”

“Because you were here? Every other time she’s called, you’ve not been in the office.”

“Still! I told you to turn her away until she gave up! Yes, her skill set could be useful and beneficial, but there’s something about her I don’t like…” I trailed off, scrolling through her dainty page in revolt.

Pastels? Really?

Literally all pastels and child-like flowers.

---