Page 40 of Thigh Highs
I feel my eyebrows jump up when he mentions the company name. P&T is a magnate among advertising firms. The fact that they’re even showing up at a small college showcase is shocking, not only because they’re so big, but because they aren’t exactly known for embracing youth and innovation. Personally, I think it’s only the reputation they had in the past that keeps them at the top of the game, and I’d put money of them being run out of business by new, cutting edge firms like Epsilon, but it’s still nerve wracking to be presenting in front of people this wellknown.
“We did a case study on Palmer and Turquot’s rise to success in one of my courses,” I say, offering my hand. “Your firm blazed the trail for a lot of people. It’s an honor to meet one of its directors, Mr.Sanders.”
He looks at me like he’s only just noticed I’m there, and almost seems annoyed to have to let go of Christina’s hand and shakemine.
“So,” Christina begins, “if you gentlemen could direct your attention to the screen now. I’m going to ask you to think about all the lingerie advertisements you’ve ever seen. I know you’re not exactly the target audience”—she pauses to let out a laugh and the men join in—“but I’m sure you’re at least somewhat familiar with brands like Victoria’s Secret, La Senza, La Vie en Rose. When you think about the companies I’ve just mentioned,do—”
One of the men cuts her off. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Miss Dominguez, but before you continue I think we’re all wondering...is that you?” He points to the poster on Christina’s left, the one of her on the couch in the maroon set oflingerie.
I see a crack form in Christina’s confidence. Her eyes meet with mine for the briefest of seconds, flashing with alarm. Then she clears her throat andsmiles.
“Well spotted. We were on a tight deadline for the initial shoot, and when the model cancelled at the last moment we filled in with the only replacement we could find at the time, which happened to be me. We intended to re-do the shoot for this showcase, but the images suited the brand and exemplified the aesthetic we were aiming for, so we stuck withthem.”
She continues on with the presentation, but I can tell the P&T reps are barely paying attention to a word she says. They’re looking back and forth between her and the posters, grinning like sharks. I try to hide my clenched fists behind myback.
When we’ve run through the rest of the presentation, the three men give us a quick round of applause and the one named Jim stepsforward.
“I have to say, Miss Dominguez, your visuals for this project are very impressive. Who was thephotographer?”
“He’s a local artist, and he’s asked to remain anonymous,” Christinaanswers.
“Odd. If it were me, I’d certainly want my name associated withthis. Do you model often, MissDominguez?”
I almost want to throttle the guy. I can tell Christina’s getting uncomfortable, but she keeps a smile plastered on herface.
“No, never. I only stepped in for the sake of the project. My focus is fully onadvertising.”
“Maybe you should think about expanding that focus. The camera does seem to loveyou.”
I can’t take his oily remarks anymore and I step in. “Did you have any questions about the project itself, Mr.Sanders?”
He looks me up and down, like the two minutes it’s been since I was speaking were enough to make him forget who Iam.
“I don’t,” he answers, his tone clipped. He reaches out to shake Christina’s hand again. “I’d love to give you my card. I really shouldn’t share details like this, but we’re working on a women’s fashion campaign at P&T right now. I could definitely see someone like you beinginvolved.”
I know exactly how he sees her being involved, and I’m sure it’s not to get her input on campaign strategies. They exchange cards and I’m given a curt nod from all three men before they turn and walkaway.
“Assholes,” I mutter, as I straighten out some of the materials on our table. “They barely even looked at thepresentation.”
“Really?” Christina asks. “They seemed interested to me. I mean, did you hear that? A director at P&T basically just said he might offer me a job. That’shuge!”
“Seriously,MissDominguez? Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the way they were looking at those posters. They practically had dollar signs in their eyes, and it wasn’t because of our catchyhashtag.”
She puts her hands on her hips and gives me her ‘I’m About to Mock You’ look. “You’re just jealous they didn’t ask for yourcard.”
“Trust me,” I say evenly, “I’m not. I hate seeing your ideas undervalued likethat”
Her face softens and she drops her arms. “Hey, lighten up. I’m kidding. Ididnotice they were a pack of pervs, but it’s still nice to hear positive feedback from a huge firm like P&T.”
I don’t have time to answer because a woman with short black hair and what looks like close to a dozen piercings in her ears approaches our table. She’s wearing a sleeveless blouse that shows off arms almost as toned asChristina’s.
“The whole room is buzzing about this lingerie project, so I thought I’d come over and see it myself. You’ll probably have a lineup startingsoon.”
“Maybe we should start charging admission,” I reply. It’s a lame joke, but we alllaugh.
“I’m Robyn Tanner,” she says. “I’m here from EpsilonMedia.”
I’m standing close enough to Christina that I can tell she goes rigid at hearing those words. I spare her some time by stepping up and shaking Robyn’shand.
