Page 196 of The Virgin Romance Novelist Chronicles
Since I had to create a campaign for condoms—ones that failed me—I decided not to focus on their ability to be a solid form of birth control, but instead, focused on their “luxury.” I developed two separate campaigns, one to cater toward men and one toward women. They were vastly different, but had the same effect.
With the men, I focused on a slogan, “The Man, The Legacy.” I hated everything about it; it read like an ad for a massive tool bag. It actually was the slogan for Freddy, who inspired it all for me, but Eric and, so far, the board loved it. I just had to fine-tune my campaign geared toward women. I could have gone the route of talking about the different kinds of ribbing on each condom or special lubricants, but I didn’t. Instead, I focused on the “quality” (snorts) and how each woman only deserved the best. No vagina should settle for less.
Talking to the design team, I had them create the condom brand into a luxury item by developing mock-ups using black, gold, and silver. The font I chose screamed exuberance and the images we used all revolved around luxurious pillows and silk.
After reviewing the mock-ups, I knew this was going to be a winner, no doubt about it. I just had to hang on a few more days.
Luckily, Freddy was able to get a scoop on what Tasha had been working on. I gave the guy a high five about lifting over three hundred pounds, and he was so excited he offered to scope out the competition by using his “sex appeal.” I didn’t oppose, and for some odd reason, it worked. Freddy was able to woo Tasha enough to check out what she had been working on. She was doing a joint campaign based around lovemaking. It was cute and fresh, but it wasn’t Legacy.
“You ready for the party tomorrow? For the grand reveal of both campaigns?” Eric asked, as I started to gather my phone and wallet so I could take off.
“I am. Mock-ups are done and being held by the design team. I feel really confident.”
“Good,” Eric nodded. He leaned up against my cube with his arms crossed. “You’ve been putting in a lot of time at the office lately. Is everything okay at home?”
He was staring at the picture I had of Rosie on my desk. I glanced at it and inwardly smiled. She was my entire life, her and the little one growing inside of her. But fuck I’d hated being away from her so much. I missed her. I missed talking to her.And I hated seeing her so sad nearly every day because I’ve been here and not with her.But that’s not what Eric was asking.
“Everything is great. Just wanted to make sure I nailed this campaign. I want this job so damn bad.”
“You deserve it. You’ve really shown some impressive work, not just on rebranding, but on your marketing plan for social media. I’m impressed, Henry. I truly am.”
“Thanks, Eric.” I stood from my chair and grabbed my bag. “If you will excuse me for the night, I have a girlfriend to get home to.”
Sweeping his arm out for me leave, he said, “Enjoy. I’ll see you tomorrow for the party. You’re bringing Rosie?”
“Most definitely, but if you don’t mind, can we keep this whole possible promotion to ourselves? I don’t want her getting excited in case it doesn’t work out.”
“Not a problem.”
We shook hands, which was odd because we never really did that, and then I took off toward the elevator. It was seven already, and I knew Rosie was freaking out about the bachelorette party and being ready for it. I called the other day to cash in a favor on a local bar I knew would be perfect for the party and was able to book a private room for the girls. Rosie was grateful. From the list Delaney had, I knew Rosie was still behind, but I had confidence she would be able to take care of everything.
The elevator opened, greeting me to begin my descent down to the streets of New York. I pressed the ground level button and watched the doors close, just as Tasha stuck her hand in to stop the elevator. The doors opened back up and she walked in, brushing off her skirt and eyeing me.
“You could have held the elevator.”
“Didn’t know you were coming.”
Turning toward me, she gave me a suggestive look. “Oh, you always knew when I was coming.”
I rolled my eyes. “Seriously, Tasha. Really?” Thank God she’d mostly left me alone the last few weeks, but I had no idea why she still felt the need to say shit like she just did. Whatever. I fucking hoped she’d be gone soon. That would mean that I’d no longer have to work crazy hours to prove I’m great at my job, but I’d also be home more to see Rosie.
“I was just joking, Henry. Are you bringing her tomorrow?”Her name is Rosie. Nother.
“Wishing the elevator would hurry the fuck up, I said, “Yes.”
“Wonderful, I can’t wait to catch up with her.”
There would be none of that. The last thing I needed was for Tasha to start talking to Rosie at the party. Not that I was hiding anything, because I wasn’t, I just didn’t trust Tasha. Knowing her, she would say some bullshit lie about us spending almost every night together working, when in fact, I didn’t even talk to the wench.
“I would prefer it if you didn’t talk to her . . . or me.”
“And why is that, Henry? Because you’re afraid she’ll see the way you look at me?”
“The way I look at you? All I see is a gold-digging slut-bag willing to flirt with anyone to get ahead. Don’t think I don’t see the way you talk to Eric and the male board members. Unfortunately for you, Tasha, this company was built on hard work ethic and innovative ideas, not how many times you can show your cleavage in one passing.”
That felt good. The bitch had been getting on my nerves ever since she stepped foot in the building.
She folded her arms over her chest, displaying her breasts once again. I rolled my eyes. “You really think you’ve won this account, don’t you?”
