CHAPTER THREE: TEAM QUALITY

             Before leaving the board meeting, Mr. Davis stated that he would send a detailed email in regards to things he was expecting us to do if we wanted that spot. The first thing I did was go into the office, pull up the work email once again, and be disappointed that nothing had come yet. I didn’t have time to dwell, or just sit and wait. I had another meeting to prepare for. There was a project that had come in yesterday, before my fun filled night. A new nightclub opening up in the city. It was right up my alley and I was interested to see what my group could come up with. I opened the drawer to my left, pulling out a black binder that held all the information I needed to present the next project to group. Along with that, was a short presentation as well. 

Like young school kids, the seven members of my team walked into one of the smaller meeting rooms in a single file line. They each found a seat in black fluffy chairs and stared up at the white board, knowing that was where I would stand. Once everyone was sitting and the room was quiet, I stood tall, a clipboard in my hand. Before making eye contact with anyone in the room, I glanced over my messy handwriting, reminding myself of the key points that I would need to hit. 

“How is everyone doing this morning?” I asked with a grin, giving a warm welcome. Everyone smiled back, giving head nods of the sort. “Good. Good. There are a few things that I wanted to talk to you guys about before we start going over new projects for this month. First, give yourself a round of applause. The posters for LoveLand went on debut this week. Positive reviews all around the board!” They did as I suggested, clapping for themselves, their grins getting a little wider. LoveLand was some movie about an older woman who seemed to fall in love too fast, with any guy that would give her attention. After getting her heart broken, one too many times, the main character vows that she would never fall in love again. I was sure everyone would guess the end of this movie. As soon as she says she gives up, true love comes knocking. I could admit, it would look to be a very cute romantic comedy. I guess I’d find out, considering the team and I were promised seats at the premiere. I couldn’t help but to shake my head at the concept of the film, considering how I vowed to not fall in love, and how I in some way didn’t believe in such a thing. Humans aren’t meant to stay with just one person for the rest of their lives. There’s too much temptation, too much, going on in the world to say that you could forever be with one person. Whatever. My job isn’t to judge, it’s to give the client what they want, accomplish the things that they have a hard time communicating, and make it appealing to the eye. I gave a nod, proud of the seven people who answered to me. “You guys are making me look good, I like it.” Karen was the first to chuckle at my so-called joke. But I was serious. “Also, don’t forget, next week is the employee field day. I know most of you signed up, a few of you think you’re going to get away with not signing up, but you won’t. Remember, we will all meet in front of the YMCA downtown, nine am sharp. Tim, that means you too.” I pointed at a young out of shape man who sat in the back. He wore tan slacks and a white T, his blonde hair long and thick, hanging on to his shoulders. He was only twenty three, but looked older because of his love for Budweiser’s, smoking, and Hostess products. He looked to weigh about 215 to 220, which wouldn’t be much if he wasn’t only 5’3. He could use the exercise, and he was the only one who hadn’t signed up for the Field day. I was sure a day of sports was exactly what he needed. He blinked, looking unsure if he should laugh jokingly or protest. Maybe he was upset that I singled him out as well. Oh well. Lose a few pounds and people may not have a reason to call you out. “Also, our Employee Appreciation dinner is coming up fast as well. Four weeks will fly by, I promise you. So make sure you get your tickets.” I saw faces brighten, as people seemed to remember that buying tickets was something that was on their to-do list. “Alright, now on to actual work,” I said as I walked over to  the far wall, next to a beautiful picture of a thin woman, holding a red umbrella as large raindrops surrounded her. It was one of my favorite pieces in the entire building. Something about it took my breath away. I hit the light switch, making the room dark. Suddenly, a fluorescent blue light took hold of the room, a tall building seeming to be made out of a gray concrete was now showing on the white board, right where I was standing. 

"Ugh, what is that?" Whitney asked, being the first to show the disgust for the eye sore that was this building.

"So plain," Karen said softly. 

"This location is downtown. Some of you may be familiar with the area," I started. "As of last week, this building was replaced with this..." The next photo was of a sleek dark blue building. It was a major upgrade. "Considering the neighborhood this is in, this is bound to draw in a lot of customers. You are looking at a new night club called Paris." The name wasn't very original, I'd admit, but I was not the owner. "We are going to be involved in all advertising for this. I'm talkin' banners, commercials, website... ALL." Eyes went a bit wider once I said that. I could see that they were realizing just how much money we would make on a project like this. “This project is expected to be completed in August. Just six months away. As I am sure that you probably guessed, Kale Spencer is the one behind this project. He is the one behind most of the new real-estate and businesses. This project is being divided among three teams, so we will be sharing. This should be great.” Most of them looked to be a little upset with the fact that we were sharing. But those were the instructions that I was given.  “Any who, I did divide up the work for you guys. “Karen and Liz, I have set up an appointment for you two to view the inside tomorrow. I want you guys to take the pictures, get a good lay out of the place. Once that is done, you will team up with Tim and Whitney and start working on possible skits. From there, Jose will get started on the slogans, keywords, etc. Shawn and David will need to reach out to the studios, get started on possible actors, or camera’s feeds, whatever you guys decide to do as a team. And then we will meet together Next week. Also, Karen is doing a possible side project as well, so if you are interested, touch base with her. It may be something good to do while we work down our timeline for Paris.” They all nodded, some of them seeming to be surprised that I was offering up Karen’s possible project. I could only imagine what they all think of me. The stuck up bitch who has rumors swarming around about her sex life. I shrugged. I didn’t care much. I was on top and they were on the bottom. “I did send you guys a small briefing as well, giving a little more of a background. I am having lunch with Mr. Spencer himself tomorrow to get a little more information as well, sort of like an interview so we know exactly how he wants to portray this, and I will gladly send all of you that information as well.” Again they nodded. “Any questions?” Glances went around the room, as no one said anything. And just like that, the meeting was over.

I returned to my office in less than three minutes, being the first one to duck out of the room. I was sure everyone was curious as to what the hurry was, but news about this possible promotion was going to stay under wraps. I wouldn’t say anything unless Mr. Davis said something. I took a seat at my desk, placing my right hand on the mouse, bringing up my email. Still, there was nothing in regards to that detailed email that I had been waiting on. Mr. Davis sure was taking his time. My eyes glanced to the left of me, staring at the half finished coffee Karen had brought in to me. I brought the coffee to my lips, feeling its cold, almost life less texture. I scrunched my face. Cold coffee… not only does it look like shit, but it tastes like it too. 

“Not to your liking?” I heard a male voice say. It was smooth, with a slight hint of a Spanish accent. I looked up to see young Jose in the doorway. He wore a purple sweater, the large hood hugged around his short neck. His head was shaven, barely an inch of hair on the top. He accompanied his sweater with tan pants and white Nike’s. 

“It’s cold,” I answered with a smile, as I indirectly let my eyes wander over his face just a bit. I loved men of all varieties, especially the younger. And Jose Martinez was as young as they come. Literally, he had just turned nineteen. The only reason he had a spot in this office was being his uncle by marriage was one of the board members. Lucky little shit. Most of us had to work our ass off to get a spot here. He gave a chuckle as he walked in, closing the door behind him. I sat up straight. Who did he think he was? He didn’t ask if I was busy, if he could just come in and take a seat? But that’s what he did. He made eye contact with me, as he showed teeth. “Is there something that I can help you with?” He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk. 

“I wanted to know how the meeting went,” he started. I blinked, and then it dawned on me. Jose knew this was coming. Of course he did, his uncle probably ran his mouth a bit outside of the office. 

“It was fine,” I answered. He nodded his head. 

“I want you to know that I am rooting for you,” he replied. I gave a smile. It was nice to hear. But I know men. Jose wanted something. 

“Thank you. Was that all?” His smile never went away.

“For now,” he spoke out, before standing up and walking away. Hmm. Strange. I wondered if he knew the way that I looked at him, and realized that I would check him out at every chance I got. He may be naive, but he wasn’t dumb. Anyone paying attention could probably see that I saw him as eye candy. But that was all he was. Eye candy. I would never cross a line with anyone at work. I may look, but I never touch, and never let anyone in on the nasty thoughts that crowded my mind. I worked hard to be a supervisor for Quality Advertising. I wouldn’t dare lose my spot for sex, though I could feel the Devil whispering into my ear at times. My work life and my personal life are two different things. I refreshed my email page once more. Still nothing. I let out a sigh as I sat back in my chair, eyes glancing at the digital clock that sat at the upper part of my metallic desk. Eleven A.M. I still had an hour till my lunch. I reached into a thin drawer to the right, pulling out a black little book. It was my phone number and reference book. I kept track of all projects and all the important people I’ve met along the way. There were some meetings that I needed to confirm. The first one being lunch with Kale Spencer. I’ve never seen the man, honestly no one has, but the name itself was legendary in California. I picked up the phone, dialing the number and putting the receiver to my ear. Mid second ring and someone had picked up already. 

“Hello.” There was a male’s voice on the other end. 

“Hello. Good Morning. My name is Raine McClaren, I’m a creative Director with Quality Advertising. I was just touching base to verify that we were still on for lunch tomorrow, for your interview. It’s been about a week since I’ve heard anything.

“Ah, yes, Raine. Your interview with Mr. Spencer is still on. Tomorrow at 1 pm.” I gave a fake smile. This was the third time that I had made this call, and every time, Mr. Kale Spencer was not the one to answer the phone. Was he really that busy, that he paid someone to take his calls? Or did he think he was too good?

“Great, looking forward to it.” The call ended just a few moments later. From there, I made two more calls, confirming reservations that I had made in regards to making it to the Academy awards. March 8th was just two weeks away, and I had yet to get things in order. By the time I confirmed my reservations, it was lunch time, and I had a hot date.