Chapter 8
JIM
Miranda was even more engaging and funnier in person.
She was perfect for this role. Likeable, easygoing, and quick to laugh at herself.
She’d been a great sport about the shirt and was a natural on camera, even if she didn’t know it.
Some people just had that magic it. Defining the it was impossible.
You either had it or didn’t. And Miranda had it.
The camera loved her. Every time she laughed, her entire face lit up like the strings of twinkle lights hanging in the window.
This was exactly the kind of energy and warmth he was looking for.
And he was convinced their target audience would feel the same way.
The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled him out of his temporary trance. “Hello, Jim.”
He turned around. It was Shelby. She looked upset.
But then again, lately, Shelby had seemed high-strung.
He’d noticed the way her cheeks were constantly sunken in and how her brow was furrowed so tight it made his head throb.
She’d taken to eating lunch alone at her desk and working long past everyone else in the office.
He’d tried to check in a few times, bringing her coffee or a pastry and inviting her out with the team for happy hour, with no luck.
Jim stood to greet her. A habit that showed his age, but one he couldn’t shake.
Truth be told, he’d never tried to shake it.
He prided himself on being a gentleman. And a feminist. He didn’t believe the two were mutually exclusive.
“Shelby, you found it, great. Let me introduce you to Miranda Brown.” He paused.
“Miranda, this is my colleague, Shelby Bowerson. She’s a rising star at Voyager, and we’re lucky to have her on our small but mighty team of three. ”
They exchanged pleasantries, and Jim made space on the table for Shelby, aware that she was eyeing the paperwork disapprovingly.
He knew Shelby shunned paper as if Jim were personally responsible for chopping down the tree that made it.
She was constantly reminding him to use the Google Docs she set up for their shared notes on clients and accounts.
Jim knew how to use technology. He just preferred writing things out by hand.
He found ideas flowed more freely when he used his trusted yellow legal pad and black ballpoint pen.
He often came up with the best new concepts and breakthroughs while doodling in the margins or crossing out one note to make room for another.
When he mentioned this to Shelby, she scolded him for wasting time doing double the work. First, he would sketch out ideas on his yellow legal pad, then he’d add them to their shared document. His system had been working fine for years. Why fix something that wasn’t broken?
“Miranda and I have been going over the preliminary contract and plans for the weekend,” Jim said, getting Shelby up to speed, as he caught Miranda’s eye across the table.
“I suggested we start here in the store. Film interactions with customers, go through a normal workday, and then we can film along Main Street and in the park. The first events for the Fall Harvest Fest kick off tonight. We’ll want to capture that, of course. ”
Shelby held up her hand to stop him. “Thanks, Jim. That’s great, but before we go any further, I’d like to ensure everything in the contract has been signed and sent to corporate for final signatures and approval.” She unzipped her brown leather bag and removed her laptop, phone, and iPad.
“Sure.” Jim passed over the printed contract he’d already had Miranda sign.
He stifled a half smile, reminding himself that Shelby was young and eager to climb the ranks.
There was a time long ago when he had a brief flirtation with the idea of clawing his way up the corporate ladder.
Then he found his happy place at Voyager.
He was content with his position and fine with Shelby taking the lead.
“No, no, we’ll sign everything electronically,” Shelby said, pulling up the documents on her laptop.
Miranda met his gaze and flashed him a wink.
He could tell they were already kindred spirits. They were going to have fun together over the next few days. He was sure of that much, and a bit taken aback by just how smooth and easy things felt with her.
Now, sitting across from Miranda, he could feel himself being drawn to her.
That was great for the campaign. His instincts about her were spot-on.
That must explain why he was feeling excited and eager to get started.
There was no doubt about it, Miranda Brown had the “it factor” he’d been looking for.
He couldn’t wait to introduce her to the world and show the powers that be at Voyager that someone like Miranda was just who they needed.