Chapter 4 The Rise Of A Super Model #3
Cassie nodded slightly. “We were just getting into it, V.” She looked around at Wendy and Katie.
“We were covering the upcoming tour, and the lack of some ingredients for the Cherry Blossoms scent. I think Carry had something on her mind about it, but it might have been interrupted when you arrived. We’ll make sure she’s ready to go. ”
“Perfect,” Veronica replied. She stepped closer now—just inside Carry’s space, but not crowding it. “Because we don’t have the luxury of easing into this,” she continued. “Things have already started moving.”
Carry straightened slightly. “What kind of things?”
Veronica’s expression sharpened—not cold, but focused.
“The campaign,” she said. “The tour. The brand direction.” A slight pause.
“And you.” That caught everyone’s attention.
Veronica let it sit for just a moment—then delivered it clean.
“You’re not just managing Veronique, Carry,” she said. “You’re returning as the face of it.”
Silence. Wendy’s eyes flicked to Katie. Katie didn’t move—but her focus locked in. Cassie watched Carry. Carry blinked once. “…I’m sorry—what?”
Veronica didn’t soften it. “You heard me,” she said. “We’re relaunching the campaign. And you’re at the center of it.”
Carry shook her head slightly, trying to catch up. “I thought—I mean—you said,” she started to fumble the words. “Management, coordination—”
“And you’ll do that,” Veronica cut in smoothly. “But that’s not the only reason why you’re here.” A small step closer. “You have something we can’t manufacture.” Carry didn’t respond. Veronica held her gaze. “Presence,” she said. “Authenticity.” A faint pause. “Impact.”
Cassie’s eyes narrowed just slightly—not in disagreement, but in recognition of the play. Wendy leaned forward just a bit. Katie stayed still—but alert. Carry looked between them for a second—then back to Veronica.
“I don’t know if I’m ready for that,” Carry said honestly, slightly taken aback.
Veronica didn’t miss a beat. “You don’t need to be ready,” she replied.
“You just need to step into it.” That hung there.
Heavy. Certain. Unavoidable. Then—just like that—Veronica shifted her tone.
“We start with Houston,” she said, turning slightly toward the table.
“Pre-show shoot. Skyline backdrop.” She glanced at Wendy. “You were right—that one matters.”
Wendy blinked, then nodded. “Yes—absolutely.”
“Dallas rooftop stays,” Veronica continued, glancing at Katie.
Katie gave a small, sharp nod. “Already locked in.”
Cassie said nothing. Just watched. Veronica turned back to Carry one last time. “Welcome to Veronique,” she said again—this time meaning something very different.
Carry stood there, the folder still in front of her—the weight of it all settling in—and for the first time since she walked in…she didn’t quite know where she stood. But she didn’t step back. Not yet. “So, you really want me as the face of Veronique?”
“Veronique works with you as the face, we’ve already had a successful response on the original campaign with you at the center.
It was Wendy’s brainchild and it was paying off before you disappeared.
” She smiled then moved close and hugged her gently.
“I’m glad you are back, and that you finally chose to move forward into that potential that we all have seen.
You are going to be a rising star.” Veronica turned to Wendy.
“That press release was spot on, and we’ve received very positive responses.
Hometown girl makes good, returns to lead Veronique into a priceless future.
That was brilliant. Now, I want this campaign to reflect on how we all feel about Kansas City and tie this into the album – I’ve Come Home. ”
“I’m all over it, V!” Wendy said sharply. “How much can we spend on the campaign?”
“I’m going to put that in Carry’s hands. She’s running this for me, so it’s her call.” She turned back to Carry. “Cassie knows the finances, so rely on her.”
“I can do that, Veronica,” Carry said, finally feeling like she might belong here.
“Call me V, Carry. Please.” She smiled softly. “I want us to be best of friends.”
“Are you sure you want me as your friend?” Carry asked, dumbfounded. “I mean with everything that’s happened between you, I and Greg?”
“That’s a private matter, and we’ll leave it there. You aren’t just my employee, Carry. You have all the makings of a Super Model; you just need someone to guide you. That’s where my experience comes in handy. We should be friends who can trust one another.”
“I guess that makes sense,” she cautiously replied. “So, V, what is our next step?”
“Wendy? Did you get those interviews arranged, The Star, Martin City Telegraph, Topeka Capital Journal, Vogue and the New York Times?”
“They’ll all be here for the Press Conference on Wednesday,” she confirmed. “She’s going to be stepping into the limelight.”
“Good girl,” Veronica complimented her. “Now, Carry,” she said slowly. “Are you ready to step boldly into your new life?”
“Bring on the press,” she said, more certain than she’d been earlier. “Let’s see if I have as much potential as you believe.”
“You do, Carry. Trust me,” Veronica said positively. “You absolutely do!”