Chapter 13
PIP
My coffee is finished by the time Kit takes her place behind the podium.
"I'll skip the more formal details as we're all colleagues here. But allow me to recap. Clare created this campaign with the idea of kicking it off with your New York Herald interview with Vanessa Sinclair tomorrow morning."
Kit takes a deep breath before continuing.
"The plan was for me to photograph you two against Manhattan's most romantic backdrops and push the images out on social media. But I found a better idea..."
"And what is that?" asks Clare.
"I've reached out to a dozen local paparazzi and reporters from smaller tabloids," she says, looking at Clare.
"With your permission, I'd like to hire them to follow our adoring couple to the various venues you've planned out.
Though I'll act as the lead photographer on the shoot, these media hounds will be instructed to snap more candid photos of our couple.
Then I'll send all the photos to the specialist I've engaged, who'll distribute them to social media outlets. "
"A dozen paparazzi?!" says Clare. "You know the budget is?—"
"Yes. I know the budget restraints. But I've worked with them individually in the past. They're hungry for the opportunity and will work for practically nothing."
"A creative approach," says Clare, nodding. "I like it. Consider it approved. A flock of paparazzi following our couple around town adds excitement! Anything else?"
I watch as Kit turns to Snickers with a Cheshire Cat smile. "One of the young women who'll join the media team is a Snickerdoodle."
"One of Snickers’ fans from his DJ days?" Clare asks, sounding surprised.
"Why would a Snickerdoodle even be interested? I called my DJ career quits last month," he says.
"You underestimate your power, Snickers," says Kit. "You may have given up that golden DJ booth in the sky, but to your fans, you're still gold."
"Please explain, Kit," says Clare. "You're not making sense. What does Snickers’ former fan group have to do with anything now? Why does it matter?"
"It matters because in our rebranding conversations, we discussed the need to modernize Woodward & Co’s image—bring it into the present day," Kit says.
"Modernize our logo, that is," Clare says.
"Modernizing our image goes beyond updating our logo. We need to make sure our image is in step with modern culture. How greeting cards are used today."
"I've been telling you exactly that, Clare," Snickers adds, sitting a little straighter in his chair.
"I think you're getting off track, Kit," says Clare. "I've brainstormed this campaign to restore Snickers’ reputation. To distance Snickers from his 'bad boy' past."
"Hear me out," says Kit. "The Snickerdoodles are an international group with a powerful media presence. Still very active even a month after Snickers made the announcement that he was calling it quits."
"What is this Snickerdoodle supposed to do?" asks Clare.
"Just gush about Snickers, report on what he's wearing, what he's doing. The Snickerdoodles will eat it up! They'll post, repost, and get the media conversation going. Sometimes, a pretty picture in the park is not enough."
"I don't know," says Clare.
"We have to get real," says Kit. "Snickers is the face of the company now. We can't wipe away his DJ past, and we can't present him as a generic, stereotypical CEO. We have to let Snickers be Snickers. But in the best light possible."
"I need to think this through," says Clare, shaking her head. "How did you even come up with the idea?"
"Can't take credit. My graphic designer suggested it, and I pounced. Turns out, she's a 'secret Snickerdoodle.' You must know her, Snickers. She told me she was the one who created your fan club back in the day. Told me she worked with your manager on your merchandise and branding…"
"Lila?"
"So you do know her," says Kit.
Snickers shrugs. "Met her a few times, sure. So she'll be following us around?—"
"Not Lila. It's another Snickerdoodle she recommended, Sara Smith. Lila needs to be my woman on the ground, making art from the photos we send her and distributing them to social media channels."
"If you want this, fine by me," Clare says, turning towards me and Snickers. "You two be here at 9 a.m. sharp for the Vanessa Sinclair interview. And Snickers, wear one of your favorite CEO-worthy suits for the pet adoption event that follows. Don’t forget a tie.”
"Yes, ma'am."
"And Pip," Clare continues. "We'll need to elevate your image. A Woodward & Co bride must radiate charm and sophistication. You’ll need to be restyled. I’ve arranged for Antoine to give you a makeover.”
“I don’t need a makeover,” I protest. “Who’s this Antoine? My style is part of who I am. I design clothes?—”
“You design vintage-inspired pieces,” Clare cuts in. “Charming as that is, you’re about to become the face of Woodward & Co’s largest branding campaign in decades.”
“No,” I say sharply.
“Yes,” Clare counters, with glacier-like patience. “Remember what we discussed? Your aunt’s gallery? Your own shop...”
I bite my lip to keep from saying a word.
Clare hands Snickers and me a folder. “Here are your on-brand personas to study. Favorite colors, foods, movies—if you can’t answer basic questions about each other, you’re finished before you start.”
Kit peeks over my shoulder. “Snickers’ ideal breakfast is Eggs Benedict? Clare, we all know Cap’n Crunch cereal is his go-to fav.”
“Everything stays exactly as written,” Clare replies. “Now, Pip—Antoine is waiting outside the building.”
“Have fun shopping, Pipsqueak,” Snickers smirks as he moves toward the door.
“Not so fast, Snickers. We’ve hired a theatrical expert to help you act like you’re truly in love. Kit will assist.”
“Good thinking, Clare,” Snickers says. “I’ll need all the acting help I can get to look besotted when the Pipster enters the room.”
Then Snickers turns to me. “Don’t break any mirrors during your makeover. Hopefully, Antoine can turn you into looking like someone I’d actually date.”
“And here’s to hoping this expert can teach an overaged DJ to act like a proper gentleman.”
I hear Snickers’ laughter as he leaves the room and walks down the hall.
“Oh yeah,” Kit grins, typing furiously on her phone. “This campaign is definitely going to trend.”
I shake my head. What the heck have I gotten myself into?