What Lola Wants (Leave Your Shoes On 1)

“Yes. She’s an amazing person.”

“She feels the same about you. She wrote a glowing letter of recommendation when Todd spoke with me about promoting you to the Marketing department.”

Lola’s brows knitted. “She never told me that.”

“We didn’t put out a call for recommendations,” the tawny-eyed, dark auburn–haired owner of Staci Kay said. “The department wasn’t recruiting at that time. But your ad concept intrigued Todd. And Maxi and a few others in the Ops division let me know how much they value your work ethic and contributions to the company. And according to everyone gathered in this conference room, you’re rockin’ it pretty hard-core here in Scottsdale.”

Lola’s gaze flashed to her new teammates, then returned to Staci. “I thought I knew more than I did about marketing before I joined the department. These people are infinitely more experienced, and I’m learning a lot from them. But one thing we’re all on par with is that we love the principles of the company. And the shoes. It’s a passion, Staci. That’s why this campaign means so much to me. To all of us.”

“Show me what you’ve got.”

Lola wrung her hands as nerves got the best of her. Sarah shook her head sharply. Lola’s hands dropped to her sides. “All right.”

Let’s do this.

Everyone settled in. Lola remained standing. She launched into her modified pitch and topped it off with the idea of their agreed-upon designees—even Lola herself—playing supporting roles in the ads to personify Staci’s motto of employee engagement, the embracement of diversity, and female empowerment.

She concluded with, “I’d originally shied away from the prospect of being in the ads, because I wanted to be viewed from the business side, not the modeling aspect. But the truth is, these aren’t just shoes, Staci. They’re a statement. They build confidence—not just in one’s appearance, but for many of us, they provide a professional purpose, toward goals we want to achieve. And we all agree they exemplify our character as individuals—the shoes and/or the concept of them and this entire organization. They complete us.”

Staci laced her manicured fingers together on the conference table and stared at Lola for several long, tense, excruciatingly nerve-wracking minutes.

Finally, when Lola didn’t think she could take the silence another second, Staci spoke. “I’m glad I came.” She pushed her chair back and stood. “Todd, excellent work. All of you, really, I’m impressed.” She turned to Lola again. “Walk with me to the car.”

Lola’s gaze flashed to Sarah. Sarah mouthed, It’s cool.

But Lola wasn’t fully on board with that quiet sentiment. Her pulse raced. Why was Staci flying back to Baltimore even before lunch? And speaking with Lola privately? Had she been too scattered in her presentation? Too emotional? Not professional enough?

Her panic escalated as they left the office in an awkward silence that pricked her nerves. They walked the parking lot, still not saying anything. When they reached the Town Car, the driver opened the back door, then stepped away.

Staci speared Lola with a let’s get down to brass tacks look. “This company is everything to me. These shoes are everything to me.”

Lola swallowed down a lump of holy crap, I fucked this whole thing up. “I understand that. I can relate, even.”

Staci studied her closely. Lola couldn’t fully discern the meaning behind it.

The CEO of Staci Kay Shoes told her, “I wouldn’t have flown all the way out here—when I have a board meeting this evening in Baltimore—if I didn’t think you were on to something. I didn’t come because Sarah called me. I’m glad she alerted me of the progress on the campaign and I’m impressed by her enthusiasm about it and toward you. Winning her over isn’t easy. But it was Todd wanting to bring in the ad agency so quickly that told me I needed to hear what you’d further drummed up. To be frank with you, Lola, you’ve taken the bull by the horns, and I like it. A lot.”

Lola still couldn’t breathe. How long could a person go without a full breath before they passed out?

Staci smiled again. “Lola?”

“Yeah.” She finally sucked in some air. “I mean, yes. Sorry. I’m kind of… freaking out.”

She cringed. Had she really just said that out loud?

Staci said in a softer tone, “You can talk to me, Lola. It’s okay.”

“I love your shoes,” she blurted. “I wear them every day. Honestly, they’re the only brand I buy.”

Staci nodded. “That’s why you’re so good at this. Passion for our product, Lola. That’s what makes you so sensational.” She reached for Lola’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Keep at it. I’ll be watching you.” Then she slid gracefully into the backseat.

“Thanks for your time, Miss Kay. It really means a lot to me.”

“Staci,” the CEO corrected with a smile.

“Right. Sorry.” Lola closed the door and stood back, watching the car drive away. And thinking she’d just had one hell of a good day at work. It wasn’t even noon yet.

A sense of pride and accomplishment flowed through her veins. Lola couldn’t stop smiling as she returned to the office.