Paxton had come through big time.
After Summer broke her deal with Bauer, her agent dropped her, and Paxton was right there in the wings, waiting to snatch her up. He convinced her to give Cavendish another go, and she agreed.
I’m nervous about her since Asher mentioned she was quite the diva, but when are superstars not? At her level, we’d be hard-pressed to find someone better.
I can handle her.
When she arrives, she practically glides into the room.
Summer Smith looks different in person. I searched through thousands of Instagram photos to ensure that she could do the new campaign justice, and I have to say, she’s even better in person.
She has a natural beauty that goes underrated these days.
She’ll be perfect.
She extends her hand to me. “I’m Summer. You must be Raven. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her smile is wide and seems sincere.
I’m starting to wonder why Asher thought she was a diva. She certainly doesn’t act like one.
“The pleasure is all mine.”
I make the introductions and then get everyone seated to hear the pitch.
I move through the slides that boast mood boards and set photos for each brand. I tell the story of how each model with be the face of their particular brand, but it will be an interwoven story. It’ll show how all three lines, Diosa, Icon, and AlteredX, are brands for all women.
Every person in the room remains quiet through the thirty-minute pitch, and not a single question is asked. I’m growing nervous because, typically, there’d be a semblance of interaction. The silence is unnerving.
Do they hate it?
I finish by outlining the time schedule for all three campaigns. It’s a year-long contract, and each campaign would require the talent to fly out to various locations for photo shoots for the ads as well as for publications.
“Does anyone have any questions?”
My voice wavers slightly, my nerves getting the better of me.
We worked so hard to pull this together, but we didn’t have enough time. We don’t have on-scene photos like before. Instead, we used stock images.
“I have to say,” Summer speaks, “I’m impressed.”
My head turns to her.
“I heard about what happened to your last pitch, and I must admit, I didn’t believe you could pull together something as incredible as the last in such a short time.” She smiles, looking toward Sergio. “I was wrong. What do you think?”
“I must agree. This is very creative. Unique.” He bobs his head. “I love it.”
Air rushes from my chest as my eyes meet Charles’s. He’s smiling, and I can’t help but return it.
“I’m in if Sergio is.”
“Give me a day to check with my attorneys, but I agree, Cavendish is the right fit.”
“Thank you.”
They all stand to leave. Sergio is escorted out by Charles, but Summer makes her way to me.
“You have a very bright future ahead of you. I think I need to follow your career.” She smirks. “I can’t wait to see if Pax has more campaigns from Cavendish.”
“That’s very kind of you, Ms. Smith.”