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worked so hard on over the last week. All I can do is make sure the rest of me looks as flawless as possible, so I spend extra time blow-drying my chemically-lightened hair with a large, round brush to give it extra body and shine, and apply more makeup than I’ve worn in quite some time, still appearing natural, while emphasizing my unique-colored eyes.
    From the research we’ve done on Decker Enterprises, we will be pitching our ideas to Easton Decker, co-chairman and senior VP of the company, and his team; he’s the one leading this new video game division of their firm. Google research tells me he keeps the company of L.A.’s elite, as he’s been photographed with numerous exceptionally beautiful women on the red carpet at many different galas, movie premieres, and nightclubs. Knowing he appreciates an attractive female, while shopping, I made sure to purchase an outfit that was borderline sexy, but still classy. Nearly half my paycheck later, I’d selected a cerulean blue two-piece business suit with a formfitting skirt that hits just above the knee, and a trim-cut jacket. Underneath, I chose a moderately low-cut satin camisole in a lighter shade of blue to match a geometric-patterned silk scarf, which I’ll hang loosely around my neck. It doesn’t take me long to slide the newly-purchased outfit onto my body and my feet into a pair of nude heels. After one final check in the mirror, I’m out the door with an unfamiliar anticipation whirring through my body.
    When I arrive at the office, Jae is already there, dressed to nail the deal in a sleek, solid black dress and four-inch stilettos. Her face lights up as soon as she sees me come through the door.
    “Oh my God! You look stunning, Blake,” she exclaims excitedly. “I mean, I knew you were beautiful, but hot damn, woman!”
    Slightly embarrassed, I smile meekly and walk over to hug her. “Thank you, Jae. I wanted to make a good impression on these guys.”
    She squeezes me tightly and laughs. “Oh, you’re gonna make an impression, all right. I’m just not sure they’re going to be able to keep their eyes off of you and on the PowerPoint presentation.”
    Suddenly, I’m afraid maybe the outfit is too much or inappropriate. I glance down to examine it again; it’d seemed perfectly fitting when I bought it a couple of days prior.
    “Stop whatever you’re thinking,” she scolds. “You look professional and—wait, what in the world happened to your lip?”
    One hand flies to my mouth to cover the ugliness, as the other waves in front of my face, gesturing it’s no big deal. “Oh, I was trying to hang a picture on the wall this weekend, and when I dropped it, the corner of the frame hit me in the mouth,” I recited, just as I’d practiced in the car.
    “That’s awful, sweetie. Are you okay?” Her concerned face relaxes.
    I nod, relieved she doesn’t question the explanation. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m always doing clumsy things and injuring myself.”
    “That’s why we need to find you a strong man to come over and do those kinds of tasks. Maybe someone like Greg…” She can’t finish her sentence without a giggle escaping her mouth.
    Laughing along with her, I shake my head. “I think I’ll pass on Greg, but thanks.”
    At that moment, Mr. Thompson appears in the doorway grinning ear-to-ear and wearing a suit for the first time since I’d started. “Good morning, my shining stars. I’m glad to see you both here early and looking sharp. Today’s going to be a good day; I can feel it. We’ll leave in about thirty minutes, so gather your materials,” he says before turning his attention back down the hall.
    Our previous conversation is quickly forgotten as both Jae and I focus on the task at hand. We’re going over last minute details, and before I know it, our red-headed boss is back and announcing it’s time to go. Mr. Thompson drives the three of us in his Suburban from Burbank to the business district of Glendale, and after