“The focus groups loved it, especially the women, and they’re eighty-three percent of our market,” Katherine added.
“I know what our female market share is,” Christy said.
“I think it’s worth a test,” Katherine added. “If it doesn’t deliver, we’ll consider it a short-term campaign and go back to our old imagery.” The agency people nodded their heads in perfect choreographed agreement.
“You guys have certainly been busy while I was away. I’m impressed,” Christy said evenly. “When did you field the new research, Jack?”
“It’s been several months. You were on your honeymoon, I think.”
“I told you about it,” Katherine said.
“I don’t remember,” Christy replied.
“You must have been distracted by Michael. Anyway, do you like it?” Katherine asked.
“What’ll it cost?”
“About two million all in. We have to secure the athletes and the photographer. Media expenses will be the same as they otherwise would have been.”
“And you’re certain this will deliver more than two million in contribution?”
“We’ll set up comparative test markets and measure,” Jack explained. “You can decide whether to roll it out permanently based on quantitative results.”
“What does Spencer think of the campaign? He is the VP of advertising,” Christy asked.
“I decided not to involve him yet. This was such an important decision that I wanted your input first.”
“You guys have thought of everything. Let me consider it.”
You Gotta Have Friends
Katherine returned after walking the agency team out. She sat across from Christy. Skip Heller, the reporter, quietly made himself at home on the couch, trying to blend in with the upholstery. “Gee, Katherine, I wish you’d given me some warning about this. I had no idea you wanted to be so involved in marketing.”
“I was planning to tell you as soon as you came in. No one expected you today.”
“Well, my nanny started, so I was able to get away.”
“Really? Where’d you find her?”
“Eve put an ad in the Irish Echo.”
“You should have used an agency. They screen for you,” Katherine said.
“Well, Nectar seems terrific. I’m happy with her.”
“Yes, but what do you really know about her? You’d better get a nanny-cam. That’s what I use.”
“Alex is a teenager. Wouldn’t she tell you if her nanny was mistreating her?”
“Christy, Christy, Christy,” Katherine said, shaking her head. “My naïve friend. Nannies steal all the time. In fact, I’m going to give you my nanny-cam. Blondell’s been with me for five years so I don’t need it anymore. I’ll drop it off at your house this weekend and teach you how to use it.”
“I don’t think so, Katherine. What if she catches me taping her? I’m just not comfortable—”
“The camera’s hidden in a clock radio. She’ll never know. Every new mother does this, Christy.” Katherine looked over at Skip Heller, who was taking notes. “She’s a new mother; she needs my guidance, as you can see.”
“Okay, okay, fine, whatever,” Christy said, changing the subject. “So tell me again why you’re so involved in the marketing campaign?”
“The agency brought this to us proactively. I babysat the project while you were away. You have no idea how happy I am to give it back.” She did seem relieved that Christy had returned.
“I’m not sure how I feel about stepping down as spokesperson,” Christy said, knowing exactly how she felt about it. But how could she say so in front of Skip?
“I’m not sure how I feel about it, either. But the numbers will tell us if it’s time to retire the old campaign. You gotta check your ego at the door on this one.” Katherine flashed her most sympathetic girlfriend smile.
“I guess.” At least Katherine understood how hard this was. Christy hadn’t realized how much it meant to her to be a well-known face. She knew that wasn’t enough of a reason to ignore a good idea.
“Let’s talk about something more important. How do you like being a mother?” Katherine asked.
“Oh my God. It’s such a challenge. What do I know about being a mother, especially an Upper East Side mom? They’re like from another planet. You know where I could really use your help?”
“Where?”
“We have to get Renata into a private school. Steven is driving her an hour each way to her old school in Queens. I’d feel better if she was in the neighborhood. Plus, she needs to make friends in Manhattan. What was that girls’ school Alex is going to?”
“Colby.”
“Would it be hard to get Renata in?”
“You mean now? You want to transfer her now?”
“If possible.”
“What grade is she in?”
“Fifth.”
“No way. It’s impossible to get a kid in midyear, unless someone moved and there just happens to be an extra space. And Colby is the most in-demand girls’ school in the city. I’ll call the head of admissions, but don’t get your hopes up. Does the kid have good grades?”
“Renata. Her name’s Renata. She has straight A’s. That won’t be an issue.”
Katherine’s eyes widened, and her mouth formed a wise and knowing O. “Are there issues?”
“Only insofar as her grandmother just died, she’s adjusting to a new family, Michael has mixed feelings about her, and her prepubescent hormones are starting to rage.”
“You better get her into therapy.”
“I was gonna ask about that. Can you recommend someone?”
“Alex’s therapist is excellent. This is off the record,” Katherine yelled to Skip Heller, who took down every word.
Christy froze. She kept forgetting that damned reporter was in the room. Then she tried to relax when she saw how casual Katherine was with the guy. She had obviously decided he was okay.
“She’s Hispanic, right?” Katherine asked.
“Yes.”
“Colby’ll like that. Would you be willing to make a big donation? Head a major committee?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask Brownie Rich to help you. Her girls
