"You know each other?" Sally asked, her eyes narrowing in on me.
"No—"
"Not quite—"
"—that is—"
"—what I mean to say is—"
We both stopped, nervous giggles bursting free.
"Let me start over." I thrust out my hand to the nerdy-hot guy. "I'm Millie Hawthorn."
"Ash Dogg."
I froze, my body stiffening. "I'm sorry, did you say Ash Dogg?"
He nodded; his grin quick. "Yeah."
"As in the Ash Dogg?"
He nodded again, his grin widening.
Oh, shit.
Keiko nudged me, her elbow not at all subtle.
"Sorry, this is my business partner and art director, Keiko Sakamoto."
"Nice to meet you."
I watched as he shook Kei's hand.
"Should we get started?" Sally asked, her expression still suspicious.
"Sure."
We took seats at the table and were introduced to Ash's brother, James Dogg, his executive assistant Hazel Green, and Ash's executive assistant, Dylan Witcherson.
I noticed that everyone in the room except Sally wore a small lapel pin which read Please use pronouns their preferred pronouns printed on the pin.
That's a great idea. I should organize these for our people.
I glanced up, finding Sally's gaze on me.
Maybe after I find out if we've landed the account.
"Your pitch was impressive," James started, leaning forward in his seat. He looked nothing like his brother, his body big and thick. He looked less like a CFO and more like a boxer awaiting his time in the ring.
"Thank you. We were actually inspired by the product." Keiko gestured at me. "Millie's extended family is from Flint and experienced the water crisis. Water safety is a passion close to her heart."
I nodded. "This campaign has the ability to change lives. We'd love to be a part of this movement."
James shot his brother a grin. "Well, Ash? It's your baby."
I glanced at the CEO, finding his gaze on me.
"I loved it. We're going ahead with the Every drop counts campaign."
