Overcoming Fear (Growing Pains #2)(81)

“Mr. Hartling,” Sean paused with a smile. “In this instance, it might be best just to see it for yourself. Ben knows that answer, and would love to speak to you about it,” Sean let the humor bud, effectively acting like it was an inside joke that Tory wasn’t privy to, “but in the interest of time, you might just trust me on it.”

Tory nodded slowly, not at all happy about being put off.

Ben, seeing the reaction, spoke up. “I think Sean is correct in this instance. The differences between what the eye is willing to allow between the two mediums is actually quite an interesting topic. I had no idea, myself, until I worked in this team. Jasmine, one of Krista’s close friends, and one of our team members, has done some extensive research within the statistician realm, studying how the eye moves digitally versus with print. Also with painted canvases. One might think they are all the same, and in most cases—“

Sean silenced Ben with a hand to his shoulder. “Again, in the interest of time, it’s probably best for a demonstration first, and the theory later.”

Tory was now privy. He nodded, his face cleared of all doubt.

The large TV monitor lit up. There was imagery and graphics and text, all streaming and moving and coalescing in HD. It was like a playground for the eye. Krista was sick to death of the idea, the topic, and everything that went with it, but she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to check prices.

She was proof that her demographic was affected.

When it was over, the lights came back up and Ben bowed slightly as he said, “All graphic art you see here is interpretational. Each image is meant to reach a variety of people. With the help of our Research team, and most especially the Research Manager…” Ben turned his body and bowed to Krista before continuing, “we were able to get statistics regarding the best images to reach our target demographic. All imagery can be altered as needed.”

Tory looked directly at Krista, “I saw you unconsciously reach for your phone. Tell me, what were you planning?”

John could have chewed rocks he looked so mad.

Krista could feel her face go a furious shade of red. “I, uh, have been so worried about the information I was responsible for, I didn’t get a chance to view Ben’s.”

“And your reaction?” Tory prompted with a small smile.

“Well, you saw me reach for my phone. I was about to check prices.”

“How?”

It wasn’t the greatest moment to be completely lost in the conversation, but her social ineptitude had her confused. As usual.

“By searching online? On my phone?”

Tory laughed, “No, how did you search for the prices. Did you use a particular search method?”

“Oh. Well, I didn’t actually get that far because I caught myself, but I would’ve just Googled it.”

Tory looked down his row of expensive employees. They all scribbled a note. “Thank you.” He turned back to Ben, “Your name again, please.”

“Ben Simmons. Did you have any questions?”

“No, I think we have what we need. Thank you.”

John and Sean were once again on spot. They stepped forward like synchronized swimmers. They covered things Krista didn’t even know they were working on. They answered other questions, did timelines, and got down to logistics. They were one hell of a team, their silent partner being Ray.

Whenever Sean groped for an idea or needed a component of what he was saying, Ray was there with information in hand. Sean thought and acted big, with Ray to back him up, just as John thought and acted big with Sean there to back him up. And so it was, the sales team dancing around the matters and money, the execs putting in their two cents, and Mr. Hartling and his team doing battle for the upper hand.

As the presentation wound down, Tory got up and looked at his crew. Sean was there a second later. They exchanged an animated handshake.

“Who put that team together?” Krista just barely heard Tory ask Sean.

Sean stepped so his back was to John and the other executives. “I did, for the most part.”

“Insightful group of people. You’ve delivered here, today. Who was primarily in charge of the day-to-day?”

“Of course I am going to say myself,” Sean laughed, his voice dipping low. “In all honesty, I was largely responsible for managing the team, but my work associate, Krista Marshall, handled the more detailed, operational attributes, which freed me up for more big ticket items.”

“Yes, Miss Marshall. Hmm. Well, good work here today. I loved the final product. There is still work to be done, but you have a good start.”

Sean nodded and, because he couldn’t contain it, smiled.

The next thing she knew, everyone was on the move. The executives were leading the clients out, smiles in plenty.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sean walked toward Krista with barely contained elation. She was about to comment on how well she thought it all went when he picked her up and kissed her soundly. Tongue and everything! She was too surprised to struggle.

When he put her down she stepped away flustered. “Christ, Sean, I know I look good in pearls, but give a girl a break!” she said breathily.

“Am I next?” Marcus asked from behind her.

Sean was looking at her in a way that melted her heart, turned her to fire, and made her shiver all at the same time. “Krista, you are a genius. We owe this to you. They will go with our idea, I’m sure of it.”