Image is everything.
***
It was a roller coaster ride. By her teen years, Tiffany had been featured on several singing shows for her voice and wholesome appeal. When she was 19, she got her first record deal. Things only got brighter from there.
Tiffany became America's good girl. Perfect in every way. Attractive, smart, talented, and she can even be funny too.
But when she reached her late 20's, her popularity had begun to fade. New pop stars were abundant. Younger girls, prettier, and worse-- they were cooler.
It wasn't that Tiffany had become any less talented, or less charming. That couldn't be further from the truth. The market gets what it wants. Sex sells. And Tiffany's wholesome appeal just got boring for much of her fanbase.
She had a plan though. Not to diminish her wholesome appeal or betray her values. Not to strip off her clothes and dance obscenely. Nor was it to sing about sex and random hook-ups.
She intended to show that good girls weren't out of the running just yet.
***
In a private downtown studio, Tiffany played the last set of tracks for her new album,
Paradise
, to the head of the record label.
"I like it," Richard said confidently after the final song ended. "It's a little different than your last stuff. But it's still
you.
It has all your trademarks."
Tiffany nodded, unsurprised. "Thank you. It turned out well."
"It did. It could also use a little more polish and another round of sound mixing. Overall, it's good stuff. There's a lot we can do with this, marketing-wise."
"That's the plan," she agreed. "I'm hoping to mature my image without being overly sexy. Something edgy, without being classless."
"We have to be careful with that."
"Why?"
"The female pop scene is over-saturated right now," Richard explained. "If you go halfway in this direction, you'll be drowned by sex symbols and all the new talent that's out there."
"I don't want to compromise on the direction of my career."
He gave a slow nod. "I respect that. Like I said, it could be a tough road. Your new music is good. But there's plenty of similar music that's laced with sex appeal. Your music is basically sex without any sex."
"It's called normal music," she quipped.
"Fair enough. Any ideas on a lead single?"
"A few," she replied. "I'll have to discuss it with my management."
"Go with
Masquerade.
That'll be your lead. The music video could feature a number of tantalizing costumes and designs. It'll have a modern, hip vibe to it without compromising your wholesome image. Sassy without the trash."
There was pure confidence exuded from Richard's voice. This was a man who knew what he was talking about. The idea clicked something in Tiffany's brain and she gave him an approving look.
"You're the best," she smiled.
Richard remained in business mode. "I know. Your re-invention idea is good. The new music is solid. Your image needs to be managed very carefully though. We'll have to spend a few bucks on the music video so it'll get people talking. I want it to be a massive hit on youtube."
"The last director I worked with should be up for this."
"We'll need more than a good director," he said, thinking out loud. "This is about costumes, costumes, and costumes. I want something with flash and style. Something that'll get substantial views."
"Anyone in mind?"
Richard thought long and hard. "There was a woman who used to work for me. Talented. Really talented at this sort of thing. I may not have spoken to her in a few years, but I'm sure she'll do me this favor."
"Any personal animosity there?" Tiffany inquired.
"None. She just got sick of the music industry and left. When it comes to the actual work, she's Wonder Woman."
Tiffany liked the sound of that. "If she's good enough for you, she's good enough for me. Give her a call. Let's make a great video."
"Another thing," he said, almost as a word of caution.
"Yes?"
"If she agrees to do this, I have to say, her methods can be a little unconventional."
Tiffany brushed it off. "I've dealt with some of the most abrasive, demanding people that you can ever imagine. It doesn't scare me. I'm a hard worker. You know that."
"She's not abrasive. She's not demanding either. This woman is a complete sweetheart."
"Then what's the issue? Is she the artsy type?"
"In a way, yes," Richard replied. "Do you have an open mind?"
"Of course."
"Then there shouldn't be any problems. I'll make the call and try to get a hold of her."
***
In many ways, Tiffany was a classic exhibitionist. She craved attention and the feeling of being adored. If she wasn't the center of attention, something didn't feel right. It had to be
her.
Dancing and singing on stage gave her a powerful, titillating thrill. The kind of feeling that couldn't be replicated with any drug or serum. It was this desire, along with her talent and work ethic, that drove her to stardom.
Her biggest sexual fantasy was
real
exhibitionism. Allowing people to see the real her, exposed, underneath the clothes and covers. Of course, she'd never allow that to happen. Her 'good girl' image was more important to her than some cheap moment of gratification.
But even good girls are allowed to have naughty fantasies, right?
***
It was nearly two weeks until the meeting was finalized. Now, she was going to meet MJ, the woman she had heard so much about.
The meeting took place at a small dance studio used for rehearsals. It was going to be empty except for them. That was MJ's idea.
Tiffany showed up to the dance studio wearing casual leggings, a loose top, and a scarf for style. MJ was waiting there, and Tiffany had to do a double take. This person was totally different than what she had expected. Tiffany expected another record label personnel. A bureaucrat of sorts. Hard nosed and strict.
Instead, there stood MJ texting on her phone. What a natural beauty too. Long, dark red hair. Fair skin. Red lipstick. A sleek body. A dancer's body. And heels which left her toes exposed. There would certainly be no dancing today; not in those heels, at least.
This exotic redhead woman must have been in her mid 30's, Tiffany estimated.
They made eye contact with each other and MJ put her phone away. It was nothing but smiles at that point as they greeted each other warmly. Small talk was made and a few normal pleasantries were exchanged.
"What does MJ stand for, anyway?" Tiffany later asked.
"Look at my hair and take a guess."
Tiffany drew a blank. "I have absolutely no clue, sorry."
