Thanks For Coming To My TED Talk
Before Toni had left for the conference, Briana had asked her about her outfit. If she was comfortable, if she wouldn’t rather wear something more like her usual style. The wording must have reminded Toni of an inside joke that she only had with herself.
“I am a woman of many styles, Dr. Banner.” She gave a quick twirl, letting her gray skirt flair out like a figure skater’s, before blowing a kiss and strutting away.
Now that Briana was watching the conference, she understood what Toni meant. So much of their home life was dominated by the billionaire in old band tees and ripped jeans, that Bri had assumed dressing formally would frustrate Toni as much as it did her. Not that this was a tuxedo or ball gown, but Briana herself never wore skirts and she wasn’t sure how Toni felt about them. Sure, she had a lifetime of wearing them, of dressing up for the press and million other high society people, but just because she made them look effortless didn’t mean they were desirable.
This conference was open to the public, but it was more like a TED Talk then a press release. Toni could have worn whatever she wanted. When she walked on stage, her black heels echoed. The room fell silent, a seemingly impossible feat for the number of people packed into it. Her turtleneck was soft, Briana knew that from their brief interaction this morning, but the high collar made Toni’s neck look even longer. Made her head seem like it was always held up. Her hair was swept up in a perfect bun, single pen in it. Anyone watching would question why the queen of tech would need such an outdated writing utensil, but even though Pepper was the CEO, Toni still had papers to sign. Also, Bri was positive the pen doubled as a mini repulsor weapon.
Her skirt was short and she wore no tights; the flash of skin was simply smoke and mirrors. A lifetime of people underestimating her to give her the upper hand and if people wanted to stare, that still put their attention on her. Without meaning to, they’d listen; more often than not, they’d agree with whatever she had planned. And besides, these conferences always ran hot and it was nice to have a breeze.
She talked and everyone listened. She presented the latest StarkPhone, explained the next computer systems they were planning for consumer release, talked about the future of augmented reality. Every other word was punctuated with a gesture, highlighted by the long lines of her arms in the fitted gray turtleneck. She was comfortable, yes, but her style was every bit intentional. The right amount of distraction, of focus where she needed it, of small reminders that she ruled this stage as well as she ruled the technological world. And it never hurt her confidence that she looked good while doing it.