A sketch by Jean-Pierre Martinez
A bar. A woman in smart-casual business attire – blazer with jeans – is seated at a table. She opens her briefcase and pulls out a catalogue, flipping through it while sipping her coffee. Her phone rings; she answers.
Executive – Yes… Oh, really…? Yes, yes, I’ll wait for them. No, no, I think I’m a bit early. What time exactly is the meeting?
Another woman arrives, clearly her boss, dressed in a full business suit. Phone glued to her ear, hyperactive energy, like she’s on a sugar high or something stronger. She sits at the same table.
Manager – Ten forty-five. Do you have the visuals for the new campaign?
They both continue talking into their phones, as if not seated face-to-face.
Executive – Yes, yes, absolutely. You’ll see, it’s stunning…
The executive flips to another page in the catalogue. Her manager grabs it and starts looking through it herself.
Manager – Ah, yes, this is…
Executive – It’s different..
Manager – Yes…
Executive – The creatives really did a good job.
Manager – For once, they actually came up with something creative.
The executive glances up and suddenly seems to register the absurdity of the situation, talking on the phone to her manager sitting right in front of her.
Executive – Would you like a coffee?
The manager finally looks up from the catalogue and acknowledges her directly.
Manager – Uh, no, thank you. I’ve quit coffee. It stains my teeth and makes me want to pee.
The manager now stares at her colleague with a puzzled expression, as if something about her outfit seems off. She squints slightly, trying to figure it out.
Manager – Are you… not wearing a bra?
Executive – Uh… No. Is that a problem?
Manager – No, no… Well… Don’t you usually wear one?
Executive – Since it’s Friday, I thought… you know… something more relaxed.
Manager – More relaxed?
Executive – You know… Friday wear, right…?
Manager – Friday wear…?
Executive – In the States, on Fridays, all executives dress like this. A bit less formal. Smart, but casual…
Manager – In the States…?
Executive – Without a bra.
Manager (uncomfortable) – Right…
A somewhat awkward silence.
Executive – Can I speak freely?
Manager (a little uneasy) – Speak freely? I’m starting to think I preferred you with a bra.
Executive – Our company has a bit of an outdated image, you know. All the surveys say so. We’re seen as… out of touch. I figured, along with the new catalogue, if we embraced “Friday wear”… we’d feel a bit more… connected.
The manager looks surprised. She hesitates, then decides.
Manager – You know what… you’re right.
She turns away from the audience, squirms for a moment, then turns back holding her bra.
Manager – If it’s good enough for the Yankees…
The executive is a little taken aback.
Manager (relieved) – Ah… it does feel better… Do I look cooler like this?
Executive – Much cooler.
Manager – Next time, I’ll take off my panties too…
But the manager still seems a bit worried.
Manager – Though… isn’t it a bit… considering the client?
Executive – Why? What do you mean?
Manager – Well… they do sell lingerie, don’t they?
Executive – Oh… Right! But still, it’s only on Fridays.
The director seems to give in.
Manager (relaxing a bit) – Well, I still have to take you to the client… (Pleased with her joke) Like the farmer takes the cow to the bull…
The executive frowns slightly, unsure whether it’s a joke. They both get up to leave.
Manager – So… who exactly are we meeting?
Executive – The new CEO.
Manager – The new one?
Executive – The last one committed suicide. Last Friday. Didn’t you hear?
Manager – Oh my God… No. What a horrible idea.
Executive – She hanged herself. From her office balcony. With the strap of her bra, actually…
Manager – Well… that’s quality material. Must’ve been strong… to hold that kind of weight.
The executive looks a little disturbed by how calm her boss seems.
Manager – I’m kidding. I thought we were being chill today, weren’t we?
They exit.
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A sketch from the collection At the Bar Counter
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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https://jeanpierremartinez.net