Page 9

I didn’t see Olivia all weekend, she was working. I did manage to sneak in some calls whenever she got home at night, but she would end up falling asleep over the phone.

I used the opportunity to come up with some extra sketches for the show and fixed the sketch I was having problems with.

The first thing I did as soon as I walked into the office was to give it to Marissa to send to the tailors.

We have two months and I needed everything to be ready as soon as possible; we were already running behind schedule.

I was so glad to be done with that part of the fashion show preparation. All that’s left is the sewing and then the hardest part is gone. I couldn’t help the feeling of optimism that grew in my chest .

I opened my laptop and started responding to all my emails.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to get to all of them so I started with the ones from my investors for the show.

A lot of them wanted to know how the preparation was going and to see some of the pieces we were going to be displaying.

I emailed them a few of the sketches and promised to get the pictures of the finished outfits once they are done.

Just as I was replying to the last one, there was a knock on my door and Marissa walked in. She had a certain look on her face that made me sit up.

“What’s wrong?”

She didn’t respond immediately and I knew there had to be a problem because Marissa would never hesitate unless she was unsure of my reaction. And that is saying a lot because she has worked with me for so long, she could predict my reaction in almost every situation- good, bad or ugly.

She stepped into my office and shut the door behind her but still didn’t say anything. I gestured for her to come closer, but she remained perfectly stoic.

“What’s going on?” I asked, “Is it bad,” she stayed quiet, “Tell me so we can fix it, Marissa.”

She hesitated before speaking, “It- it is kind of bad but not exactly terrible,” she cleared her throat before continuing, “I sent the designs to the tailors already but there was a problem with the fabrics. I sent an email to ask when the fabrics would arrive, because they should have gotten here yesterday, but they said they couldn’t find the invoice and so they didn’t ship our order. ”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I was as confused as you are right now because I made sure they got our order, and I double checked the invoice that we have.”

“Did you try calling them?”

“I did call them; I just got off the call with them right now, but because you made the order they wouldn’t listen to me.

” she explained, “I am so sorry to bother you today, I know you said you didn’t want to be disturbed, but without the fabrics the tailors can’t sew and if the tailors can’t sew then we won’t have designs ready for the show. ”

“Did you tell them that you were calling on my behalf?”

“Yes I did, but they said they would only speak to the person who made the order,” she exhaled deeply, “I am so sorry; this is all my fault. If I didn’t tell you to use someone new then we wouldn’t be having this problem.

I just thought that they would be a good fit for us because they’re eco-friendly and an upcoming business. ”

Tears started to well in her eyes and she used the back of her hand to wipe a stray tear. It was as if the moment she wiped away that tear, the rest started to fall in quick succession.

I opened my bottom drawer, took out a box of tissues and extended it to her. She took one and dabbed at the bottom of her eyes.

“I am so sorry,” she apologized again, “You must be so upset, I wouldn’t hold it against you if you decided to fire me.”

I let out a deep exhale.

“I’m not mad Marissa,” she looked at me in disbelief, “Okay I am mad, but not at you. It’s not your fault that they are incompetent. Just send me their contact; I will give them a call, but I need you to send them an email with an attachment of the invoice. ”

She nodded and rushed out of my office. A second later, she rushed back in, “Thank you for not firing me, I won’t let you down again.” I didn’t get a chance to answer because she rushed out as soon as she said that.

I shook my head at her dramatics and patiently waited for her to send the contact details for the tailors.

I don’t know what is going on with her today but Marissa knew I would never just fire her. She is quite literally my only competent employee. If I fire her, I would go crazy from all the stress, and she knew that.

I made a mental note to ask what was wrong with her later.

Marissa sent me the contact almost immediately and I made sure I was calm and collected before calling.

From the time I spent talking to them, it was obvious that the fault was from their end. It took everything in me not to scream at them and tell them to fix their issue. I managed to stay calm and directed them to the email I had Marissa send.

They saw it and realized the mistake was from their end, apologized profusely and promised to have the fabrics sent out to us within a week.

I told them it wouldn’t work and after threatening to never work with them again, they agreed to have it sent using an express shipping service so I can get it tomorrow.

Just as I was about to end the call, Marissa knocked on my door again.

“Please tell me that there isn’t another problem,” I muttered and I saw her crack a small smile.

“Not this time,” she assured me, “Nathan Cowe is here with his production crew. ”

“Is he supposed to be here today?”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, “He said that you knew he was coming.”

I let my head fall into my palms repeatedly. I had no idea that he was coming today, I don’t think I’m ready.

I looked down at my outfit and almost cursed, of course he would come the day I chose to look as casual as possible. Black pants and a simple form fitted brown top. At least I had a blazer and heels on so it looked semi formal.

I looked up, and it was when I saw Marissa that I realized I hadn’t responded to her yet.

“You’re coming with me,” I pointed a finger at her, “It was your idea to do this. There is no way that I am doing this alone.”

“But it’s your business.”

“And I couldn’t have done it without you,” I hooked my hand into her elbow and lightly pulled her along, “You deserve to be there as much as I do.” She swallowed deeply but let me pull her along anyways.

We got downstairs where the stylists where running around in a frenzy. There was never a day where everyone was quiet and seated behind their desk; preparations for fashion shows are even worse.

Nathan and his crew- I don’t know if I should call them a crew considering there are only about five people here. I expected to see more if I’m being honest. There is him, a man holding what I assume is the sound equipment, two guys with cameras and one with the lights.

Nathan stood directly in the middle of all of them. His hair was perfectly smoothed back and he was wearing a simple grey button up shirt with black slacks and a pair of shiny black shoes that I think are new because there is no way they can be that shiny except they are new.

“Thank you for having me, Adira.” He held out a hand to me and I took it.

“I seemed to have missed the memo that you were coming today.”

“I recall including in the contract that we would be starting the Monday after it’s signed,” my eyes closed involuntarily as I realized he was right, and it was my mistake, “I would be more than happy to come back later if you aren’t ready,” he took a step forward and reduced his voice a little, “Although it would be a chore for my crew considering that they came all this way and you aren’t even prepared. ”

I shot him a glare and he just responded with a very subtle shrug and a quirk of his lips.

“Please,” I turned to his crew, “Come in, you can start setting up or whatever it is that you need to do.” I gestured towards Marissa, “This is my assistant Marissa, and she will help you with whatever you need. If you have any questions or need to talk to me, then find her.”

They left to begin their setup and Marissa went with them, presumably to help with anything they might need.

I turned to leave and a girl ran up to me. I think her name is Hannah and she is a seamstress; she was hired less than a year ago. I may not know all my employees by name, but I make sure to try and know everyone who works in this building with me.

She cleared her throat and I saw her clutching a piece of paper in her hand .

“I am so sorry to bother you,” she began, “And I know you’ve gotten all the sketches you need from the artists, and I’m not an artist, but I was hoping you would look at my design. I know it will probably not be up to par but-,”

“If you know it’s not good then why are you giving it to me?

” I asked and her face fell, “Listen, if you’re going to hate on your own work, then you don’t need my advice; you’ve already given yourself every reason to think your work isn’t good so no matter what I say, you will believe that.

I don’t hire idiots Hannah; you need to believe that. ”

“I know,” she cleared her throat, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me, apologize to yourself for everything you just said. When you start believing in yourself; I will be more than happy to look at your sketch.”

I started to leave but she stepped in my way, “I sketched something that I am positive you will like; will you look at it?”

Her hands were still trembling and she looked just about ready to pass out but what matters is that she took a chance. I held out my hand and she dropped the sketch in it.

“I’ll look at it and Marissa will get back to you.”

“Thank you,” she let out a relieved sigh and ran off.

It was after she left that I felt eyes on me, I turned and saw Nathan staring at me with a blank expression but an unreadable look in his eyes. The intensity of his gaze put me on edge; I could feel his gaze on my skin and it made the hair at the back of my neck stand on edge.