“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 buttonup 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.”
