Page 11 of Softest Touch
Matthew, our designer, hurries out of the elevator. He never comes up here unless it's for a meeting. Now what? “Melinda, where is Mr. Wilson?”
“Unfortunately, not here. Can I help you?”
“I don't know. Look…” Matthew holds the iPad in front of me.
“Wait,” I tell him while dialing Derek. It's something I can't have a word on since these flyers are so important.
Derek picks up right away. “Hi, Melinda, what's up?”
“Matthew needs your consent for the prints.”
The silence worries me, but then he sighs heavily. “Okay, send me the file.”
I hit the share button. “Already done.”
“Got them... They look… O-kay.” He's not completely sure, and honestly, I can see why.
“How about this one?” I ask him, sending the last photo after I have moved the title further down.
“Yes, the last one is perfect.”
Matthew gives me a thumbs up before walking away.
“Is everything okay in the office?” Derek's voice seems concerned. “Are you sure you don't need me?”
“The world is still spinning without you here.” I giggle. “Everything is fine over here,” I lie. He doesn’t need to worry for now.
“Okay, see you later,” he tells me. Later? My heart flutters, but I shake off that feeling as Sienna comes back, waving the model catalog at me.
She shows me a picture too. “This is the dress Heather should have worn.”
“Okay...” I browse the catalog. This particular dress has an intricate design that goes from the back all around and needs to be perfectly displayed. The model shouldn't be too skinny nor too curvy.
She points to one of the models that catches my attention. “I'd ask Catalina to wear it, but she will end our collection.”
“Hmm, Catalina won't work for this one. She's too skinny,” I say, skimming through the pages. Looking at a brunette girl, it seems she has the same size as Heather. “Call Alyssa. I think she would be perfect with this dress.”
“Thank you very much,” she says, her voice squeaking. “Did you call the supplier?”
“Yep, I already solved it, and he won't charge us for the delivery.”
“Really?” Her eyes widen. “You're a sorceress. Friederick never gives discounts.”
“Then I was lucky.” I wink at her. The truth is, Friederick knows Derek wouldn't forgive this mess and he wants to make sure not to lose one of their biggest customers.
Sienna smiles as she walks away, and I make sure that everything on the list is done, taking notes for Derek. God forbid if I miss something important. Being fired is not in my future plans. Not that I need work, but I like it. It makes me feel useful, not to mention I'm doing what I love.
Later in the afternoon, while walking out of the tailor's studio, I cross paths with James. He gets help to carry the fabrics in and high fives me as he passes by.
It's only five p.m., but I'm already exhausted. The cool evening air invigorates me. On my way back home, my grandmother calls me, telling me she is going to play bingo with her friends and not to wait for her for dinner. I end the call and stop at Carlo's, my favorite Italian restaurant, ordering take-away dinner for two, and then head up to Derek's.
Getting out of the elevator, my cell phone starts ringing. Reading Derek's name on the screen makes me smile while I knock on his door.
When he opens it, I shake my cell phone in front of him. “Have you missed me that much?” I joke while stepping inside.
“Yes... I mean, I wanted to be sure everything was fine,” he admits, almost embarrassed.
“Of course.” I hold up the bag. “And I brought you dinner.”