Page 2 of Softest Touch
Nervously, I flick the pen over my finger. “Well, you'll start now. Bring me all the sketches for the New York parade.”
“Yes, sir.” She nods, heading to the door. Her backside, perfectly wrapped in the jeans she wears, makes me grit my teeth.
“And Melanie,” I call her back, “I don't want to see you wearing jeans.”
“No problem, sir. And my name is Melinda,” she points out before storming out of the door.
“Was there a need to be such a dickhead?” James questions, narrowing his eyes at me.
“I was sincere, not a dickhead.” I grin back at him. In this industry, time means money, and I don't want to waste a single minute.
“Yeah. I'm sending you her resume, so you'll know more about her,” Sienna says as she walks out of the office, shaking her head in disapproval.
James sinks into the stool opposite me. “Derek, you need to get laid, man.”
“Fuck you, James!”
“I mean it! You were rude and arrogant. I've never seen you like this...” He gestures with his hand. “What the hell happened?”
As the sun sets, bathing the city in its orange light, I sigh and look out the window before admitting, “She is young and inexperienced. To work here, you don't need nice legs and a pretty face. I need competent people.”
“I'm sorry to contradict you, but she is more competent than you can imagine. You're judging her without even knowing her skills,” James continues, “not to mention she's a Jackson, and you can imagine their education level.”
The Jackson family has a reputation that speaks for itself. They are part of the elite, even after the tragic accident that happened a decade ago. They still are involved in each charity event. I haven't seen her much around, nor have I heard much about their daughter after their death, but everyone knows the Jackson family is like an institution in Washington D.C.
Melinda knocks on the glass door, and I signal her to come in. “Mr. Wilson, the meeting room is ready.”
Confused, I peer at her. “Ready for what?”
I don't miss her rolling eyes, but she sighs as James and I both get up and follow her into the meeting room.
“You asked me for the sketches for the New York parade, and I set them up here,” she says as she opens the door.
Not only did she bring me the catalog for each dress, but also the dresses on the dummies. I am speechless. “Thanks,” I mumble as she leaves.
“Hmm-hmm, I'd say she did a great job for being an inexperienced person.”
“Yeah…”
“Well, I'm taking Sienna out for dinner since it's almost dinnertime. See you tomorrow.” He pats my shoulder before leaving me alone.
Rolling up my sleeves, I approach the dummies and begin checking that everything is done perfectly, noting the minor changes I've asked for have been executed flawlessly. When I’ve finished, I turn off the lights and head back to my office. Melinda is at her desk, typing frantically on her keyboard.
When she looks up and sees me pass by, she hands me some sheets. “I've transcribed the messages you received today.”
“Thank you,” I say as I walk into my office.
I read the messages and reply to them as well as some emails. Feeling tired, I check the time and notice it's past ten p.m. Deciding to call it a night, I grab my jacket and head toward the elevators, bumping into Melinda. I catch her arm, preventing her from falling backward. “I didn't think you were still here.”
Melinda meets my gaze, and her eyes captivate me with their unique color. She takes a deep breath before speaking. “I'm sorry, I've cleaned up the meeting room and prepared it for tomorrow's meeting at nine a.m.”
Realizing I’m still holding her, I release my grip. “There was no rush. You could have done it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow at eight a.m., you have a meeting with the suppliers in room two, and at nine a.m. here. I wouldn't have had the time.” She reminds me of all my morning commitments. “Do you need anything else?”
“No.” I shake my head, once again surprised by her knowledge of my agenda. “Get your stuff, and let's go home. It's late.”
“Okay,” she whispers as she picks up her bag and jacket.