She instead points her chin toward the window. I follow her gaze and goose bumps surface on my arms at the sight of five spectacular dresses in various shades of green.
“Wow!” They’re all flirty and chic, plucked straight from a teenager’s dream.
“I want you to work as my design lead on this show. You’ll guide other designers on the finer details, see what’s missing. You’ll bring me your ideas on making this show the best and help me in finding the fitting models,” Vanessa rattles off, while I’m stuck in place.
Moments ago, I wasn’t sure if I even have a job, but now I’m the design lead?
I pinch myself, verifying this isn’t a dream.
Ouch!
I’m still in Vanessa’s bedroom/studio. But what if I’m pinching myself in the dream?
“Are…you sure? Design lead? I’ve never even worked with anyone, let alone handled a show this big.” There is no hiding the trembling in my voice and an embarrassed flush creeps up my neck, but I also don’t want to lie.
Vanessa’s gaze rivets to me. An expression etches on her face, which I now know is not her most positive expression.
“You’re talented, but talent will only take you so far. If you don’t trust your abilities, I can’t either, Cherrywood girl. It’s a big responsibility. Say yes only if you can stomach it.”
I put on my bravest face and shove down the swarm of butterflies crawling up my stomach. “I’d…love to do it.”
“Good. Then, let’s get to work.”
We return to her office and I hesitate for a few moments before asking, “So, is my trial period over?”
“You’re promoted, Clementine.” Ann chuckles. “Yes, your trial period is over,” he says, the most beautiful words I’ve heard in a very long time.
I sigh in relief with a wide smile on my face.
“Um, can I make a request?”
Vanessa raises an eyebrow, making me question if I’m doing the right thing.
“Can I get, um, a reimbursement for the materials used in making the dress?”
There is a dead silence in the room, as if they are both waiting for me to say more.
“The design supplies were, um, a little out of my budget.” My face heats in embarrassment. I don’t remember a time before in my life when anything was ever unaffordable.
I worry Vanessa is going to order Ann to bring some new set of papers. But she surprises me.
“Next time you need something for the dresses, Ann will order it. I don’t like my employees spending their salary on tools or raw material. I don’t mind if you need to buy five or six different fabrics, we’ll find some use for them here.” I’m about to thank her, but she carries on. “Ann will reimburse your expenses. You’ll also get a signing bonus and he can pay you one month’s salary in advance. I want your brain to be creative and not worried until this show, Cherrywood girl. Got it?”
I nod. Unable to hold back my happiness, as always, I go overboard. I throw myself at her.
“Thank you, thank you so much, Vanessa. I’ll not let you down.”
When she doesn’t return my hug, I realize what I’ve just done. I pull away and notice Ann staring at me saucer-eyed. I step back, readying myself for Vanessa’s wrath. But she surprises me again, by doing nothing.
“I don’t want to see crap like last time from you anymore.”
I nod and bolt out of her room.
My whole body shakes with excitement as I wait for Ann outside Vanessa’s office door, my heart pulsating loudly. It seems like the last hour was a dream. I don’t know what to do. I feel like I should take a run, sleep, or perhaps dance.
“Congratulations.” Ann beams and I give him a shoulder hug.
“You’re a very touchy-feely kinda girl.” He laughs.