Chapter 8
SHANELLE
Finally, it’s Monday, and I’m super nervous. Today is the day of the attic’s opening, and I really hope its new owner likes it, whom I will meet today as well. But first, I have to go to my scheduled appointments for the day, one of which is with Mrs. Rosa for her upcoming kitchen remodel. I finish putting up my French bun, securing it with plenty of bobby pins to keep everything in place. I look in the mirror at the outfit I chose: a knee-length black pencil skirt, a white silk blouse with a high collar and puffed sleeves, black patent leather heels, and a black leather handbag. I look elegant and sophisticated, perfect for today’s meetings and the attic presentation in the evening. I say goodbye to Marc with a kiss on the cheek.
“Have a great day, babe!” Marc wishes me.
“Thanks, baby. You too.” I head to the office, ready to face the day with confidence and style.
Upon arriving at the small company I work for, Viki is already at her post as usual. I greet her as I pass by reception. Inside, Lucas is in his office, and I wave at him as I walk by. Sara is on her way out.
“Good morning, darling. Today’s the big day,” she says enthusiastically.
“I know. I hope everything goes well,” I reply.
“I’ll see you in the afternoon.”
“I have some appointments today, so I don’t think we’ll see each other.”
“Celebration later, then,” Sara tells me.
“Have a great day.” We say our goodbyes, and she leaves as I go into my office to catch up on some work I need to finish for my appointments. I’m pleased to see a text from my bank notifying me of my week’s payment; I’m a bit surprised by the amount. I lift my head and am surprised to see Rocco at the door with a smile.
“Thanks for the payment, boss. Although I think there’s something off about the amount.”
“It’s nothing you don’t deserve. And the amount is fine. By the way, I came to tell you that there were some changes in plans. The owner of the attic called me early this morning to say he didn’t want too many people at his penthouse. He wants to keep it as intimate as possible. So it will only be a few of his guests, and from our side, it will just be you and me, and no one else.” I’m left speechless because this isn’t what we had agreed upon; Rocco was supposed to hire a reporter to see the attic and write a good review about our work, plus it would have been a nice addition to my resume.
“But…” the words get stuck in my throat; I don’t know what to say. I’m upset, sad, disappointed. “Can I at least ask why?”
“I would like to know too, sweetheart. But the truth is, he didn’t give me many details; he simply said no. And that’s it. I don’t ask questions. I don’t debate. The customer is always right.”
“Rocco!” I exclaim, irritated.
“I know, babe, I know. But look on the bright side; at least we’ll be present and see the work you’ve created. His own guests will be able to give us their feedback, and that counts. Don’t worry; I will record every single one of those words.” He winks at me before turning and leaving.
Stupid rich guy and his ridiculous privacy! He thinks that just because he’s a freaking CEO, he has the right to mess with other people’s time without caring about the effort each of us puts in. It doesn’t seem fair to me. Now I deeply regret taking this project in the first place; had I known he would be a total jerk, I wouldn’t have done it. To me, he’s practically ruining my career as a designer.
I take a deep breath because the jerk just ruined my day. My hands are shaking, so drawing would be a total waste of time. I check my electronic schedule again on the computer, selecting from the easiest to the hardest. I leave Mrs. Rosa’s appointment in that slot because the woman is a sweetheart, and I know that once I step into that house, it will be hard to get out, as she will want to ask me many questions. And I truly enjoy spending time with her, so maybe after all, that’s what I need, to go and have a practice session with that lovely woman.
I leave the office and head to the first home on my list for the day. The last four visits had been successful; the clients were pleased with my proposals, and I was sure that Mrs. Rosa would also be delighted. I arrive at her house, which is a cozy white Victorian home with a beautiful garden full of flowers, in a lovely private residential complex.
I knock on the door, and Mrs. Rosa immediately opens it with a smile on her face. She’s dressed in an apron and looks like she has been cooking.
“Shanelle, dear, it’s so nice to see you again. How have you been?” Mrs. Rosa asks affectionately as she invites me in.
“Hello, Mrs. Rosa. I’m fine, thank you. I’m sorry I’m late; I’ve been very busy with other clients.” I reply with a smile.
“Don’t worry, dear. Come in, please; don’t just stand there. Would you like some coffee?” she offers as she closes the door and then leads the way to the kitchen, where we sit down and start talking about the remodeling project.
We discuss the remodel of her kitchen, and Mrs. Rosa is excited about the ideas I present to her.
“Shanelle, you’re a true artist. I love what you’ve proposed for my kitchen; I’m sure it will look beautiful. My husband and son agree with the design,” Mrs. Rosa tells me enthusiastically.
“Thank you, Mrs. Rosa. I’m very glad you like my ideas. I will work hard to make your kitchen a cozy and functional place,” I respond gratefully.