Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Olivia
Dammit.
I rub my hand over the tea stain on my red skirt. Sheryl assured me that it wasn’t noticeable, but it looks like a beacon of my incompetence to me.
I’ve always told myself to bring an extra set of clothes to the office, but I never followed through.
I drum my fingers against my forehead to try and cement the idea into my memory, so I’m never caught in this situation again.
I’m on my way up to Cathleen’s office.
Thanks to Kate, I got to work early today. No thanks to myself, the Earl Grey tea I picked up on my way to the office, spilled on my jacket and skirt on the subway. The only thing spared was my black blouse.
I cursed aloud which drew a few disappointed glances from the commuters sitting near me.
I silently apologized with a mouthed, “I’m sorry,” and a shrug.
The stain on my skirt wouldn’t have bothered me except now I’m going into a meeting that could decide my fate with Liore Lingerie.
I know Cathleen wants to discuss the position in London. Sheryl’s secret informant in HR tipped her off.
The elevator doors open with a swoosh and I take a step off.
I’m always hit with a jolt of nervous energy when I take the trip up here. This is where the people who make the monumental decisions spend their time.
I know I’m good at my job and I help my division run smoothly, but it’s not enough.
I want to take on a more challenging role in the organization and the job in London fits the bill.
“Olivia,” Cathleen calls out to me. “You’re right on time.”
It’s a habit I’ll never break.
My mom taught me that the best way to show someone you respect his or her time is to show up when you promise.
I take pride in how punctual I am.
“Cathleen.” I rest my hand on my stomach as I approach her.
I’m trying a diversion tactic. Maybe she’ll notice the large gold ring on my finger instead of the stain on my skirt.
Costume jewelry is my favorite, especially when it serves a dual purpose.
In this case, it’s an epic fail.
Her gaze hones in on the middle of my skirt, right where the stain is.
I resist the urge to explain it away. I’ll take the ignore and rise above approach. If I dazzle her with my sparkling personality and vast knowledge about the company, maybe she’ll forget that I’m clumsy.
She looks elegant in the black skirted suit she’s wearing. The black dress shirt underneath complements the serious look she’s going for.
Silver jewelry is the polishing touch.
“We’re going to spend a few minutes with Gabriel.” She rests a hand on my shoulder.
Shit.
I didn’t realize I’d be coming face-to-face with the big boss today.
She leans in as we walk down the corridor side-by-side. “Don’t worry about your skirt. Gabriel has strawberry jam on his lapel from breakfast. It’s his daughter’s favorite.”
Turning to her, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
“It works to your advantage. We’re not looking for perfection, Olivia. We’re looking for commitment, and you’re committed to rocking that look right now.”
I laugh. “I’ll run with that.”
“Tea for you, Olivia?” Gabriel’s assistant smirks as she hands me a cup of tea.
I run my hand over my skirt. “Thank you.”
Gabriel reaches for his cup of coffee. “As I was saying, we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with the company.”
I’ve been listening intently to him since I sat down next to this conference table ten minutes ago.
Cathleen took a seat beside me. She’s been quiet for the most part, blindly nodding her head in the appropriate places and smiling when she feels I need encouragement.
I haven’t had to pitch myself yet, but I sense that it’s coming.
“Tell me about your first day on the job, Olivia.”
“My first day?” I question for clarification. “Do you mean my first day as the District Operations Manager or…”
His hand darts into the air to stop me. “Your first day as an employee of Liore lingerie.”
“I was nineteen. I was hired to work as a sales associate at the boutique on Fifth Avenue.”
A smile graces his handsome face. His dark eyes widen. “One of the stores you oversee now?”
I nod. “It was a wonderful introduction. I learned a lot there.”
“You’ve worked your way up the ranks.”
I’ve clawed my way up. I had to fight tooth and nail to land the position I have now. “I believe that hard work is the key to success.”
“I believe that too.” He gazes at Cathleen before he looks in my direction again. “Cathleen tells me that you’re a dedicated employee. You envision a long-term future with us.”
“I do,” I agree with a smile. “I believe I have a lot to offer. I’m smart and I understand the market.”
“I don’t need to be convinced of that.” He points at the open laptop in front of him. “You’ve improved employee turnover rates in the stores you’re overseeing. Sales are up compared to our other boutiques in the region.”
In the region?
I’m surprised. I’ve always kept my head to the grindstone, but I keep an eye on what’s happening with our stores in the Northeast. I had no idea that I was surpassing the expectations I set for myself.
“You can see yourself living in London?” He picks up the coffee cup and takes a drink.
I nod enthusiastically. “I can see that.”
“It’s a life-changing move,” he points out as he lowers the cup to the table. “Don’t underestimate the changes you’d have to endure.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” I assure him with a warm smile. “I would do wondrous things for the company in London. I’d make you proud, sir.”
“I believe you,” he says as he snaps his laptop shut. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Olivia.”
I take it as a sign that our meeting is over, so I push back from the table.
“There’s one other thing.” He moves to stand, straightening his black suit jacket.
I stand too. “What is it?”
“My wife and I are hosting a dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Alexander Donato’s contributions to the Philharmonic.”
I nod and smile as if I know exactly what he’s talking about.
“I assume you’ll be there?”
I don’t know how to answer that. The guest of honor hasn’t invited me.
Cathleen pipes up as she shoves to her feet. “I forgot to mention that Olivia is my plus one.”
I shoot her a look of gratitude.
“Good.” Gabriel picks up the laptop. “I’ll see you both there.”
As soon as he exits the room, I turn my full attention to Cathleen. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Her hands land on my shoulders. “I saw that deer in the headlights look on your face. I have no idea what’s going on between you and the conductor, but we’re going to that party and we’re going to have a blast.”
I don’t argue. If she wants me there, I’ll be there.