5. Elizabeth
Re-reading the email that was sent to my inbox, I tried to contain my excitement as I picked up my phone to call Lydia.
Who knew they were going to pick me for the second stage? This meant my chances of getting the loan now were higher.
“Oh, thank you, God!” I said as I placed the phone to my ear, awaiting Lydia to pick it up.
“Girl! I got the mail to come in for a meeting with the financial director.”
“Yay! I told you! There is no way you wouldn’t have been selected.”
At that moment, something occurred to me—what if Lydia had put in a word for her with her brother to ensure I got the loan? It was not beyond Lydia to do.
“Lydia?”
“Yes? What’s up?”
“Did you, by chance, speak with your brother or anyone on my behalf?”
“Well . . .”
“What do you mean well?” I asked as I felt my emotions begin to well up.
“Calm down, Liz. I didn’t.”
I heard her laughing from the other end of the phone, knowing she was just joking.
“Oh, thank God!”
“I know you wouldn’t want me to do that. So, as hard as it was, I didn’t do anything or pull any strings. Your proposal did all of the work, girl!”
Letting out a sigh of relief, I felt joy in my heart, hearing those words. “Thank you very much, Lydia.”
“Come on! You’re welcome! So now I hope you finally get the loan. Girl, this is becoming a reality!”
Lydia’s words got me thinking immediately. There was a chance of me getting the loan, and this meant one thing—it was all coming together.
The thought of everything coming together and my brand becoming a reality stirred up a whirlwind of mixed emotions.
I felt happy because, finally, I was close to getting the money. At the same time, I was anxious because now I no longer had an excuse for not putting myself out there.
All this time, I had convinced myself that the lack of money to fund the business was what held me back. But now, there was no room for excuses anymore. It was time to implement all of the courses of action I had set out for the brand. Nevertheless, there was a part of me that still worried about the growth of the brand. What if things went south? What if I didn’t get the customers I hoped to get? What if the brand ended up being a flop, and all of my hard work and money went to waste?
Various thoughts of potential mishaps kept running through my head, making me wonder if I was still on the right track.
As I let out a breath, I could feel my head beginning to ache from the flood of simultaneous thoughts.
“Elizabeth!” I suddenly heard my name, reminding me that I was still on the call with Lydia.
Oh my!
“Oh yes, yes, I’m here. Why are you shouting so much?”
“Well, you can’t blame me. You weren’t responding.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I just blanked out on my thoughts for a minute.”
“Is everything okay?” The question she asked was one I didn’t even have an answer to, but of course, I wasn’t about to burden Lydia with my insecurities.
“Couldn’t be better. I guess it just hit me that it is all becoming a reality right in front of me,” I said with a forced smile on my face as though she could see me.
“Come on, girl! You’ve worked so hard all this time. Of course, it will come together! You deserve it all, girl, and I can’t wait for your business to fully begin and become a huge hit. We are designing clothes for celebrities and the rich only!”
I busted out in laughter as I listened to Lydia cheering me up and making me laugh just as she always does. “Thank you, girl!”
I was grateful for our friendship. Moments like this served as a source of encouragement, especially on the days when I wanted to give it all up.
“You’re welcome. Okay, I have to go now. I don’t want to be late for my next appointment.”
“Bye!”
I put my phone down, letting out a sigh of excitement. For the first time since I quit my job, it finally felt like things were coming together perfectly.
Now, all I needed to do was secure the loan and begin implementing the plans I had in place. Perhaps I wouldn’t be a disappointment to the family after all.
I could still remember my mom trying to talk me out of quitting my job. My dad never had an issue; he understood where I was coming from. He knew how much I loved fashion, so he was willing to support me from the start. My mom, on the other hand, saw no reason why I needed to quit my job. According to her, I could have found a way to balance both.
I sighed as I remembered the long arguments we had the last time I saw her. Although things were somewhat improved now, I knew for a fact she was still not okay with all that I was doing.
Oh God! If this loan can come through, I will finally be able to prove that I’m on the right track.
***
Pulling my coat around myself tighter, I felt the cold air send shivers down my spine as I walked the street en route to Will’s company.
These days, the weather seemed to be very inconsistent—rainy today, sunny tomorrow, and chilly on the next day.
I walked into the building’s reception, feeling slightly more comfortable than the first time I came here. I approached the receptionist directly to explain why I was there.
“Good morning, ma’am. My name is Elizabeth Giller, and I’m one of the applicants for the loan. I was asked to come in today for a meeting with the financial director.”
“Oh, hello, ma’am. Welcome, and please, just a minute.”
“Thank you.”
While I waited for the young lady to do her thing, I looked around the reception, properly taking in the features of the room. It indeed spoke money, with displays of expensive artworks and crafts. The ceilings and the lounging couches were uniquely designed. I had not had the chance to admire the interior of the reception during the initial visit as the thoughts of the loan were all up in my head. I guess sometimes we ought to take a moment and observe, no matter how busy life may get.
“All right, ma’am, he is available and ready to see you.”
“Thank you. Could I please get directions to his office?”
“Yes, just take the elevator to the fourth floor. The fifth office to your right is his office.”
“All right, thank you very much.”
Okay, here we go! I thought to myself as I walked further into the building.
Spotting the elevator, I hurriedly joined the group that was already inside. With them all getting down on the second floor, I suddenly realized I had yet to click the floor I was going to.
Which was it? Fourth or the fifth floor?
As I tried to recall our conversation, I was confident she had said the fifth floor.
Clicking the button, I waited patiently as the elevator continued its journey to the fifth floor before opening up for me to get off. I looked into the hallway, and my mouth remained wide open as I could not believe my eyes.
How was it that the hallway looked this good and grand?
I have never found myself in such a workplace before. It was simple, yet the hallway exuded wealth and luxury.
I could just imagine the financial director coming here to work every day. There is no doubt he would love his job, paired with a heavy paycheck.
Elizabeth, put yourself together!
I took a deep breath as I looked around, trying to remember which of the offices the reception lady had mentioned.
Thinking back, I remembered her saying, “The fifth floor and the fourth office on your right.” It was not hard to figure out; the fourth office was literally the last.
Giving a slight knock, I waited for a minute before opening the door, only to be shocked for the second time. The door opened to what seemed to be the secretary’s corner and a mini lounge space for guests to wait, I presumed.
As I surveyed the table, furniture, and well-lit room, I couldn’t help but wonder what the CEO’s office would look like if this was the office of the financial director.
I waited a few minutes, expecting a secretary to arrive at any moment. It seemed appropriate to wait for his secretary before entering. However, after waiting for a while and seeing no one, I decided to go in myself. After all, he had already been informed of my visit.
Summoning courage, I took a deep breath and put on a confident expression as I proceeded to knock on the door.
“Yes, come in!” I heard someone call out, signaling it was my cue to enter.
Turning the doorknob, I pushed the door and stepped in. However, nothing could have prepared me for what—or rather who—I was about to encounter. Let’s just say it was the third shock of the day for me.