Listening to my boss chat my ear off about my behaviour at the last event wasn't really how I imagined my morning going. I woke up to my dog licking my face which honestly didn't start my day off too nicely.
Don't get me wrong, the little shit is the cutest thing on this earth but when it decided to lick my face it's the nastiest thing. I showered quickly and got dressed ready for work. The buzz around last months event literally just cooling down which made my job slightly easier.
As head of design I do a lot of work for the company that isn't seen but Jake my boss has decided that he wants me going to events to meet with people and make myself known in the industry. This I am incredibly thankful for.
But turns out it isn't such a good idea. Since some amateur designer thought they vocally spout some lies and random accusation about me. It was known that I don't come out to these events because honestly, I don't have the patience to deal with these idiots.
But she didn't know that I would show up that night. Safe to say I didn't take the comments well since she even had the audacity to make racial comments about my main model for the line. Say shit about me but talk absolute crap about my models or anyone who's working for me and I will willingly spill my drink all over her cheap dress.
That's exactly what I did. Didn't she deserve it as well?
"no, not a fucking chance Jake," I say slamming the door shut, I walked out of his office grabbing my bag already needing that lunch break. Unfortunately, I heard the faint sign of Jake walking up to my office.
"Selene, it's a business event I really need to go to this one you're making a speech" Jake decides to spill on me. I couldn't have spun my head around any faster than I did. Could he not have told me this earlier.
He winced at the look I was giving him. Good. Even though he is my boss I know I've got that effect on him. That's what happens when you practically helped build this company up to the standard it is at now.
"a speech? what the fuck do they want me to say I just design clothes for peat sake" I could tell Jake with annoyed with my voice. He rubbed his eyes before settling himself on my table.
This is a common scene with me and him. Nothing out of the ordinary. "you're a college dropout turned international designer this is what everyone wants to hear" yeah, of course, they want to hear how I failed at school. Yes, I get that I made it somewhere on my own but c'mon a speech.
Now I was the one rubbing my eyes, well not as rough since I have mascara on and I don't really want to be looking like a raccoon.
"fine, but I'm only doing this because I've got nothing planned tonight," I tell him checking through my emails quickly before I head out. I drain Jake's voice out as he begins to thank me.
Once I'm satisfied that my task for the day is done I start to exit my office. "see you after lunch jakey" I holler quickly linking my arms with Lucy as we make our way to the nearest sushi bar in the city.
Jake knows that I won't be coming back into the office until tomorrow. Only now did I realize that I need a new dress for tonight's event.
"I don't understand why you can't wear your own dresses," Lucy says holding the door open for me as we walk into the restaurant.
I hold up two fingers before following the waiter to our table. " because that's just obnoxious of me and plus I actually love other clothes from other designers" I shrug. I only ever wear my own dresses to promote. Either that or wear other designers dresses to events.
My love for fashion started years before I created my first line so I guess I never stopped.
"that makes sense, but if you're not gonna wear them at least give them to me," she says a mischievous smile on my face. I raise my eyebrow at her. "didn't you wear my dress the other night when you went on that hot date"
It was a question but I already knew the answer to it. She smiles down into the menu. The little whore is probably remembering the events of that night.
" If the dress is ruined I will castrate you"
"Alright ladies, what can I get for ya," the waiter says standing beside our table. He was young and cute looking and definitely new on the job. I only know that because I've been here quite a few times.
We tell him our order, eager for our food. Chinese takeaway is great but a real Chinese meal cooked from fresh by a Chinese chef that is known across London beats it.
Once our food was here we began to eat like the starving pigs that we are.
" I need your support tonight luce, can't you just ditch him tonight" I beg her once hearing that she's not coming but instead she is off to see her boyfriend up in Surrey. Fuck right off I can't do this shitty event alone.
"Sorry babe, you're a strong woman and plus jake is there you'll be fine" I swear she said the same thing before my last event and look what happened there.
From the look she was giving me she knew exactly what I was thinking I didn't need to spell it out for her. She takes a sip of her drink before focusing on me.
"Look, babe, that event was nothing compared to tonight. This one is full of elite businessmen and woman who envy your hard work and talent. These are your type of people and you will be just fine okay" her words were comforting but it didn't stop me from feeling anxious about tonight.
" I just can't help it, you know how anxious events get me" she nods her head in understanding. I wanted nothing more than to have her there tonight but I wasn't going to get in the way of her relationship. Shes finally found a man that she likes and I'm happy for her.
We ended spending a whole two hours in the restaurant. Lucy went back to the office whilst I caught a ride back to the city.
"Thanks, Ben, I'll call you when I'm done," I tell the driver as I step out of the car. I swear if I don't find a good dress today I'm going to be pissed. I ended up going from one shop to another not finding a dress that meets my liking.
I stop for a coffee maybe caffeine will give a boost of confidence. Scrolling through Instagram I found this post from another designer. She was in the middle of creating her line too. I like the picture and commented.
New Project? I'm already in love
It wasn't long before I got an instant reply.
Wanna check it out?
I smiled into my phone and I instantly had a message come through. She had sent me an address with a wink face. With that in mind, I finished my coffee and headed out. Ben was here in 5 minutes. He had a frown on his face when he realised I had no shopping.
" don't give up on me yet benny, take me to this address will you?" I ask him shoving my phone into his face. He purses his lips slightly probably figuring out where this address actually is.
"sure," he says already pulling out onto the main road. Ben is honestly the best driver you could have. His father worked for my uncle and now ben works for me ever since I moved out to London that is.
Ben and I have a unique working relationship. I use ben for work—related journeys but for my own leisure and weekends, I drive myself. I made the mistake of forcing ben down to Coventry to take me to my parent's house.
My parents weren't too happy and sent ben on his way with some food of course and money for fuel. I remember seeing the disapproving look they sent me.
Once arriving I told him to head home. Once I entered the building amy met with me. She had jeans on with a simple vest top and she looked exhausted.
" well you look like shit" I comment walking further and wrapping my arms around her. She laughs into my shoulder.
" I haven't been home in three days selly cut me some slack" she whacked me on the arm. I loved this girl. We worked on a collab about a year ago and have been good friends since.
" heard that you've been around the city looking for a dress," she says pulling me towards another room. Her building looked similar to mine but she had fewer people working here so she didn't need all the space.
"how did you know, what it that obvious" I laugh wondering what's being said about me now. Fashion designer shopping for a dress, what a weird concept.
She practically drags me into a room smiling. I was too busy watching my steps that when I lifted my head I was in awe. The room was transformed into a woman's dreams. There were mannequins covered in beautiful gowns from simple to complex. Pretty to sexy.
I could feel her gaze on me, I knew she was probably nervous about what I would say but fuck that I had no words.
" you're definitely making one huge comeback" I mumble stepping forward to admire the closest dress to me. The dress was simple and elegant. A white and black silk gown that had a beautiful neckline. I was in awe.
" do you think they're good enough, it's not too much right" she mumbles here eyes glancing from each dress.
I turn my head "I could slap you for that statement" I say angered that she doesn't think this is worthy. Technically were competitors but fuck, she has truly done justice with these gowns.
" I always know you're honest when you get angry" she laughs I can see her body relaxing finally. I'm pretty sure she hasn't shown anyone her work yet.
" I want you to wear one tonight, " she says walking around the room. She had to be careful not to bump into any of the dresses and oddly that was humorous to see.
I did a double take. "what" I exclaim my eyes widened. I mean I wasn't betting on it but I was hoping she would let me wear a dress. But not from her brand new collection.
"oh yeah, this dress is designed for your body come here" she beamed at me too excited. I could only laugh at her chirps of happiness as she pulled a dress out from behind a hidden section.
I don't think I was mentally prepared for the dress she was about to reveal but as soon as the sheet was removed as she stood aside. My heart took a turn for the worse.
"no no no, I could not possibly wear that are you kidding me Amy" I groan at her. My heart is already telling me to grab the dress now but if I was her I would keep it for myself.
She lifted her hand at me. "my decision is already been made. I want you to promote it tonight okay and I don't want you to fight me on this" she warns me. Fuck sake this woman is impossible.
We have a glaring match for about 2 minutes before I close my eyes shut. I could hear her faint claps as she already knows that she has won.
She knows me too well, I can't say no to a beautiful dress.
" she said yes" she screams before two girls come out from behind. They all seem to be pleased which only makes this easier for me.
I shake my head at them and place my bag down before running to hug this angel of a designer and friend on mine.
3 hours later I was practically being shoved into a car by Amy once we realised I had to go home and get ready. The girl's help put the dress in the car and send me on their way.
"don't say anything about a new collection, just kind of tease them alright" Amy informs me as she places a kiss on my cheek.
I goofily smile into my phone. I almost felt excited about this event now. I started to decide on how would wear my makeup and style my hair. This is probably the only thing that gets me excited and now I couldn't wait for tonight.
I read an article on tonight's event. Apparently, some business mogul was getting a lifetime award tonight and we were celebrating him and many others. Seems like a pretty fancy event I don't think I've been to an event of this scale before.
As soon as I got home I headed for the shower and started on getting read. Jake had organized a car to pick me up and I'd meet him there.
I decided on a soft glam look for tonight and soft curls to drape along my back since my dress was backless. The dress fit like a glove, at first I was slightly worried about it ripping because I was on the curvier side but luckily there was a zip that made it much easier to put on.
I met Jake as soon as I got into the building. He wore a tailored suit that made him look rather dashing. These ladies will surely be on him tonight. not that Jake was going to pursue anything he's rather strict on mixing pleasure with business.
that's why I love working with him, he never fails to meet his goals and takes the business very seriously.
" You look beautiful Selene," He says as he pulls me along with him to the carpet. there were many famous faces here standing in front of the cameras as they filed into the venue.
jake was instantly pulled into a media frenzy as they started to ask him numerous questions which went along the lines of what he wearing and also about possible love interests.
I, on the other hand, was pulled in the direction of the photographers who were eager to get my picture. I smirked as I knew that they could see the dress for what it was. it made me look sexy, beautiful and most importantly classy something I always strive for when attending these events.
"over here Selene" they shouted at me forcing me to turn my head over to them. I was never difficult with this part of the event I actually found this to be the most interesting part.
I did my job for amy and showcased her dress for the world to see, did a quick show of the slit of my dress by moving my leg. all the right poses that would get me the best pictures.
I was living in the moment until I was not the center of attention anymore. a limo had just pulled up to the carpet and a couple was stepping out. jake took my hand and walked me inside the venue to find us our table. which thankfully was near the stage.
I had about 10 minutes before it was my turn to present an award to someone but first, it was one of the much bigger rewards that a lot of people were excited for. A lifetime achievement award which in business can mean a lot more than what people think.
After taking a glass of champagne from the waiter she spotted a tall dark handsome man being introduced to on the stage. Her lips just perched on the glass as she moved her eyes down his form. Noticing the light highlighting his muscular body. The glasses looking sexy as they sat on his nose. She was about to ask Jack who the man was but she didn't hear the murmur as her attention was fixated on the desirable man speaking out to the room with such passion and dominance.
The man finished his speech and raised his glass up to the crowd gracing everyone with a dangerous smile that no doubt that all girls soaking their panties.
I fidgeted in my seat as the mere thought of it.
"delicious she whispers" her eyes never leaving the man as he saunters off the stage and down the steps.
Much like every single female in the room. she was fascinated.
