I rush away.It helps that I’m still in my sneakers, and dark skirt and blouse.I brought a change of clothes, and a nice pair of heels to change into later when everyone starts mingling.
The VIP event marks the debut of Stella’s newest line, the star of which is the Stella Rose, Stella’s new flagship handbag—a rose gold colored small handbag that can be carried on the arm, or over the shoulder.It’s subtly shimmering leather is both eye-catching and stylish, and it costs an eye-watering, mind-boggling $25,000.We’re not just launching one product; we have a small and tightly curated group of related designs that we hope customers will also buy; accessories such as leather belts, purses, wallets, laptop sleeves, charging pouches and desk accessories.All priced at equally ridiculous amounts.
We’re expecting a lot of buyers, and celebrities, here; important and influential people who will generate buzz around the new launch.But it’s the buyers I want to approach, because maybe, just maybe, if I get talking to them, I can find out what other opportunities exist out there.
I’m not sure I can survive another year at Stella.
I rush over to the other end of the room, nearest the stage entrance where Cecil’s laptop is, and from where he’ll be running the presentation deck I created.I spent weeks on it, and I’ll be hiding behind the scenes, in the shadows, should anything go wrong.Tom is also supposed to be here, but I haven’t seen him for a while.
I run through the presentation deck and immediately see what the problem is.It didn’t do this when Cecil asked me to look at it an hour ago, when the final slide needed updating.This is something Tom must have done.It looks like he left a wireless clicker connected earlier, and it’s buried in his pocket somewhere.I quickly disable the auto-advance setting, and reset it to manual control.
I then test it three times.The deck settles, and obeys perfectly.I relax, feeling proud of this presentation into which I poured my heart and soul.I know it off by heart.Cecil will talk about the new product line, as well as give a brief history of how Stella started, decades ago, and where the company is headed now.
My roommate, Fleur, also knows the presentation off by heart.I wanted her input, as someone who doesn’t know much about company.I was curious to see if found it interesting.I made her watch it twelve times and by the end of it, even Fleur said she wanted the Stella Rose.
Cecil comes over.“Everything okay?”
I stand up straight.“It is now.”
“Maya to the rescue again.”His kind eyes twinkle, but my entire body is on alert for Katherine hovering around.
I smile, because, what can I say to that?“Thank you.I’ll be just off stage, and nearby, if you need anything.”
Cecil doesn’t appear to be the slightest bit perturbed, given that he’s about to make an important presentation.He doesn’t have the vicious and vitriolic personality that Katherine does.He’s too easy-going while she’s the complete opposite.Always wound up so tightly.
“Are you okay with all the slides?”I ask.
“I think so.I only received the deck this morning, but I’ve gone through it twice and I’m sure it will be fine.“
What did he just say?This morning?“You received itthis morning?” I echo, in disbelief.I sent Katherine a copy of this, the final version tweaked to excellence, four days ago.
“Katherine sent it earlier today.”
“B-but ...I sent it to her ...”I stop myself.“I’m glad you like it,” I say.No point in ratting out my boss, but my heartbeat thuds inside my chest.He’s acting like we’re having a coffee and I’m freaking out because he’s got less than three minutes to go until he walks out onto the stage.The air turns electric.Everything is coiled and ready to break loose.I feel the heat from the spotlights.Hear the chatter of guests being seated.
Katherine snakes up alongside me just then.To my horror Cecil challenges her.“Maya says you had the deck a few days ago.”
Her face hardens and she throws her usual death stare at me.I’m so going to pay for this later.And it’s not even my fault.
“A few days ago?What are you talking about, Maya?”She makes it sound like it’s my fault.This woman has no shame, holding her head high, defiant and completely nonplussed.
I don’t answer.I glance at my watch.
One minute to go.
Sweat trickles down my back.I’m so hot here under the lights, and I’m also feeling a little anxious.The technical glitch was a minor hiccup but the news that Cecil hasn’t had long to go through the presentation worries me.I’m anxious because if anything goes wrong, even if it’s Cecil’s fault, I’ll bear the brunt of Katherine’s razor-sharp tongue.
“It’s time,” Cecil announces.
“Yes, Cecil.It’s time.”Katherine’s glossy glazed lips curl up into a smile.“Go out and break a leg.
“You’ll need this, uh, Cecil.”I hand him the slide remote and wish him good luck.I called him ‘sir’ once and he cheerfully admonished me.Told me to call him Cecil.
“The show is about to begin,” Katherine whispers, her tone heavy and dramatic as she follows him towards the stage, and remains behind the scenes.
I hover around the temporary desk.With the presentation about to start, there’s now no time for me to get changed.I glance around.There’s also still no sign of the IT guy.
Chapter 2
