Chapter 1
Knock knock knock.
“Just a minute,” Virginia Maxwell said with a groan. The young fashion designer was pacing all over her office; tablet in one hand, and a few papers in the other. She was chewing on her bottom lip and perusing one of her older collections. She wanted to make sure she hadn’t missed anything, or worse, had a new idea that was too similar to her previous work.
Virginia said she needed a minute, but she needed much more than that. She needed twenty minutes or more. Hell, she needed to take the rest of the afternoon off.
This was one of the busiest times of the year. There were people knocking on her door almost every half hour, and if she heard ‘I need you to sign this Ms. Maxwell’ one more time she was gonna drown herself at the bottom of a half caff soy latte.
“V, it’s me.”
Virginia recognized the voice and smiled.
“Oh thank God. Nancy, get in here.”
Virginia’s mousy assistant walked into the office and shut the door behind her. Nancy’s high ponytail bounced when she walked. Half of her face was covered by her bangs. Her lips were her most striking feature. She had a perfectly heart shaped Cupid’s bow, and her bottom lip always looked pouty. Nancy could switch between fiery and adorable in no time.
“Nanc, please tell me today’s gonna get easier,” Virginia groaned again. She set the papers and tablet she had been looking through on a glass side table next to one of her many sofas. She finally stopped pacing. The heels of her Manolo Blahniks were so pointed she was sure her pacing was going to start leaving a trail on the hardwood floor of her office. Virginia unbuttoned her jacket in an attempt to breathe better. It didn’t help.
“Not even close. I need you to look through and finalize at least 28 more designs. You have a call from Vivienne about having a joint show she wants to plan for the fall. You have a meeting upstairs with a potential client to design a series of prom dresses that he wants specially made for like a million clients he’s already confirmed with,” Nancy was talking too fast. She was jabbering on and on, and Virginia just wanted to sink into the floor. “You still need to choose the final cuts for the Parker wedding bridesmaid dresses; Stella loved the ideas for the wedding dress, and she wants the corset with the sweetheart neckline from dress one, the beading on the corset from dress 6, the ruching on the top half of the mermaid tail from dress 4, and the sleeves, veil, and train from dress 3.”
“What about dress 2?” Virginia joked.
“No, she hated dress 2,” Nancy said with a smile. The only way Virginia could get rid of her stressful feelings was by joking. That was part of how they started to become friends. Nancy was smart, loyal, funny, and after 3 years of working together, Virginia trusted her with her entire life. “Now, about that meeting upstairs…”
Virginia put the back of one of her hands on her forehead and collapsed onto the nearest sofa. She didn’t remember her job always being this arduous or demanding. And Nancy hadn’t even said anything about Paris Fashion Week, or the launch of her Spring collection in Moscow. She probably realized how swamped Virginia was, and wanted to ease her suffering a bit…if you’d call this easing.
“What about PFW and Russia?” Virginia winced when she asked. She was expecting a long explanation of things that needed to be done, or signed, or shipped, or designed. Nancy met Virginia’s grimace with a reassuring look.
“Paris is good to go. You have ages before you need to start panicking about that. You have a few calls to make as far as Moscow is concerned, but you’re mostly set. Some of the fittings need to be redone, and you need 9 back-up models. Aside from that…” Nancy paused to take a look at her phone, “…Nothing. You leave for Russia on the thirteenth. You excited? I know it’s your first time going. Can’t believe we didn’t think of launching something there sooner.”
“Kinda excited, but definitely more curious. I want to know the market, and what the people are like. It’ll give me a better sense of what styles to go with for that collection. And the thirteenth? That’s in 2 weeks, right? Working so much makes me forget the date sometimes.”
Nancy confirmed with a single nod of her head. Her ponytail bounced on her shoulders. She was so on top of things. Virginia had no idea where she’d be if it weren’t for Nancy. Probably pacing and crying, but she didn’t want to think of that. Paris Fashion Week was far enough away not to worry about, and she had done enough pre-planning to be set for her first trip to Russia already. Her future was set, but her present was swamped.
“Can you cancel my meeting upstairs? My mind is just buzzing about too many things today. And I have to get reservations at Del Posto tonight for 7. Julian and I are having dinner tonight,” Virginia pouted. Sometimes she could be spoiled, she knew, but Nancy was the only person who understood just how hard she worked. The only one who realized what needed to be done in order to keep this industry going.
“I’m not gonna cancel for you! Virginia Shania Maxwell, get up!” Nancy plopped down on the sofa beside her best friend and started shaking her.
“Give me one good reason.”
“I’ll give you a bunch, sour puss,” she held her hand up, and put a finger up in the air for every time she made a point. “You have a whole ton of people counting on you. You’re probably the best and hottest designer alive right now. I mean, Vivienne Westwood wants to collab with you, girl! You’ve been on the cover of 7 magazines…and not random ass ones like GLASSbook; I mean magazines that everyone knows about…”
Virginia stopped her for a second to laugh. Nancy could tell she was picking up Virginia’s spirits and kept going. “You are the richest and most powerful black woman in New York; probably the entire east coast. And you have employees to pay; including me. Because I have no idea how I’d eat or have such nice clothes without this job.”
Nancy grinned with all of her teeth exposed. Virginia smacked her on the arm and laughed. That made her feel tons better.
“Thanks,” Virginia said. She sat up and gave Nancy a hug. That was the encouragement she needed. This was the third summer in this business full of panic and worry, but it was getting easier over time. She thanked Nancy again, but she still hadn’t finished her embrace.
“You’re welcome. Plus, I don’t like when you’re frustrated,” Nancy said. “I’m your friend first, but right after that I’m your assistant. I know you like the back of my hand. It’s ok to need help sometimes.”
Virginia nodded her head in agreement and sighed. Her arms were still wrapped around her friend, and they were both steadily rocking back and forth. Nancy, as usual, was right. Virginia had been through worse and come out on top. She had handled more situations and clients in the past, and no matter what, she always found a way to get through as if it were nothing. And all of those times she had her friend by her side.
“Ok, I’m done complaining. Time to show all these people who’s boss,” Virginia said as she rose from her couch. She adjusted her crisp white jacket and shook her wrist to listen to the sounds of her bracelets. They were all gold, and each encrusted with a different jewel. She had one for each month’s birthstone. Virginia was always trendy like that.
She swung her wide hips as she walked, and she took long confident strides. She walked as if someone was watching her at all times. It was regal and beautiful, with her long neck, and her head held high. Her thick curls bounced when she moved.
“Oh V. One more thing,” Nancy said when she got up from the sofa. Virginia turned slightly and raised an eyebrow. “Wendy Williams wants to schedule you for next week Thursday’s show.”
Virginia made a face.
“Tell Wendy to call me when she magically turns into Oprah. I don’t do petty gossip shows. I’m a serious designer,” she flipped her hair and wiggled her eyebrows at Nancy, and then she turned and stepped out of her office. Nancy was still giggling when the door shut behind her.
*****
With a new found confidence within herself, Nancy strut all the way upstairs and into her main boardroom. She ignored anyone who asked her to sign anything. She didn’t bat an eye when one of her employees told her she needed to be at different fittings throughout the day. She’d take care of it. She always did. But right now she had to wow a potential client who needed an entire line of prom dresses before spring; none of which could have been used or seen before in her collections.
Virginia sighed and adjusted her jacket before strutting into the boardroom. Like everything pertaining to Virginia Maxwell, this room was pristine. She wasn’t just a brilliant fashion designer; she had a keen eye for interior decorating as well. There was a mahogany table in the center of the room lined with chairs. The chairs were the same frame and height, but all with a different color or pattern on the cushion. There was a projector at the other end of the room where the largest and most plush chair was. The floors were black quartz, and the rug underneath the table was thick and turquoise.
Virginia noticed that the gentleman who she was meeting with was sitting at the head of the table. His assistant was to his right and looking rather fragile. The man at the head of the table was drumming the fingers of his left hand impatiently. The fact that he chose to sit where he did made Virginia raise her eyebrow.
That was her plush chair. She knew better than to say anything. Sometimes it was all about kissing ass in this industry, even if she was a world renowned young designer herself.
“Mr. Grantspen, sorry for keeping you,” Virginia said. She smiled wide and swung her hips as she walked towards him. Her thick black curls bounced in rhythm with her motions. She was gorgeous, and she knew it. He met her with a look of pure boredom, and didn’t even stand to greet her. He held out a hand. Virginia took it and shook it graciously.
“You’re Virginia?” he asked looking her up and down. Virginia couldn’t help but be taken aback. She wasn’t conceited…much…but she was used to people knowing who she was. Had this man been living under a rock? Maybe he didn’t watch the news, or read any magazines, or the newspaper. She had been everywhere and in everything; especially during this time of year. Her name made headlines. She had graced at least 7 magazine covers in 3 years.
Virginia blinked rapidly and nodded. That made Mr. Grantspen smirk a bit. He eyed her when she sat in the chair opposite his assistant. Virginia pretended not to notice, and kept the smile on her face.
“So, the famous Ms. Maxwell,” Mr. Grantspen started, leaning forward. “I was wondering what ideas you had in mind for my clients. I’d need 42 designs in about 8 months.”
“Please, call me Virginia,” Virginia said. She nodded to let him know that she was making a mental note of his request. With everything she needed to do, she was going to have to break down those designs and work at them slowly.
“I don’t want anything that looks cheap. I want bold and sexy for all of them. A high fashion look…but for a good price,” Mr. Grantspen winked at her. Virginia tried not to look disgusted.
“Bold and sexy is what I know best,” said Virginia. She was definitely kissing ass now. It occurred to her that she left her tablet downstairs. “Would you excuse me a moment? I have to text my assistant to ask her to bring my tablet up here so I can show you some ideas I have in mind.” Mr. Grantspen nodded, and sat back into a comfortable position.
Virginia whipped out her phone.
‘Hey Nanc, can you bring my tablet? I left it downstairs, and I need to show Mr. Grantspen some design ideas. –groan-.’
Virginia had barely put her phone down when Nancy came into the boardroom. She must have realized that Virginia would need her tablet, and she wasn’t too far away. Good old Nancy. Virginia flashed her a smile. Nancy responded with a knowing look. She could already sense that Virginia didn’t like this guy. She squeezed Virginia’s shoulder for reassurance, and placed the tablet on the table in front of her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, V,” Nancy said. She turned and walked out of the boardroom without a backward glance. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
“You let your assistant call you by a nickname?” Mr. Grantspen scoffed.
Virginia didn’t hide the annoyance behind her eyes when she answered. “We’re very close, Mr. Grantspen.”
“Call me Albert. And…just how close?” he smirked again and leaned forward to be closer to Virginia. He scooted the chair he was in just a tad.
“Mr. Gra-…I’m sorry, Albert. What designs did you have in mind?” Virginia kept it at a professional level. There were men hitting on her daily, but she never entertained them. Besides, she had a boyfriend, and she wouldn’t be interested in a man like Albert Grantspen anyway. Not even on her darkest day.
“I notice you want at least 12 completely separate designs for almost 50 dresses, to be broken into different parts. And some ballroom gowns that have the option to become a fishtail. Those are really interesting, but I normally do that with wedding dresses…or when I’m showcasing something at a show or…”
“Well doll…” he started.
“Virginia,” she corrected him immediately. She needed him to know that she was not beneath him. She was curt, but she said nothing more and allowed him to continue.
“V,” he started again. That wasn’t any better, but at least there was no sexist or condescending title to refer to her by. “I’m a very busy man with a lot of rich clientele. I know prom dresses aren’t your thing, but I know you’re the best, and a man like me deserves the best.”
“I understand Albert. I can go through some quick ideas so I have a little idea of what you’re looking for, and then we can talk remuneration, deadlines, sizes, etcetera,” Virginia said without skipping a beat.
“Look, I’ve gotta be honest with you V,” Albert said. Virginia noticed out of the corner of her eye that his assistant just rolled her eyes. She was less than impressed by her employer. Virginia kind of felt sorry for her. How often was she subjected to his faux bravado and “time makes money and money makes the man” attitude? With the way the assistant was completely quiet and relatively still, Virginia was going to guess it was a lot of the time. “I have a lot of things to do today that don’t require staring at a bunch of dresses. That’s why I have Rebecca here. She’s young and spunky, she knows what the kids want, and it means I can get out of your hair and play some golf to win over a new investor.”
Albert laughed, but no one else did. Was he really trying to dump his assistant on Virginia for her to babysit? Was he even going to pay her for her time with said assistant?
“I do charge by the hour, Albert. It may be better if you stay a while so that you can be aware of the process,” Virginia was calm as an untouched lake, and just as cool. She didn’t skip a beat. She needed this man to stop giving her the runaround.
“Charge me to sit and look at a bunch of dresses?”
“What exactly is your business, Mr. Grantspen? And where do I fall in when it comes to that?” Virginia put both elbows on the table and clasped her hands together. She didn’t take her eyes off of Albert Grantspen, who was beginning to look a little uncomfortable that a woman wasn’t backing down or giving into his petty demands.
“I’m an entrepreneur. I do all kinds of things. I got a client that needs designer dresses, and I’m getting them designer dresses.”
That answer wasn’t good enough for Virginia. She shot a quick look at Rebecca. Her eyes were down. She looked like she was silently praying for the tension to disappear. It felt like it was filling up the entire boardroom.
“Ok, Mr. Grantspen. I work with my clients, not for them. There is either mutual respect, or we can’t do business. If you’re so turned off at the prospect of learning a thing or two about an industry that could be extremely beneficial to you, then I suspect you’ve gotten into the wrong business. And it would…”
“I’m paying you a lot of money for these designs,” Albert said, raising his voice a bit.
“Please don’t interrupt me. I can yell just as loud as you, but it doesn’t mean that I’ll be getting my way. I agreed to have this meeting because you know some people in my life who swear that you’re a good businessman…”
“You don’t need to get sassy with me, lady.”
That made Virginia stop dead in the middle of her tirade. When she got angry, she would get extremely quiet, an eyebrow would go up, and either a slew of obscenities would be unleashed, or she wouldn’t bother to say anything at all. She was still processing which direction she was going to take when her right eyebrow raised.
Virginia held her breath and counted to three. She was going to call him out. That he didn’t have a right to belittle her, especially not in her own space. It wasn’t his place to make his demands when he didn’t even know what it was he wanted. She wasn’t going to do his job for him. And if he didn’t seem like a sexist cad, she would have maybe entertained Rebecca so that she could send him some ideas later in the day. He didn’t even ask how much it was going to cost him; he decided whatever he thought of spending was worth treating people this way. Virginia didn’t feel comfortable doing business with him.
Virginia stood up from her chair. She turned around and started making her way to the door.
“Where are you going? You can’t just walk out on a meeting. That’s unprofessional!” Albert Grantspen wailed.
“Well Mr. Grantspen, I’m a very busy woman with a lot of rich clientele. I know prom dresses aren’t your thing either. Now, I know you want the best, but I’m better than the best.”
Virginia didn’t even turn around to face him when she spoke. She just kept right on walking. Just before she got to the door she stopped.
“One more thing,” Virginia actually turned to face Albert, who was already getting up to leave with his assistant. “That…is my seat.”
Virginia strut out of the office and didn’t look back until she heard a faint voice behind her. It was Rebecca. She wasn’t with her boss, but Virginia could see him muttering to himself [but still loud enough for anyone within earshot to hear] as he walked down the stairs. He probably wanted to make a scene instead of just taking the elevator. He had about four more flights of stairs to have a long tirade about the sassy “Virginia Maxwell”. He didn’t even notice that Rebecca wasn’t with him.
“What can I help you with, sugar?” Virginia said. She saw that Rebecca was really nervous to talk to her.
“I’d like to apologize for my boss,” Rebecca said. Her gaze was mostly on the floor, or maybe Virginia’s shoes. Virginia stopped her and let her know she didn’t need to apologize for a man who obviously wasn’t sorry. “Thanks…and I was wondering…if it’s not too much trouble. Could I take a picture with you, and get your autograph maybe?”
Virginia obliged, and then she walked Rebecca to the elevator. Her head was still spinning from her otherwise useless meeting. She could have been doing something else with her time. She headed for her office. When she spotted Nancy, she beckoned for her to follow.
“Nanc, is there any way I can bump up my trip to Russia?”
“Why? What happened?” Nancy was concerned, but she already had her phone out to make a call to Virginia’s pilot. She of course had her own plane.
“I don’t wanna talk about it. But I guess I lost a client. I need to get away. I figure I can enjoy Russia for 2 weeks before I get back to work.”
“What about Julian?” Nancy asked. Virginia’s boyfriend Julian was a model, at least an aspiring one. They hadn’t been together for more than 2 months, but after Virginia’s history with dull, controlling, or sycophantic partners, she was doing her best to have this be a relationship that meant something.
“I’ll tell him tonight when we have dinner. But in 2 days, I want to be far away from New York City…”