KITCHEN TABLE _ LARRY STYLINSON

Chapter 22

24.5.24

Louis breathed in excitedly trying to calm himself down as he was shown the final products for the special edition launch. 

He was holding them in his hands. 

The soft sturdy leather of the high top shoes were top notch the white nearly blinding from being so freshly made. If he was wearing them he'd have to make them look a bit more worn before he left the house.

He smiled proudly as he traced the vibrant coloured stripes with his index finger, he can only hope the people who wear them hold the same pride in themselves. Identity is such a precious thing and in his opinion you have won so many battles when you can say you are proud to be who you are and that you love yourself.

He could feel himself getting choked up and he didn't want to cry in front of his employees, so he carefully placed the shoe back in the gold glitter box it came from.

He quietly lifted up the socks which had the same stripes around the top edge of the fabric but he personally preferred the ones in his left hand the light thin stripes of colour swirling around the white fabric was comforting in a way for him. They were the kind you could wear out and about anywhere and people may just think they are colourful socks but to the owner they were walking around showcasing how proud they are in a subtle, more private way.

He nodded to himself as he placed both of them down before picking up the last item, a tote bag. It was excellent quality organic canvas with the black text 'BRAVE' in the center and the coloured stripes wrapping around each letter in a hug of sorts. The hand stitched thread felt soft against his finger tips not a single piece of string out of place. 

He was proud. But, he was even more prouder of the hardworking team who created all of these with an equal amount of love and dedication, regardless of how they identify. They were all equal and gave their everything to these products. Louis couldn't ask for more.

"I am speechless" He began hooking the bag back up on the dainty hanger it was showcased on. He turned to his left slightly where a couple dozen individuals were watching him cautiously. Nervous wasn't the right word for what they were feeling. They truly admired and loved Louis so they weren't nervous in that respect, but they just wanted to make these products his dream come true.

"It's a completely different feeling seeing all the ideas sketched out on paper and 3D designs on the computer but seeing the final product after witnessing how hard you worked on it. I am truly and utterly grateful for you. Excellent job" He nodded and everyone burst into cheers and claps giving each other hugs and even grabbing Louis to shower him in their own gratitude.

"I don't know how to repay you, I don't" Louis said out loud as he hugged each member of staff. Of course they are exceptionally well paid, but they deserved so much more. Appreciation was something that cannot be bought with money and Louis is determined to speak with Harry about what they could do for the staff.

The brunette proceeded to speak with the team leads and discussed whether the photoshoot is still to be done tomorrow or if there was anything wrong with the products they need to fix.

"They are perfection, so yes continue with the shoot tomorrow you know what to do" Louis grinned as he shook their hands for the last time before he stepped out of the room and left to the lift.

He stepped inside and headed down to to the lobby suddenly remembering Cherri-Anne requiring his presence after the meeting. He waited patiently as the lift cascaded down the multiple floors steadily getting closer and closer to the ground level of London. With a ding the doors opened and he continued out the lift being greeted by multiple employees who were sitting down in the seating area for the moment.