Self-Seeker

19

Monday

The next morning, Genesis made her way into the boutique at eight am, an hour later than she typically would. She had texted Emily to let the rest of the staff know that she wouldn't be available until this time - after all the exhausting events yesterday, an extra hour of sleep was required.

The sound of her heels clicking against the marble floors alerted employees and customers that the boss had arrived. She received countless 'Good mornings' from both parties, respect was of the utmost importance under her roof - everyone knew that. She stopped by Emily's desk outside her office, where she was typing furiously at her keyboard.

"What did that keyboard ever do to you, Em?" Genesis chuckled, placing a small stack of papers on her desk.

"Oh, hello Miss Casanova. Sorry, I just received an email from my mother, she moved the dinner from Saturday to today and I am so unprepared." She frowned.

"Right, I was meant to ask, we're still on for today, yes?"

"If you don't mind. I could really use your help, though."

"Of course, I don't mind. Now, these papers are the list of models for our fashion show in three weeks' time, I need you to sign each one off and have them sent to each agency as well as our collaborative boutiques." Genesis ordered, unlocking and pushing the handle to her office door down.

Emily nodded profusely. "Consider it done, boss."

"Oh, and Em." Genesis added. Emily's head shot up in response. "It's Genesis to you, both in and outside of work." She winked and opened the door.

After closing it behind her, she turned to find a suspicious looking Deana standing in front of the desk, it was clear she was hiding something behind her back.

"Oh! Hey Genesis. What's up?"

"Uh, this is my office, remember?" Genesis eyed her cynically as she walked around to the other side of her desk. "What are you doing in here?"

"I just wanted to, um, confirm that all the models have their hair and makeup booked for the show."

It was obvious that she was lying, the way her left eye was twitching and the repetitive shift of weight from one foot to the other was a blatant indication.

"Great. But you know that all messages are given to Emily who reports directly to me."

"Oh, yes. I, um, well--"

"Cut the bull Deana. You have half a minute to lay whatever you just slid into your pocket onto my desk, gather your belongings and get the hell out of my shop. I don't want to see or hear from you ever again. Have I made myself clear?" Genesis demanded, her voice leaving no room for question.

"But Gen, I just--"

"It was a rhetorical question. Get out. Now." Genesis cut her off.

Deana nodded in reply, hurriedly placing a small camera and sticky tape on the desk – next to Genesis's mug which had been moved out of place - and rushing out of the office without looking back.

Genesis couldn't believe Carter would go so far as to plant bugs in her office - she'd have to conduct an entire room sweep because of that, and perhaps the rest of the boutique too as a precaution. Although Deana was a major part of her settling in America, Genesis was more than glad that she would finally be out of her life.

***

It was four o'clock and Genesis had just narrowed Emily's choice of dress-wear down to three outfits.

"Let's see. We have the baby blue skater dress with a brown satchel and pumps; floral jumpsuit with strappy sandals and these adorable earrings; or you could test the waters a little and wear this sexy black body-con with kitten heels and these fierce diamante earrings which really bring out the blue in your eyes. Hell, I think they may suit you more than me. You should keep them." Genesis offered as Emily sprawled out on her bed looking flustered as ever.