All Love Lost (ON HOLD)

Chapter 19

"Gavin, can you show me that leather piece again?"

I was working nonstop trying to get our annual catalog done. It was rumored to be our biggest one yet -- even in its incomplete state. That, along with the fact that my name was attached to a large portion of the designs was even more reason that I was going so hard. I was killing myself to make it live up to the high expectations and to hopefully raise my name in the industry.

"Yes ma'am."

For the millionth time, my temporary assistant went back over to one of the few racks of clothes that I'd brought into my office and this time retrieved the leather mini dress and hastily brought it over to me.

I finally broke down and got an assistant after Laurent urged me to do so and because I had so much to get done in such a short amount of time. I'd usually just do everything myself to ensure that it was done correctly, so I was hesitant to hire anyone. But, so far, he'd been extremely helpful and stayed out of my way if I went into one of my modes.

My assistant was a graduate student from Tuskegee University, an HBCU in Alabama. He was one of the few males perusing the profession in their program and was eager to learn the business, even if it meant doing grunt work for me as I frantically got this work completed. For him, it was an opportunity to get internship credit and real world experience as well as experience the fashion capital of the world in New York City.

After all of the mayhem calmed down, I intended to actually take my time and guide him through the ropes of exactly how everything worked. There weren't many black people in this industry and, judging by his work ethic, he had a real chance to make it in. And I wanted to do everything in my power to help him achieve that goal because I knew first hand how hard it was to be given just that in this competitive field.

"What do you think about this?" I held up the dress alongside a pair of metallic gold pumps.

"I don't know how you do it." He shook his head. "I would have never, in a million years, put those two pieces together and they look amazing together."

I walked over to the rack that was on the opposite side of the room and placed the pieces together, signaling that outfit to be completed. I only needed three more looks and then I'd be done with my portion of the catalog.

"You gotta step out of that box. The better you get at that, the further you will go." I reminded him.

I checked my watch and realized it was well past 12 and I'd been going nonstop ever since I arrived early this morning.

"I'm gonna let you go early today, Gavin. You did really good today." I made sure to compliment. "Make sure to be back here Monday morning so that we can continue building your resume."

"You sure you don't need me to do anything else?" He could tell he was tired, but it was admirable how anxious he was.

"I'm sure. I don't want to overwork you. Trust me, we have a full schedule next week. You get some rest and enjoy the rest of your weekend."

He nodded and exited after saying his goodbyes.

Once the door closed behind him, I allowed myself to relax for a moment.

I kicked my heels off underneath my desk and stretched before making myself comfortable in my plush computer chair.

Even though I'd worked throughout the day, I still had a lot more to do. So, I cut my break short and opened my computer, to get back to it.

Not even five minutes in, I heard my phone vibrate and grabbed it from my drawer. Upon seeing a text from Adrian I rolled my eyes. It had been about a week since I had spoken to him at the gym and I was still pissed. I liked that he gave me space, but I hated what he did to make me have to need that space.