Doll House: Book One

five | jewelry

Hodges' office was situated on the lofted floor of the Doll House studio and was a space that generally didn't need to be visited unless a contract needed to be signed or a serious conversation needed to be had.

In Cecelia's case, she was heading there for the latter reason which she had entirely expected even prior to Hodges' text last night. She was accustom to being reprimanded. It happened frequently enough due to her stubborn personality and inability to bite her tongue.

Two months ago she'd been called out for slapping one of the camera men who squeezed her ass during a break. In January, she had a falling out with one of the girls from Hustler magazine after the girl nudged her during a photo shoot. And those were only two minor situations that the "Stubborn one" encountered.

Hodges was use to having to come to his dolls' rescue when things went left. However, this time, Cecelia had to answer for herself and she somewhat feared the reprecussions.

The door to his office was already open when she made it to the second floor. She was all too familiar with the modern office space's decor of a hibiscus flower on a wooden desk, sporadic leather bound books, and accent colors throughout the furniture. He even had two white chairs and a spotless white area rug as a nod to the signature Doll House color.

Hodges sat behind his desk, with the phone to his ear when Cecelia entered. As she crossed the room, his eyes shifted and followed her movement. She sat in the arm chair across from him and reached for a Hershey's kiss from the bowl on his desk.

He said one word before placing the phone on the receiver then sat back, crossing his ankle to his knee and folding his palms in his lap.

"You stormed out of the meeting." He said calmly as an introduction to the conversation.

"I didn't 'storm out'. That's a harsh verb." Cecelia scoffed.

"You left the meeting yesterday. Why?"

"Because that Rebel boy Dax, said I was sleeping with the boss to get jobs." She was angry just thinking about the comment. She hated when someone else got credit for what she accomplished. It was always in support of her boss, even back when she was in California.

"So?" Hodges responded.

"So?" She repeated in disbelief. "So why would he feel the need to say that?"

"Let it go."

"Why?" Cecelia stood up with her palms flat on the desk.

"Because you agreed to this Cece." His tone was at its usual mellow but stern notch. "And if you would've stayed the whole time then you would be prepared for the meeting you have scheduled with Dax tonight." Hodges stood up slowly then came around the desk to confront her.

"Wait, they want me?" She asked, quite perplexed as to why.

"Yes. Minus the attitude." He slid a notecard from his desk and held it between two fingers. When Cecelia tried to grab it, he pulled his hand back slightly. "Apologize."

"Not a chance. They can fire me if they want." She crossed her arms.

"I'm telling, not asking." Hodges held out the card again and this time Cecelia snatched it from him. "Or I'll have them give the deal to someone else. Someone more well behaved."

Cecelia rolled her eyes and looked away. He'd done it before with people like Ivy but Cecelia knew better than to screw up on a single job more than once. She'd made her point and now she had to act right.

When she returned her gaze to Hodges, he reached into the breast pocket of his black blazer and produced a red Cartier jewelry box.

"Congratulations." Cecelia couldn't restrain her wide smile as she took the box and pecked him on the lips.