by Hattie Black
"Video Production Company?" Colin questions Renee, but before she can reply he carries on. "I just hope this meeting is in line with our new strategy." Colin says, then turns and walks away. After a few steps, Colin stops dead in his tracks, and swivels back around to face Renee. The entire designer staff's eyes are still glued to Colin Winston even being in their vicinity. Everyone including Renee holds their breath.
"The next time I have a question, you better have an answer right away...Newbie." Colin tells Renee turns, and disappears.
Renee's heart is racing, and a single drop of perspiration emerges on her forehead. She drops into her desk chair to collect herself. Note to self: Never be in that position AGAIN! Know everything that is happening here! Renee thinks to herself, then sighs loudly. The entire Designer Pit begins to buzz with activity again, while Amanda makes her way to Renee's side.
"Are you okay?" Amanda asks, empathizing with the latest BYWINSTON recruit.
Renee looks up at Amanda, who is now leaning against her desk. She takes another breath, then looks up at her hovering co-worker. "I, um...I am okay...I think." Renee admits.
"Well my best advice is, don't let him get under your skin. As a matter of fact, develop thicker skin, or else your stay will be short lived, or a nightmare." Amanda delivers bluntly.
Renee nods in acknowledgement, then forces a smile. She is still numb from the recent "Colin Invasion" - as coined by her colleagues, and she had heard in passing, to describe the rare, but spectacular moments that Colin does intrude, and/or interact with one of the lower level staff.
"Are you going to be alright, or should I splash some water on you?" Amanda says jokingly, detecting that Renee is still somewhat in a daze.
Renee finally thaws, relaxes a bit, and laughs. Amanda begins to laugh also, and the two share a moment which marks the beginning of a new friendship.
Later that day Renee sits in Melaine's office, face to face, sans Marina.
"So how are you doing? I heard the Big Man upstairs was down here looking for me, and he took it out on you." Melaine informs Renee.
Renee smiles. Amanda's wise counsel is at the forefront of her mind. "I'm fine." She tells Melaine abruptly. Melaine does not respond, but stares at Renee waiting for her to offer more information.
"You're fine? Are you sure Renee?" Melaine asks gently.
Yes! Yes I am. I am fine Melaine." Renee tells her boss as chipper as she can possibly be.
Melaine pauses, and evaluates Renee's words and body language briefly. "So after experiencing the full wrath of Colin Winston earlier today, you're 'fine'. Melaine says with air quotes.
"I promise you, I am fine Melaine!" Renee works to convince the perceptive woman.
Melaine relaxes backward in her plush, high back chair. "Ok Renee. I see you're going to fake it, until you make it, huh?" Melaine laughs then continues. "Well, that is one way to deal with things." The olive skinned woman clips her straight brunette, shoulder length hair behind her ears. "Renee, I appreciate that you are displaying strength for my benefit. Nonetheless, Colin will strike again, and you will have to be prepared - down to your core. Do you understand?" Melaine notifies Renee.
Renee nods vigorously. "I get it. Prepared - down to my core."
"I hope so Renee. If not, then you will tap out soon. Okay?" Melaine warns. "Are you serious about going the distance here, and in your career?" Melaine then asks. Slightly intimidated by the gravity of the question, Renee pauses to properly consider it.
"Very serious...I want to go the distance." Renee tells Melaine with certainty.
"Great! I am glad to hear it." Melaine says enthusiastically, and leans forward again. "Renee, you may have wondered how come you haven't been paired for a project just yet. Well, it isn't due the short length of time you've been here. New design staff often shadow their seasoned colleagues." Melaine begins to explain. "You haven't been paired with anyone, because you have been paired with me." Melaine informs the newbie. Renee's eyes widen. Had she heard, right? What will this mean, and why?
"Renee, your eye for design far exceeds your contemporaries, at the same level. Take this piece for example." Melaine begins to refer to the design she assigned to Renee to tweak. "This was created by one of our more experienced artists. Although the client is happy with it, I still thought that it wasn't quite right." Melaine continues to clarify. "Now you have taken it to a new level." Melaine tells Renee, and smiles broadly. "There is something about you Renee. I can't quite put my finger on it, but your creativity is refreshing. Still, don't let it go to your head." Melaine delivers pointing her index finger at Renee, and wearing a smirk. "Now, the first thing we need to work on is your confidence. First thing tomorrow, as soon as you arrive, check in with Marina, and we begin." Melaine directs her new protégé.
CHAPTER 5
Over the next few weeks, Melaine coaches Renee on delivering, confident and effective presentations, including tweaking her language to appear fully in tune with the specifics of the clients' business. Melaine also takes Renee on a shopping trip to replace her mostly black, and aged wardrobe. Renee's make-over comprises of color blocking, and shades to enhance her black chroma scheme, without replacing it entirely. Melaine isn't opposed to black. She believes that it is a rather professional option. She just wants to help Renee refine her humdrum, nerdy application of it-that is all. The women also visit Melaine's hair salon. Melaine hopes to introduce Renee to styling options for her long, thick, coarse, but spiraling curly hair beyond a high top-knot bun.
Renee slowly spins around in her salon chair to face the mirror. She had not worn her hair down in a long while. The effort it took her to detangle, define and smooth her curls was exhaustive. Brushing it up with a paddle brush was all she could manage, on a day to day basis.
Renee is taken aback by her own reflection.
"Whoa!" She whispers.
"What was that, Renee?" Melaine immediately says.
"Um...I am...well, I am just...I have never seen my hair look like this before?" Renee manages to get out.
"So, do you like it then?" Melaine asks, while chuckling.
"I do...I like it very much." Renee responds. "If only I could do this myself." Renee added with a frown on her face.
"Not to worry about that Renee. I acquired Natalie's services just for you. She is now available here at my favorite salon, and can answer any questions you have, offer any tips, and - this is the best part - your appointments with her have already been scheduled over the next couple months." Melaine says proudly.
"The next couple months?" Renee asks confused. "Um...I...I don't think that is in my budget Melaine. " Renee subsequently states.
"I know that Renee." Melaine says chuckling. "Don't worry your creative mind about that. It is covered."
Melaine refuses to entertain any of Renee's further inquires, or comments about the situation, and the women return to work. The moment Renee, and Melaine step off the elevator they attract attention from every person they whisk by, or who catches a glimpse of the ladies. Renee overhears comments including; "Who is that with Melaine?", and "That new client, with Melaine is hot!" Renee cannot believe her ears. Could they really be talking about her like that? She had never heard the words, "Hot", and "Renee" in the same sentence. She had heard "Smart", even "Funny", but never that. Renee begins to feel awkward. She looks down at her clothes, and nervously adjusts them.
"Renee...join me in my office please." Melaine orders, jolting her out of her self-conscious thoughts. Renee complies. "I need you to join me in a meeting with one of our long-term high-profile clients, in the next two-hours." Melaine tells Renee.
Melaine, and senior designers were usually the only ones whom got to meet with high-profile clients, particularly the long-standing ones. Renee quickly agrees, assuming this is another session in her "Melaine Boot-Camp". She nods agreeably...until she hears Melaine say, "...and I will need you to present a design concept during the second-half of meeting."
Renee freezes. She w
onders whether she'd heard Melaine correctly. "Um, you would like me to present during your high-profile client meeting?" Renee asks for clarification.
"That's right." Melaine says, and a colorful graphic design appears on the large flatscreen, camouflaged as wall art in her office. Melaine explains the design, conducts several run-throughs with Renee, then two hours later the women enter the larger conference room prepared for the meeting. Renee's stomach burns with anxiety as each person enters the room. She stands, smiles, extends her right hand and confidently shakes hands with the clients, while nodding politely at the relevant BYWINSTON colleagues streaming in. Renee's hands begin to twitch.
"Uh-Oh" Renee whispers. She grows increasingly uncomfortable. She is the most recent recruit at the company, and at a meeting that only more senior staff are allowed to attend. "They hate me!" She whispers to herself again. However, she straightens her posture, and continues with re-checking the presentation on the computer, and testing the large screens on the walls to ensure that everything is perfect. I can't let Melaine down! Renee thinks and behaves as though no one else is in the room.
Eventually Melaine walks into the room. She is escorted by Caspian Lampros and his miniature entourage. Caspian Lampros is a multi-millionaire who has used BYWINSTON to assist with launching all of his business ventures, including his yacht building company, exclusive clothing stores, an ethnic restaurant, and several more. Caspian's yacht building business is extending overseas, and he's returned to the branding, and marketing agency that has assisted with making him very wealthy.
Not long after Colin Winston himself, and his Vice President, Travis Bedlan enter the room.
"Caspian! It is always a pleasure to see you!" Colin says, strutting across the room toward his illustrious client. "Thank you for coming back to refill my wallet." The affluent men embrace and laugh loudly at Mr. Winston's supposedly comical comment. Renee works not to smile, and keeps busy. Seems Mr. Colin Winston has a sense of humor after all. She thinks. Renee also can't help but sneak another peek of the presently affable Colin's grin. His green eyes shimmer under the fluorescent lights, and Renee's stomach nervously flips.
"Melaine, let's give Caspian another good show." Colin commands. In typical fashion, Melaine overlooks Colin's brash demeanor, and carries on with the task at hand with poise, and elegance. She graciously asks everyone to settle into their seats. Meanwhile, Marina and an individual from Caspian's team gather water, and other requested refreshments for Mr. Lampros, and Mr. Winston as they recline into their designated seats.
"Caspian Lampros, and guests, thank you for choosing BYWINSTON. Shall we turn your attention to the screen?" Melaine says, and nods knowingly to Renee to initiate the visual presentation.
While Melaine skillfully unfolds her fresh ideas for Caspian's business, Colin's attention is diverted to Renee. Since he noticed Melaine signal her to start the presentation, his eyes are glued on Renee who stands tall in three inch black pumps, a black high waisted pencil skirt, and a three-quartered sleeve, bright red Poplin Blouse. Her thick and well defined coiled curls flows past her shoulders. Who is that girl? Colin ponders with a noticeably confused look on his face. Renee is oblivious to Colin's stares. She is acutely attentive to Melaine's every word, and moves the visual presentation along like clock work.
Renee inhales, and exhales heavily, and her palms begin to sweat. She is nervously anticipating her verbal part of the presentation, which is vastly approaching. Soon Melaine pauses. "Now, for the remainder of the time I am going to ask for some help from one of our designers. She is responsible for shaping the overall layout into what you see before you." Melaine informs the group. Renee smiles nervously, and slowly walks over to the center of the room to meet Melaine. Her knees buckle slightly, just before she reaches Melaine's position. "Oh God, please don't let me fall on my face." Renee prays inwardly.
Colin remains transfixed. He hasn't taken his eyes off Renee since he first noticed her.
"Everyone, meet Renee Wainwright." Melaine proudly introduces her apprentice. She knows that she is taking a huge gamble taking Renee under her wing in the way she is doing. She expects there to be a backlash, particularly from Colin Winston, but the revolutionary Melaine Nordstrom is ready for it. Melaine switches places with Renee, and Renee begins.
"So, we created a design that will be able to visually stimulate across platforms..." Renee begins. She stutters a few times during her first few sentences, then stops. She swallows hard, and looks down at her hands. The room buzzes softly, and Colin appears perplexed displaying a creased forehead.
"Umph..." Melaine loudly clears her throat. It startles Renee, and she attempts to begin again. Just before starting again, she recalls her many pep talks with Melaine, and it propels her.
"Let me unpack the dimensions of the layout, and how it will be translated in print, video, and elsewhere..." Renee is off and running. She finds her sweet spot, and flows in it. Look above their heads...look above their heads. She repeats to herself while delivering her spiel.
Melaine smiles, and surveys everyone's facial expression during Renee's pitch. Colin in particular, appears astonished, confused, and unhappy.
Uh-oh! I'm going to hear a mouthful from Mr. Winston. We'll see how far I can use my "we're-cousins-almost-siblings card". Melaine thinks. No one at BYWINSTON, except Travis knows that Melaine, and Colin are cousins - not even her devoted assistant Marina. They made a pact not to share the information with anyone. Melaine prefers it. She believes it allows her the freedom to motivate, mobilize, and gain the respect of her staff, purely on her own credit as an effective leader.
Renee completes her part of the presentation abruptly, and takes a deep breath.
"Thank you for explaining our design marvelously Renee." Melaine stands, and addresses the audience immediately. Renee shuffles over to her original position, and sighs heavily.
"Are there any questions Mr. Lampros?" Melaine continues.
"So many questions Melaine." Caspian says playfully. "I absolutely love it! It is modern...um, cutting edge, yet still classy." He tells Melaine with a thick mediterranean accent. "Will this young woman also continue developing it with you...for television and so on..." Caspian asks. Renee's eyes widen, she swallows hard, then looks at Melaine for her response.
"Well, Renee is one of the designers on my team, and..." Melaine begins to explain until Caspian cuts her off.
"She is married to it...I hear her passion. She must be an important part, or else I will not be happy." Caspian announces.
The entire room hums with murmurs. Colin stands, and strides hastily to join Melaine at the front of the room. "Of course Caspian...You are correct...A designer with such passion must be an important part of your project." Colin says, and looks at Renee mischievously.
A chill runs down Renee's spine. What the heck is happening here? She grows genuinely concerned. One day Colin is like a mean ogre, the next he's approving of me? What?! Renee is noticeably uncomfortable and begins to stare at her shoes. Caspian on the other hand is amused.
"Now I am happy." Caspian says laughing. "I am actually happy overall with what I've seen today...I approve!" The average height, and stocky gentleman expounds. "What's the next step?" Caspian asks. The room simmers, and Melaine informs Caspian about the next steps. Colin, who remained at the front of the room, but off in the corner, occasionally glances over at Renee. He's unexplainably drawn to the young woman. He wisely observes every detail of her being. Colin watches as Renee bows her head, and taps her finger tips on the edge of laptop in front of her. Colin watches as she nervously pushes her curly locks behind her left ear.
What would her hair feel like? Would it feel like soft cotton? I like cotton. Colin wonders. He is so entranced that he doesn't realize that Melaine has stopped talking.
"Winston, you must be as pleased with Melaine, and her protege as I am...you are suddenly speechless." Colin hears in the distance, followed by uproarious laughter through out the entire room.
&
nbsp; Colin returns to the present. "Yes...um, Yes I am very pleased! Sounds like you're good with us moving forward Caspian?" Colin snaps back.
"Most certainly. My team will be in touch." Caspian says standing. Colin steps toward him with an extended hand, and the two powerful men firmly shake hands. Renee breathes a large sigh of relief that the meeting is over, as she watches Colin and Caspian exiting the room chuckling and playfully teasing one another. She is diligently packing up all the equipment, and keeps her head dowm. She doesn't dear look up to read the expressions on the faces of her more seasoned co-workers.
While the room empties, Melaine darts over to Renee to congratulate her. "Great job Renee! Everyone is really satisfied with your work" Melaine says beaming.
"My work? All I did was make a few edits. Please don't give me the credit for this." Renee says, agitated.
"What's wrong Renee? You should be very proud of yourself right now." Melaine reminds her.
Renee becomes embarrassed. She realizes that Melaine has picked up on her new found frustration. She decides to explain, stops tidying up, and turns toward Melaine. "I just started here about five weeks ago. I have to work with these designers, and I...I don't want to be treated like some charity case" Renee boldly explains.