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“Nothing here,” Sophia says. “Just tell her what we went over today.”
“Same. We’ve been doing pretty well on our own.”
I laugh. “I guess that’s true.”
Rebecca has been very hands-off since we started Frills West. I don’t know how often she talks to Clementine, but she has barely emailed or called me in the last seven-and-a-half months.
“Can I go back to work now?”
“Yeah, of course.”
We head back to our individual desks. Sophia is between Clementine and me in case she needs any assistance, but she has a degree in design and an extensive background in interior design, so I’m not too worried about her.
I work on sending some bids to prospective businesses and doing some outreach to try and get more contacts on this side of things. When the afternoon comes, it’s time for my call with Rebecca. The Frills West office has one private room we use for a ‘break room,’ which really just has a fridge, microwave, and small table that none of us sits at.
“I’m going to take my call in the little room, so I don’t disturb you guys.”
“Sounds good. Let us know what she says!”
My phone starts buzzing as I settle into one of the uncomfortable spots at the table.
“Leila! I’m so glad we’re able to chat today!” Rebecca says the second I answer. “How are things?”
“Pretty good,” I tell her. I go over what I discussed with Clementine and Sophia earlier today, and Rebecca approves our plans.
“I’m glad you and Clementine seem to be getting along. She has been keeping me apprised of everything going on over there.”
“Yeah, I know she’s usually your contact person. I was surprised you wanted to meet with me today.”
“Well, you’ve been doing incredibly well in California. I knew you had talent back here, but those pictures you’ve been sending me of all the work you’ve done there are amazing.”
I blush. “Thanks, that means a lot. I’ve been trying really hard. It wasn’t easy at first.”
“I know, and that’d be partially my fault. I shirked my duties and put it all on your shoulders. You and Clementine had to do all the work.”
“It hasn’t been too bad. She had a lot of contacts.”
I’m being nice, but it was frustrating to show up and find Rebecca didn’t keep her promise to find some contacts for us to start out. It made for a difficult few months, but it’s getting better now.
“Good to hear. I wanted to tell you that I discussed it with the team, and we’re looking to totally revamp the website. We don’t even have Frills West up there yet.”
“Wait, really?”
“I thought we had, but the page was never published. So, we’re going to do a big reveal with all the stuff you’ve been doing. We want to use all those pictures you’ve sent me. The coffee shop and that entire house are at the top of the list. We have some of Clementine’s projects, too. We’ll do portfolios for each of you over there, but we want to feature your work on the main page.”
“Oh, wow. That sounds awesome. Thanks, Rebecca.”
“It was a rocky start in California. I was beginning to wonder if we’d made a mistake, but you proved me wrong. If things keep going well there, we’ll try and open another office in Florida, and then eventually in the Midwest.”
“I had no idea you wanted to expand so much.”
“Neither did I!” Rebecca says with a laugh. “But now that we’ve seen how successful you are, the team and I agree it’s a good idea.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Working out here has been a lot of fun. It’s different, and I like that.”
“You’re the reason Frills West is booming. You’ve put in the hard work and time, and it is paying off.”
“Well, I have to admit that my boyfriend had a big part in all this. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know if we would’ve had the same boom we did.”
“That may be true, but no one would hire a bad designer. Your good work is what kept those clients. Your boyfriend just drummed up the interest.”
“That means a lot to hear, Rebecca.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “You know I’ve always valued you as a part of the team. That’s why I knew you were the best Frills designer to work at the new office. Clementine has been my contact person, but you’re running the show out there.”
I don’t know what to say, so I don’t say anything.
“The thing is, Leila, the California office is thriving, and it has made me realize we could be doing better here in Massachusetts.”
“Have you been struggling? There was always consistent work while I was there.”
“We’re doing okay, but California, even with its lighter staff, will surpass us soon. Obviously, I’m happy about that, but it makes me think we could use a kickstart over here, too.”
