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Smoothing down the fitted jersey silk dress, Sofie appreciated the quality of the material, silently grateful for the generous clothing allowance. In addition to expanding herexperience and knowledge in fashion, Sofie also found her style evolving. Since being exposed to the designer looks, and with guidance from Gabriella, Sofie began to see herself as less of a financially struggling student who slung coffee for a living and more of a mature and elegant woman on her way to a promising career.
There was no denying that Sofie was intimidated by her boss; Gabriella was often harsh and uncompromising. Her demand for excellence was unwavering. Sofie was frequently asked to redo projects or change her accessories if Gabriella felt that any jewelry did not compliment her outfit.
She had to admit that some days were a struggle; she wanted so badly to hear praise from her; it was almost an obsession. Beyond wanting to be an outstanding employee, Sofie was drawn to her boss in a way she couldn’t explain. Well, perhaps she could, but she wasn’t totally prepared to confront her feelings for Gabriella beyond just wanting to please her at work.
Reviewing her list, Sofie began to see a pattern that her responsibilities were becoming more complex. Her next task was to examine the entire draft of the upcoming May edition of Deluxe Redux and assess the chosen designs to ensure they met the standards of the magazine. Sofie was aware of the grand nature of this task, and she was proud that Gabriella trusted her with it.
Often, it was difficult for Sofie to tell as Gabriella provided more critiques than praise. But occasionally, she could catch Gabriella’s expression flash from irritated to impressed. While her boss never directed too much positive energy to Sofie, she had an idea that Gabriella was overall pleased with her work.
Sofie was so engrossed in her task that she didn’t notice Gabriella return to the office. It was nearing nine p.m., which was hours past her usual workday, but Sofie had committed tostaying late to finish what she was working on. “How are you doing?”
Startled, Sofie jumped in her seat upon hearing Gabriella’s voice. “Goodness! I’m fine; sorry, I was reading this editorial and didn’t hear you come in.” Gabriella chuckled lightly. “I’m glad to hear that you are so focused. How is the review coming along?”
Sofie bobbed her head. “So far, so good. I’ll have it completed by the time I leave.” From the corner of her eye, Sofie noticed that her boss had removed her suit jacket and that she was wearing a beautiful emerald-colored silk dress highlighting her physique. Sofie was always impressed with how her boss appeared so effortlessly polished and elegant.
Until she got hired at Deluxe, Sofie’s social circle mainly consisted of other lesbians her age that were either tomboys or dressed-up nightclub femmes. She had never really noticed older women of this calibre until she met Gabriella Galena.This woman is unlike anyone I’ve met. I wonder if she is gay. Either way, she sure does set a high bar when it comes to style and beauty. She is absolutely captivating.
Sofie knew Gabriella kept looking at her body, but she couldn’t decide whether it was in lust or in contemplative appraisal of her attire. On a few occasions when Sofie thought Gabriella was seconds from making a move on her, which had turned Sofie on furiously, Gabriella had pulled away and left Sofie to get on with her work.
“Excellent. I ordered us some take-out. I know it’s late, and you’ve been working so hard. Are you okay with Chinese?” Gabriella asked, which surprised Sofie.
“Wow, thank you! Sure, that sounds awesome. I didn’t get a chance to take a break, so I appreciate it.” Sofie beamed just as her stomach rumbled.
“It’s imperative that we complete the draft of the May issue, as the publication date is tomorrow. So, I’d rather have you eatwith me in the office, so we can get everything done.” Gabriella approached Sofie’s desk, putting a hand on her chair. Sofie could smell her boss’s perfume and feel the intensity of her closeness as she leaned in, peering at Sofie’s laptop.
Sofie thought back to the moment when Gabriella showed Sofie her reflection in the mirror, remembering her hands on Sofie’s waist. She had thought about that touch for the rest of the day and into the night. Her favorite moments in the office were when Gabriella paid Sofie attention, whether to correct a mistake or to comment on her outfit. But Gabriella’s gentle grasp on her body gave Sofie a memorable thrill, and she would fantasize about it happening again.
“Hmmm, no. I don’t like this version.” Gabriella indicated an image on the right-hand corner of the draft. “I think we have a better photo with a different angle of the model. Can you find it and replace it?” Sofie nodded, appreciative of the direction.
As Gabriella stepped away from the desk, there was a knock at the door, with a voice reporting, “Good evening Ms. Galena. Your take-out is here.” Gabriella turned to grin at Sofie. “Looks like it’s time for that break.”
Sofie’s stomach fluttered with excitement.I’ve never had a chance to relax around Gabriella.Trying to appear cool, she kept her smile contained. “Sure, that sounds good. It will be nice to take a breather.” But inside, Sofie felt a nervous thrill as though a crush had approached her. Gabriella pulled over an extra chair, placing it in front of her desk. “Here, grab a seat. Could you set up dinner for us?”
Sofie could feel Gabriella’s intense gaze on her as she removed the food containers from the large, brown paper bag. Sofie then unwrapped the cutlery packages, separating the sets to divide them between her and Gabriella. “How’s this?” Sofie waited for approval.
Gabriella raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Sofie, it’s just take-out. Save your perfection for the magazine. Honestly, you need to be more confident around me.” Grinning, Gabriella added, “It’s not like we are in some kind of Domme/sub relationship—if you even know what that is?” She gave Sofie a playful wink, and Sofie felt herself blushing and desire pooling in her stomach. Sofie knew that Gabriella was right; she was often too self-conscious for her own good.
Red-faced, Sofie nodded her head with a slight laugh. “Of course I do. I know that was silly of me.” Keeping her eyes low, Sofie lowered herself in the chair and picked up a small container. She removed morsels of broccoli and beef, placing a portion on her boss’s paper plate, serving herself second. Picking up their chopsticks, the women began to eat, and Sofie felt a curious tension between them.
“So, tell me,” Gabriella began, between bites, “how was your experience at the fashion institute? Obviously, from your transcripts, I can see you were successful. But what was itreallylike for you?”
Sofie was delighted but surprised that Gabriella wanted to know more about her. Gabriella’s general attitude was usually dismissive, so Sofie limited any conversations strictly to work matters.
Sofie replied, shrugging her shoulders, “Um, well, I was there on a full scholarship, so I was mainly focused on my studies. But it was fun; I met some cool people and learned a lot in my field.” Sofie kept her answer light to avoid any personal conversations.
But judging by the look in her eye, Sofie knew that Gabriella wasn’t about to let her off so easily. Maintaining her piercing gray-blue stare, Gabriella continued, “That wasn’t what I was asking. Sofie, you seem exceptionally hungry for success, more so than I’ve seen in other employees. You aredifferent—special, even—and I wouldn’t say that to just anyone. So, I’m curious asto why.” Tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear, Gabriella added, “But don’t feel obligated to answer. You don’t have to share anything with me if you aren’t comfortable.”
Sofie thought to herself how beautiful Gabriella was when she looked at Sofie like that-with kindness. Sofie felt her stomach flip.
“No, no, I don’t mind,” Sofie said hurriedly. Sofie was shocked to hear that her successful and beautiful boss wanted to know anything about her. Sofie didn’t see herself as unique, so it was flattering to hear such a compliment. “Well, I guess my ambition was the result of growing up poor. I lived with my family in Bushwick in a two-bedroom apartment. Even though I did well in school, my parents didn’t have the money to send me to college, so it was great that I got a scholarship.”
“Were you always passionate about fashion?” Gabriella interrupted, her gaze intense, but still soft. Sofie felt as though she was being examined under a microscope, but she didn’t mind. She loved that Gabriella was paying her attention, and for the first time since she had been hired, Sofie felt really seen.
“Mmm, hmm,” Sofie nodded in between bites. “I think my interest grew because we didn’t have the money to buy new clothes, so I began sketching outfits when I was a child. For me, it was mainly a form of escape. But one day, I found a second-hand sewing machine for five bucks and taught myself from YouTube tutorials how to make simple outfits.” Sofie grinned at Gabriella “From there, the rest is history. And now I’m here.”
“Do you have a partner? What do you do in your spare time?” Gabriella asked, adding slyly, “I mean, it’s not like you have a lot of it working for me. But still, I’m curious.”
Blushing slightly, Sofie answered, “Um, I had a girlfriend for a while, but we broke up recently. We used to live together—she was a lot wealthier than me. But when we split up, I moved in with some friends until I could save up for a place.” Sofie feltself-conscious confiding in her boss because she didn’t want to come across as fragile or to have Gabriella pity her. Brightening her tone, she added, “So, I’m glad to be working here because it’s given me hope that I can achieve my career goals. And I love to be of service; I find it completes me, especially during hard times.”
