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Romi paused for a moment, maintaining a calm expression. “Sure, no problem. I’ll, um, take care of that right away.” Gulping nervously, Romi added, “Is there anything I can help you with before I leave.”
Gabriella crossed her arms in front of her, exuding an air of authority. “No, that’s it. Just shoot a new cover; that’s a priority. And moving forward, I want to see the unedited photos beforeanything goes to print. I understand we haven’t worked together much, but this is how I like things done.”
“Got it, no problem.” Romi backed away from Gabriella. “Oh, and I’ll be sure to send you the marketing images for the gala. You’ll want to approve those, too, right?”
Gabriella blanked, furrowing her brow.Gala? What gala?Suddenly, it hit her. She had forgotten about the annual Pink in the City Fashion Gala, which Deluxe Redux sponsored. The high-end affair also served as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Gabriella knew that the event had to be perfect, and she needed to be in attendance.
Rather than be corrected by a strange, new employee, Gabriella quickly recovered. Sternly, she nodded. “Right, yes. I’ll need those by noon today—no exceptions. Oh, and make sure that my car is booked for that night. I’ll also need an appointment to get my hair done.”
“Um, well, okay. I don’t really handle personal matters at the magazine. But I’m happy to take care of that for you because I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on,” Romi explained. “Do you have an assistant? Maybe they could help you?”
Gabriella was becoming overwhelmed. She realized that there would be much to deal with upon her return, and at this time, she did not have an assistant.Fuck! She’s right. I’ll need to figure that out.“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure I get those photo proofs today. I’ll handle the rest myself.”
Gabriella was aware of her snappy tone, but it was important for her to assume her territory at the magazine. Having an efficient team was crucial for the brand’s success, but Gabriella preferred to rule with an iron fist rather than soothe the staff with a gentle approach.God, it feels like things are already falling apart here, and I’m facing an avalanche of work. I need a moment to regroup and to grab a coffee.
Once Romi had exited the office, Gabriella threw on her elegant Burberry overcoat to head over to Sunny’s Coffee for a morning break.They better not mess up my latte; I’m definitely not in the mood.
2
“One mocha chip, iced latte for Sam!” Sofie Rosswell called out from behind the counter. As the morning rush began, Sofie was working her usual Monday shift at Sunny’s Coffee. Because she needed to wake up at five a.m., Sofie was grateful for the clatter and energetic atmosphere, which helped her stay alert. And Monday mornings at Sunny’s were always busy, welcoming high-powered fashion moguls, photographers, and other industry types as customers into the shop.
Just as Sofie placed the drink on the counter for the customer, she felt a tap on her shoulder. “Hey, I’m going on my break in five; want to join me?” Sofie turned to her friend Marlee, nodding quickly.
“Yup, let me finish these orders, and I’ll head down to the staff room.” She was glad to be working with Marlee today. Sofie got along well with all of Sunny’s employees, but she and Marlee had become close friends, and they always tried to time their breaks together. Marlee patted Sofie’s shoulder and headed towards the back of the store while Sofie completed the orders, placing more beverages on the counter.
Wiping her hands on her apron, Sofie removed the coarse fabric over her head, shaking her long, dark ponytail. Notifying her manager that she was taking a break, Sofie moved into the staff room through the back of the store, down a short flight of stairs.
Marlee was already sitting at the communal table with a muffin and a cup of coffee in front of her. Sofie grinned at her friend, sitting in the seat next to Marlee. She sighed as the exhaustion caught up to her. Sofie wasn’t usually a morning person, but since she started working full-time at Sunny’s, she had learned to adjust her internal body clock. Still, some mornings were more demanding than others, and Sofie felt a wave of fatigue hit her as she sank down into her seat.
“So, how’s Jess?” Sofie asked Marlee, referring to Marlee’s new girlfriend. Like Sofie, Marlee was a lesbian, and it was one of the first things the friends had bonded over.
Marlee beamed. “Oh man, things aresogood. I really think that she could be the one.” Marlee pointed at her muffin. “She made these for me; isn’t that sweet? Do you want to try a piece?”
Sofie shook her head. “I’m good, but thanks for offering. I can’t eat anything until at least noon. It’s weird, but I’ve never been a breakfast person.” Sofie wanted to sound light and carefree, knowing there were other reasons for her waning appetite.
Marlee studied her friend, making eye contact. “How are you doing? I mean, you know, with everything that’s been happening.”
Sofie looked down and shook her head. “Um, I don’t know. Fine, I guess. I’m trying not to think about it at work. I just want to focus and slap a fake smile on my face. Strangely enough, the ‘fake it till you make it’ concept actually works.” She tried to joke with Marlee, but Sofie’s heart was heavy.
“Look, I know how hard breakups can be. I was heartbroken over my ex for at least a year before I was able to date again.” Patting Sofie’s hand, Marlee added, “Don’t worry, you’ll get there. It just takes time.”
Sofie nodded, grateful for her friend’s empathy. “I know, you’re right. I just thought that Charlie and I would be together forever, you know? I understand that three years isn’t the longest period of time, but she was myperson.”
Taking a deep breath, Sofie continued, “And it’s not just the breakup. I’m just frustrated that I still haven’t found any work in fashion. Last night, I was up until one a.m., searching for jobs. I graduated top of my class. It just sucks that I have to work so hard to survive when others have everything handed to them.”
Marlee bobbed her head. “I totally get it. Like you, I’ve had to work my ass off too. But I’ve still got my dreams. I am going to own a lesbian coffee shop one day. That’s why I’m working towards the manager position. I want to learn this business inside out so that I can create my own business.”
Sofie’s friend looked so proud and determined that it inspired Sofie to stay true to her own goal of becoming a fashion journalist. Normally, Sofie was optimistic about her future, but the breakup with Charlie caused her emotions to shift, resulting in feelings of self-doubt.
Grabbing Marlee’s hand, Sofie squeezed it with gratitude. “Thanks for being here. I love when we get to work together. And you’re right. I want to focus on myself and my dreams. And it’s hard to be lonely when I’m living with two other roommates,” Sofie quipped, referring to her new living situation since leaving Charlie’s apartment.
The coworkers joked together for a few moments until Sofie noticed the time. She notified Marlee that their break was over, and the employees headed toward the front of the store. Uponher return, Sofie noticed a long line forming, so she took her rotating position in front of the cash register.
Just as Sofie finished serving an Earl Grey tea to a regular named Sarah, she noticed a striking customer enter Sunny’s Coffee. The woman’s elegance immediately captivated Sofie, causing her to blush. She was tall and lean and mid 50s with a silvery bob and a beautiful Burberry coat that had to be the new season’s. Sofie clocked her classic Louboutin heels and swooned. SheadoredLouboutin heels. Confidence and power oozed from this woman’s every pore. Sofie felt her insides go to mush. Attractive women entered Sunny’s all of the time, especially those working in the Garment District. But there was something magnetic about this woman that made Sofie flustered.
“Um, here you go,” Sofie stammered as she handed back change from Sarah’s payment. From her peripheral vision, Sofie kept an eye on the stylish woman, who was next in line.
The customer looked at the coins in her hand and chuckled. “Thanks, Sofie, but I think you gave me too much back.”
