章 10: Miss Rita
"Are you seriously being nervous right now?" Aaron casually leaned over to whisper into my ear. Of course, I was nervous, we were about to meet with Miss Rita, our lively hoods literally rest in her hands. She is notorious for her good shows and presentations. Everyone around the world comes to her Venues just to see what people have to offer. It's how we make our money and gain new customers. If we can't win this Venue, it would tarnish our reputation.
"I had some time to think about this last night after the phone call. We hold our shows on the same day every year. Why would Illia and Lilah want to fight us for our day? There are literally 364 other days in the year, and they have to just have that one." I mumbled angrily. Aaron walked quietly next to me as we climbed the marble stairs to the Venue Entrance. It was remarkably big with its large, polished Granite pillars. They made a large circle around the round building, starting of small at one end, and ending in large pillars on the other side. The building in the circle of pillars, was made out of a white marble. So white and shiny it looked like it was a new building every day.
The flowers planted along the white side walk where either red roses or black. Keeping it classy and majestic all at the same time. The smell was infatuating, a delightful smell that would make anyone's mood change. The mixture of smell and the delightful view of the building was enough to make anyone giddy. I swear, the only thing this place needed was a fountain and it would be the most beautiful place in the city. Considering this large venue was being over powered by large buildings and polluted air, so it was the most valuable place to own.
"I don't disagree that it's fishy, but I don't want to assume the worst of them yet. After all they are our competitors. It's not uncommon for second runners to try and swipe the carpet." Aaron said with a wink. I gave a long sigh and nodded my head. It wasn't like them, but they could be getting desperate too. Until they actually tried to physically do something to our company, there was nothing I could do. We finished walking up the steps and we both stopped at the door.
"Alright, do I look presentable? I don't normally where ties." Aaron said swinging his arms out wide. He wore a long black suit with a black undershirt. A red tie hung against his chest, awkward and so unlike him. I also have worked with Miss Rita for many years, and I know her tastes and preferences.
"Lose the tie and roll your sleeves. She likes her men masculine. Also, your hair brushed back like that makes you look ridiculous. Come here." I demanded as I placed my suitcase on the marble stairs. I took his tie off and unbuttoned his coat completely. I rolled his cuff up to his bicep, showing off the dragon tattoos that he had down both his arms. Each forearm bulged, showing off a finely defined vein going down the middle of each one. With his attire fixed, I ruffled his hair slightly. With careful placement, I kept a few strands of hairs in his eyes, giving him that boyish manly charm I admired so much. I took a step back, pleased with my master piece.
There was no way she could say no to him. He was like a charming prince, only if he was modern and play boyish. I guess you could say he was your stereotypical stylist. He looked so good, I felt underdressed. Next to him I was underwhelming and uncharismatic. A simple plain black dress that just barely touched the knees. A simple silver band sat loosely around my waist with a small flare of glitter. To match with my dress, a plain set of black flats that almost made me look boring. If I was going to stand next to Aaron, I would have to up my appearance from now on.
"Alright Aaron, now that you look like every other playboy, let's go and meet Miss Rita. I wouldn't be surprised if she decided to jump you as soon as we make it through the door." Aaron gave a nervous laugh at my last remark. He may be single, but he was still only loyal to one woman. I wouldn't let Miss Rita jump him; he was my wing man after all. I pushed the giant metal door open, only to run into trouble as soon as we stepped through the door. I gritted my teeth with pain as I bumped into a petite blonde woman.
I watched as she dramatically stumbled backwards, falling on her butt with a thud before glaring up at me with dull brown eyes. She wore a plaid mini skirt with a white button-down shirt. The top three buttons where open, showing off her deep cleavage. She 6-inch hiker boots to finalize the attire. I knew this design anywhere, and I knew that face as well.
"Illia darling, are you alright?" I asked as I reached out my hand to help her up. She swatted my hand away, her nostrils flaring. I pulled back my stinging hand, trying not to let my temper rise. Aaron placed a protective hand on my shoulder.
"You bitch, you did that on purpose. Are you so mad that we took the Venue, you would openly attack me!" Already took the Venue. Are we really too late?
"The windows are tinted Illia, no one would have seen you walking through this door. Besides, it clearly says entrance, so you are really in the wrong. She even tried helping you up, where are your manners." Aaron asked blandly. His face was bored, but his eyes where red with fire. Another blonde-haired woman came running up next to her. Her hair was pinned up with a bunch of jewelry encrusted flowers. She wore a strapless dress that came all the way down to her ankles. Her features where similar to Illia's but softer.
"My dear Illia, are they being mean to you? How dare they! You think you can just attack someone when something doesn't go your way?" Lilah knelt down while glaring at us. My head was starting to throb at the scene. It was becoming too much for me to sit here and listen to this charade. They were clearly here to destroy our image. Just to prove my point, I happened to look up and noticed Miss Rita standing a ways off, watching the door. Her hands where crossed, a neutral expression on her face. She was a little plump with long brown wavy hair cascading down her back. She was wearing a simple green dress with a touch of glitter. It was a loose silk fabric that piled around her feet. She truly was the queen of venue.
Turning my attention back to the situation at hand, I found that Aaron was slowly loosing face, and was getting irritated. I had to stop this before it spiraled any more out of control. I placed a hand on Aarons chest before he could say another word.
"Illia, I'll admit I didn't see you when I came in and I am sorry for bumping into you. If your injuries are that serious, please call Phoenix Designs and we will take care of your medical bills. I hope you too have a good day." I said giving Lilah my business card. She refused my help and tried to make a fool out of me. The best way to ease over the situation, was just to give her my business card. There was no pacifying an angry competitor.
I ignored the loud wailing, fake painful sobs as I made my way over to miss Rita. She stood tall and elegantly like her building. No matter how many times I walk in here, the beautiful venue always too my breath away. The inside glittered just as much as it did outside. A long winding staircase of course made out of marble, led to her office space upstairs, along with an outside patio where guests can enjoy the view over the ocean. Through door on the right, was the massive room that held the show case room. To the left, was the kitchen that served the events. Normally when I came in, it was always busy and full of life. But today, it was quiet. The only sound that could be heard was the light tapping noise our feet made as we walked.
"My beautiful Rosie! I am so glad you came to see me today my dear. I am so sorry about the mess; I hope you understand." Miss Rita said as we got closer. A huge genuine smile crested upon her face. I couldn't help smiling in return, glad she wasn't swayed by the poor display of acting Illia and her sister where putting on. Miss Rita wrapped me up in a warm embrace, almost motherly. Ever since the first day I met Miss Rita, she has always treated me like one of her own. We really just clicked. But regardless of how much she doted on me, she was also a business woman, and she couldn't pick favorites.
"I do understand Miss Rita, and I don't hold a grudge towawrds your actions. I know that this is a business and not a playground. I do wonder if you could spare me a few moments so I can discuss something with you in private." Miss Rita let go of me, and then immediately turned her direction to Aaron. Her genuine smile turned coy and playful. Like a starved animal finding a snack. Ah poor Aaron, maybe I shouldn't have made him look like a god.
"You can have all the time you need dear, please come with me." She waved her hand towards the stairs. I took the first initiative and started to ascend the staircase. But before Aaron could ascend the steps, he was quickly snagged by Miss Rita by the arm. "Mister Blake, I finally get to meet you up close and not surrounded by your many admirers. What a pleasure." Her fingers locked around his arm, preventing him from letting go. But instead of shying away from it, he leaned in close and winked at her.
"My apologize for keeping such a wonderfully beautiful woman waiting. Rose has told me so much about you, but I never got to meet this interesting woman." He really laid on the charm, grinning with his pearly whites. I swear I could see her heart flutter. I smiled to myself while I listened to them playfully flirt with each other all the way up to the office. This was going to be a long meeting; this I was already sure of.
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