บท 17: Introduction
"Rosaline, so glad you could join us even if it is over computer. I hope you are doing well and staying out of trouble." I inwardly rolled my eyes and pasted on my best smile. Bastion really knew how to press my buttons. His demanding demeanor was like he was trying to scold his child without visibly doing so.
"Bastion, I am touched you are so worried about me. Yes, I am feeling better than I have in the last four days. Thank you for your concern." I said folding my hands in front of me. With a grunt, he nodded his head once on the screen. I could visibly see all the advisors and head officers of our building as they all sat around the table. Manilla folders fanned across the table like a sea of paper work. For once I was glad, I was not in attendance and peacefully at home.
Today the meeting would be set on our annual budgets along with revenue that we have made in the last eight years we have been working. This was also the moment we would meet without new makeup client. I hoped it would be some young guy who was easily persuaded by good looks. If I could turn him into my puppet, I could easily get the best-looking advertisement money could buy. With Celestia also being a person of Interest, it would make our advertisement even more noticeable.
"You look like you have something you want to say Miss Freed. Is there anything you want to discuss before we jump in?" Bastion asked once, eye brow raised with a bored expression. I waved my hand at the screen, telling him I had nothing to say at the moment. If the man was not someone easily persuaded, not if we had the budget, there was no way I could bring it up prematurely. With a nod of his head, he jumped right into the meeting. He asked first if Mandy Louise, head of the revenue division, could start us off by talking about the amount we have made so far this year.
"Well thanks to the hard work of Aaron Blake and Rosaline Freed, we have actually made a huge amount from the season prior. But it wasn't enough to cover the lost from last years…mishap." The short black hair lady with the piercing in her nose, sat with her arms crossed as she leaned back in in her chair. She looked rather unimpressed and bored with the meeting even though it just begun. It was also a silent slap in the face to Aaron and I since we both brain stormed the idea together.
"Yes, I am well aware of our performance last year, and I will take the responsibility since I okayed this performance. We have plans to make it even better this year, so hopefully it will make up the cost. Right now, I just need to know if we have enough in the budget to do what we need to for this show." Bastion steepled his fingers together, his eyes intently resting on the nonchalant Mandy. She glanced over her paper work, I suppose checking her numbers twice in case she was wrong.
"I suppose we have just enough for what you ask, but if this plan fails as well, I will get ready for bankruptcy." She muttered. But not quietly enough because Aaron shot her a dirty look. I also too, was angry at this woman for spuing such words, but I wasn't as daring as Aaron to openly show my distaste towards her. After all, she was technically in charge of our wages. But with the budget almost completely out for this event, I think the advertisement is now out of the question.
"Stop with your negativity. I will not have it at this meeting Mandy. Now moving on. Shane how are the designs that we have drawn coming along. I know that Rosaline said we could use old supplies from last year's show so I think we should implement them to save us money." Shane kept his blonde hair shaved on both sides and kept it long. He always preferred to wear sunglasses indoors regardless of if it was sunny or not. I guess it was a cool fashion statement, something I never really understood.
"These designs are very intricate, but otherwise, I think they are coming along fabulously. Even I am getting excited for this show. I think Miss Freed's idea was absolutely brilliant." I beamed at him, warmed by his compliment. Aaron also smugly sat in his chair, a penicil in his hand as he absently played with it. His look lied directly on Mandy, as he casually rocked back in forth in his seat. This time, I had to look away from the camera, afraid that I would laugh and be seen. If it was one thing I didn't like, was office drama. But Aaron always new how to make it interesting.
"I am glad that our staff has positive feedback on our new theme. It makes me hopeful for our up and coming show. Rosaline, do you have anything to report at all before we adjourn this meeting?" Bastion asked once more. I gave him a beaming smile, please to announce that I had recruited a few models for our show.
"Yes actually. Darek and the up-and-coming actress Celestia, are in agreeing terms with our show. I will be meeting with Celestia after work to go over her contract with modeling for us. I even have her and Darek book for the Spring event as well when we figure that out. Unfortunately, Ashley is too busy to help us, so far now we still need to more models. One male and one female." Bastion nodded his head, pleased with the results. It made me feel good that I could also add some good news to the pile before me meet our new makeup specialist.
"Now, before we end this meeting. There are still a few things I would like to discuss. You all know that we have been suffering without a makeup industry to back us up for a while now. It's tragic what Diamond Legend is going through, but we can no longer have a working relationship with our long running partners." There was whispering from around the table as he paused. Uneasy glances where being passed around before the room went quiet.
As the room went silent, patiently waiting for his continued speech. The hush was so intense, I could feel it and I wasn't even in the room. Bastion's eyes wandered around the room, then finally settled upon me. I felt the uneasy feeling I had been pushing away, rise to the surface. What was he about to say that he needed to stare so intently at everyone?
"Is something the matter Bastion? What is it that you don't want to tell us?" I asked, impatiently trying to prod the beast into telling us. The sooner we get this meeting over with, the faster I can meet up with Celestia.
"Well, our new specialist brings us good tidings. So, without further ado, I would like to present to you…"He paused, almost flinching as he gestured to the door. It swung slowly open at the wave of his hand. My eyes went wide, anger coursing through me as I stared at his damn face. "Please give Damien Golding a warm welcome, and let's also welcome the staff of Dragon's Eyes as well. Treat them well as we continue to further our company." Bastion said standing up. The room erupted into a loud appraisal and cheers. Everyone except Bastion, who was standing like a statue next to Damien. Aaron was also not so impressed by his sudden appearance.
I of course, not wanting to shame the company, stood, and applauded as well. A very fake smile pasted on to my face as I felt my plan falling to shambles. If I was to try and ruin face with the Dragon's Eye, then I would also be shaming my own company. I couldn't risk hurting Bastion, so for now I would have to endure this man until I found another harmless way to hurt his pride.
My applause was quickly interrupted by a text on my phone. It was Celestia, telling me she was at the café we had sat at last time she visited. I gave a small thankful sigh. At least something good could be salvaged.
"Unfortunately, I have to cut the celebration short. Aaron needs to come grab me for a visit with a client and I can't miss it. So, I wish you guys a good rest of your day. Happy celebrating." I said grinning from ear to ear. Before a word could be uttered, I ended the call and slunk in my seat. That bastard sank his claws into the wrong business. I just hope he was ready for one hell of a ride.
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