Page 20 of Cinderella-ish
Chapter 9
Antonio
Jonah’s eyeswiden in absolute amusement the second he sees me strut into the expansive boardroom of Creative Solutions, Inc with Daniella by my side. I’m certain he recognizes her from the video TMZ showcasedyesterday.
“My man, my man, my man,” he says, coming in strong for a man-hug. “I’m all ready to brainstorm themes for the The Fashion Show. I can’t believe it’s only weeks away.” He gives Daniella a congenial once-over and extends his hand to shake hers. “Hey there. I’m Jonah. You must be Daniella. Antonio’s new PA? I’ve heard loads aboutyou.”
I launch critical glare at him. Fact is, he’s right. I haven’t stopped talking about Daniella since I laid eyes on her. But she doesn’t need to knowthat.
“All things good, I hope,” Daniella says with agrin.
She looks ravishing today, with a curve-hugging pant suit, sexy heels, and ribbons of her long hair streaming down her back. The two of us chit-chatted during the drive here, and I was able to unveil fragments of key information: she’s six years younger than I am, is from Texas, and is newly single, thanks to some dude who broke up with her yesterday, via text.Coward.
“Yep. All good things. Anyway, shall we begin?” Jonah looks at me with raised eyebrows. “We’ve got lots to accomplish in such littletime.”
Time flies, and Jonah and I brainstorm for over an hour, even though I find it hard to concentrate with Daniella seated next to me—feeling as though I’m trapped in some sappy romantic comedy about a hunky guy drooling over a hot chick who won’t give him the time ofday.
Maybe that’s what I find so annoyingly alluring about her: she doesn’t seem to give adamn.
“Hello? Earth to Antonio,” Jonah’s sharp tone cuts into mythoughts.
“Uh…sorry, what?” I grumble, tapping my pen on thetabletop.
“I said, what about an east meets west theme?” He looks as though he believes he’s struckgold.
But hehasn’t.
“Hell no,” I sayunquestionably.
“Well, I’m all out of ideas then.” He tosses his pen onto his notepad and runs his fingers through his dark, curly hair. “You’ve turned down a beach theme, a mermaid theme, a bad girl theme, and now this. Dude. Need I remind you again we are only weeks away?Weeks,Antonio.”
Jonah’s ideas have been good. Just not good enough.CraveMehas been falling behind competitors at The Fashion Show, and I need this year’s theme to be freakin’spectacular.
“Look Jonah,” I express, now pacing the black-and-white marble floor of the boardroom. “All of those ideas are great. But I need something different. Somethingspectacular. And definitely something the other guys like Rendezvous won’t be doing.” I stop pacing and turn to face Jonah. “CraveMemust standout.”
Jonah smirks then looks pointedly at Daniella, who is feverishly scribbling away on the notepad. “What do you think? Have you anyideas?”
I interrupt, throwing my hands in the air. “Hey, now wait. I seriously doubt she’s even been to The Fashion Show. Besides that, she knows nothing about the brand, being it’s her first day and all. I don’t think she’s remotely qualified to offer anyinsight.”
And just as quickly as the insolent words fly out of my mouth I realize how they must havesounded.
Daniella stiffens and I can see a glimmer of hostility in her eyes as she glares atme.
Through pursed lips she mutters, “With all due respect, Mr. Michaels, perhaps part of the problem is that you’re quick to dismiss the scope of an idea simply based on your perceived notion. All of the themes you’ve eschewed can be made into something spectacular. You’ve just got to come down from your higher-than-thou pedestal and give the unknown a chance.” The seat scrapes from under her as she shoots up from her chair. She straightens her suit jacket. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’d like to visit the powderroom.”
Jonah and I both follow Daniella with speculative eyes as she marches out of theboardroom.
Jonah’s mouth flies open. “Well, isn’t she the perfect dose of spunk you’ve been missing all this time?” He beams and I just want to punchhim.
“I deserved it. I insulted her without meaning to. But, as seems her norm, she fired rightback.”
“You do know she’s right? You can’t afford to be Arrogant Antonio right now. We’ve got a fashion show to put on and frankly we’ve gotnothin’.”
I sit back down, lowering my head into my hands. “You’re right. Time is of the essence. I’ll try to keep an open mind and I’ll askDaniella—”
“You’ll ask me what?” Daniella queries, as she walks past my seat and slides into hers, seemingly careful not to make eye contact withme.
“If you’ve got any ideas,” I offer, my voice low. “And I apologize for my rant. I’ll try to be less of a dick from now on. It’s something I’m workingon.”
