Chapter 35: Yells and Stickers.

GIOVANNI.

Sweat broke out on my face as I stared at her wondering what had come over her. It wasn't in her place to interrupt this meeting with her thoughts or whatever. I didn't ask her to be here to ruin things for me.

She really shouldn't ruin the little progress I've made. What was wrong with her? Why wouldn't she catch my eye?

Damn you, Kiki. I groaned inwardly not believing that she was about to do this.

“Sir, I don't think that is necessary. Most consumers pay more attention to their outfits than their shoes. Besides, you can't call this shoe ugly. It's beautiful. We have various stock of it in different patterns if you don't find this appealing enough.” She said, confidently, gesturing with her hands. I froze in my seat watching her.

Okay, where did that come from?

Mr. Rodriguez watched her like she was gold, paying deep attention to her words. “I don't know. I don't think so, Kiki.” He mumbled, his eyes fixated on her.

”I'm a lady sir and I have a taste." She hit her hand on her chest drawing attention to beg chest area. I saw the old man dab his lips with his tongue. I felt like strangling him at that moment. “Trust me, if I find a shoe like this. A shoe that could make my foot comfortable and hurt less yet I could still move around in them, I would spend my last dime on it." She started.

“If your ladies wear this, they wouldn't have to worry about their feet aching and use balm every time. What they have to worry about is their outfit and their performance on stage because, with these heels, all worries will dissipate. I'm sure you won't enjoy it if your ladies keep complaining about their feet, making them less productive at work.” She stopped talking to catch her breath.

“Right, Mr. Rodriguez?” She asked, her lashes fluttering cutely.

“Besides, the shoes are made with the best leather so you don't have to worry about them wearing out. Sure, it cost a fortune but trust me, it's worth every penny.” I didn't know how she was doing it but the impassive look on the old's man face started to wear off and I saw him nod his head, starting to agree with her.

I couldn't believe it!

I couldn't believe this man. Just a few words from her could change his mind. Okay, not a few words but still, he didn't look like he was going to offer us the contract but here he was agreeing with us.

“Oh sir, the shoes are exclusive too, right Giovanni?” She wasn't afraid to call me by my name before this man. I snapped out of my shocked daze and heeded her call.

“Yes, they are, for now,” I told him.

“Oh good. I'd love to keep it that way. My ladies would be the only ones with the shoes in town. Sweet.” He grinned.

“Exactly!” Kiki snapped her fingers, smiling.

“You are right Kiki. You are so right.” He grinned at her, flashing her his thirty-two.

“Then, you would have to do your part by purchasing them sir," I told him taking charge of the conversation again. Enough of the flirting.

“What are you talking about Giovanni? Of course, I'm going to purchase them in quantity. I would want you to send me beautiful patterns in sexy colors. You know, attractive colors.” He told me.

“Definitely sir. You will get them as soon as you let us know how much you want.” I smiled at him.

“That won't be a problem.” He smiled and then got on his feet. “I would love to take my leave now, Giovanni.” He mumbled. I stood up too and Kiki did the same.

He shook her hand first, his fingers grazing over her skin a little too much. It made me feel disgusted by him.

“Thank you for opening my eyes Kiki.” He thanked her.

“Just doing my job, sir.” She bowed. I almost screamed at her, asking her what job but I held my tongue for the man to leave. I took his hand for a brief handshake.

“It is nice doing business with you, Giovanni. My secretary would get back to you. I want the items delivered as soon as possible.” He said again.

“Alright, sir.” I smiled and began to lead him out of the door. He moved with me occasionally glancing back at Kiki who was still standing watching us. As soon as he got into the elevator, I turned around and headed for Kiki.

“What was that stunt you pulled?" I yelled when I walked in through the door.

She got on her feet, alarmed and confused as to why I was yelling at her. “What is wrong with you?” I yelled at her.

“What do you mean, sir?” She was trying to be polite now.

“You are seriously asking me that? I never asked you to speak, did I? I didn't ask you to be in the meeting to interrupt my discussion or butt your ideas in. You were supposed to be taking notes not talking. Why would you even do that?” I snapped beyond pissed?

“Excuse me?” She snapped too. “You are supposed to be happy. What I did just earned you a customer. My butting in, my interruption just signed you a deal. What do you even take me for? A dumbass who doesn't know what she's doing? The man needed convincing and that was all I did. Why am I being yelled at instead of being appreciated?” She snapped, demanding answers.

“You don't get to raise your voice at me, Kiki. I employed you. Your job here is to take notes and do as I say. If it is too hard for you to understand, then get the hell out of here. It's not too late." I deadpanned.

She stared at me, enraged. She didn't say anything but her heaving breaths told me how furious she was. After minutes of silence and heavy breaths, she finally spoke. “Fine!” She snapped, although she looked cross.

“But I still don't get this. I saved you back there with my words. If it wasn't for my convincing, they would be no deal." She spoke to my face.

“This is my job, Kiki. And I would run it the way it's supposed to be run without interference. You are not part of my creative team so I will say this one more time. Never interfere in my meetings, no matter how the business is turning out. It's not your job.” I addressed her sternly. She gulped looking hurt while nodding. She grabbed her things to leave.

“And get rid of those stickers on your book. This is a work environment, not a club!” I yelled. She looked at the book, pissed, she paid me no heed, turned around, and walked out of the room, banging the door after her to show her displeasure.

That didn't matter.

What mattered was that she was going to do my bidding.