Page 43 of Sweet Heat at Bayside
“Your firm has worked with our architect before, Drew Ryder at Ryder Associates. He’s expecting your call.”
“I’ll call this afternoon. I’ve researched your existing offices and have a handle on your brand and the mood you typically like to set. Are there any chang—”
“If you’ve studied our brand, then you know there is onlyonemood,” Muriel said as she crossed the concrete floor, her Christian Louboutin heels tapping out a fast beat. “We portray utmost professionalism ineveryoffice, oneveryfloor, ineverylocation.”
“Yes, of course.”Broken record much?She wanted to offer something new to this woman. If she wanted a rerun of all her other offices, why go with one of the most expensive companies in the area? “I’ll make a note that you’d like to carry over the same color scheme as downstairs. What about walls? Glass walls, at least in the conference rooms, would allow for more natural light in the rest of the office.”
“And less privacy,” Muriel said sharply.
“Noted. Let’s talk about the flow of the office. Will there be a reception area on this floor?”
“Yes. Let’s go back downstairs and I’ll have my assistant walk you through. She can answer any other questions you may have,” Muriel said as she walked back toward the stairwell.
So much for Serena’s dream come true. She was as hamstrung as a mummy.
Two hours later she returned to her office, scheduled an appointment to meet with Drew Ryder the following day, and headed straight to Suzanne’s office. She found her studying floor plans at her desk.
Suzanne waved her in. “How’d it go with Muriel?”
“I’m not sure, actually. She’s worked with the company for eight years, and you’ve designed six suites for the firm. I assumed she might want to freshen things up, but she has no interest in any design suggestions. Do you think I missed something?”
Suzanne waved to the chair. “Sit down. Let’s talk.” She came around the desk and sat in the chair beside Serena. “Muriel is one of our top clients, and yes, she has a very specific way of doing things. But she expects the same treatment as our less-controllingclients.”
“Which means a senior designer instead of a junior who would be perfectly competent for the job?” Serena asked.
“Exactly. Companies come to us for our expertise. Some of them truly want the design experience we bring to the table, while others simply want the ability to say we are ontheirteam.”
“I understand.”Even if I don’t like it.“I’ll work up the space plans and meet with Spencer and Laura to get them up to speed. I’ve scheduled a presentation meeting with Muriel next Tuesday. Would it irk her if I showed her exactly what she’s asked for as well as something slightly different on the off chance she might budge?”
“You can try, but it’ll be a futile effort,” Suzanne said with a shake of her head. “I was once idealistic like you, and I admire your persistence. But don’t take Muriel’s attitude as a personal affront to your abilities. I only send her the designers I know I can trust to get things right.”
“Okay. Thank you. There’s one more thing. She asked for a sixty-day turnaround. I know it’s possible, but one hitch in the plans and that time line will be shot.”
Suzanne rose to her feet. “When it comes to Muriel, there can be nohitch, and in my experience with Muriel Younger, there is no wiggle room.”
“Okay.” Serena nodded. “I do love a challenge.”
Serena headed into her office, wishing she’d stopped for that doughnut on the way back to the office. If ever she needed a little pick-me-up, it was today.
Since when is a doughnut better than cookies?
Since Kane’s Donuts reminds me of Drake.
There was no time to fret over cravings or ridiculous clients. They were the ones who paid her salary, after all. But there was always time for herbestcraving and her most spectacularsort ofclient. Drake. If only every job were like the resort or the music store.
She pulled out her cell phone and sent him a selfie of a pouty face.Back at the office without a Chocolate Orgasm. Maybe we can make up for that tonight, xox.
She returned her voicemail messages, scheduled appointments with the MacIntyres and the Wilkinsons, and then began working on the budget calculations for the law office.
Long after everyone else left for the evening, Suzanne poked her head into Serena’s office. “Burning the midnight oil? Have we overwhelmed you already?”
“No, not at all. I’m just putting together the budget for Muriel’s job. Tomorrow I’ll do the sourcing of materials and make sure nothing has been discontinued since the last time we ordered.”
Suzanne frowned. “That’s what you have a team for.”
“Oh, I don’t mind doing it. I actuallylovethat part of the process. Since I’ll be out of the office most of Friday with Gavin and then I’m heading home for the weekend, I wanted to make sure I had everything in order.”
“Yes, but that’s what junior designers are for. They handle the legwork of checking availability and the like. Serena, you’ve set up entire companies from start to finish. Don’t demean yourself by doing lower-level work. You’ve risen above that. Wear your new crown with pride. People would kill for a senior-design position with KHB.”
