Page 60 of Bayside Heat
“Sixty days will be tight, with the build-out.”
Muriel’s gaze turned colder. “Sixty days can be done.”
“Yes, of course, as long as there are no major last-minute changes.” Serena made a mental note to discuss the time frame with Suzanne.
“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 only one mood,” Muriel said as she crossed the concrete floor, her Christian Louboutin heels tapping out a fast beat. “We portray utmost professionalism in every office, on every floor, in every location.”
“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-controlling clients.”
“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 on their team.”
“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 no hitch, 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 her best craving and her most spectacular sort of client. Drake. If only every job were like the resort or the music store.
