Page 99 of Wrapped in Perfection

"I'm reliable, can meet deadlines, and stay within your budget."

"Anna did the impossible and saved us from losing big money. She met a deadline no other designer would have, saved us a gross of eleven percent overall, and also gave us an idea that will probably add another ten- to thirty-percent profit to our bottom line."

Sacha leans in. "And what is your idea?"

Maksim shakes his finger and tsks him. "Anna will not be giving you any ideas until she is under contract with you."

Sacha's face reddens. "I need to understand what she can bring to the table if I am going to take a chance on her."

Maksim confidently laughs. "I am vouching for her. Her rates are the same as Lada's, so she is within your budget."

Sacha shakes his head. "Lada is well known. Her reputation is pristine. She has earned the rate she charges."

My stomach twists. I'm still not used to the fees Dmitri insisted I charge.

Maksim turns to me. "Please take out your contract."

I pull it out, and he hands it to Sacha. "Lada left everyone in a lurch. Her style was stale. Anna's is fresh and edgy. The last project you had didn't do as well. It was a design issue. You know it, and so do I. We have all been pretending for the last few years that Lada is the best out there, but she isn't. Anna is. And this isn't her first project. She has a business and reputation in New York."

"Not in our community. I checked, and now I know why no one heard of her."

That's because I never did full buildings in New York.

This is so over my head.

But I did design an entire building here. That has to count for something.

"Ahh. Yes. But she is in our community here. She is our designer, and you can either be up and coming or stay behind. It's your choice, but Anna is not lowering her rates."

The waitress comes to our table with several dishes for everyone to share. I recognize a few of the items from when Dmitri and I ate dinner here.

Maksim motions to the food. "Anna, please go first."

I put a few items from each dish on my plate. Maksim and Sacha follow. When everyone's plates are full, we all take a few bites.

"Anna's rates are also going up soon. As her contract states, she's willing to lock you in at this rate for the next two years." Maksim takes a sip of his water.

I almost choke on my food. I'm not even used to the rates I'm charging now, and they are going up?

"She just got here, and she's already raising her rates?" Sacha says.

Maksim sighs in frustration. "She is not a new designer. She is highly educated, worked a decade under the top designer in New York City before opening her own business. She has talent."

How does Maksim know all this?

"Who did you work for?" Sacha asks.

"Claudette Mercier."

Sacha attempts to cover his gape. "The French designer?"

"Yes. I can give you a letter of recommendation if you like. She is very supportive of my career and business. She also has her cell number on it if you would like to speak with her."

Sacha swallows hard and glances at Maksim.

Maksim taps the contract. "I'll advise you to sign Anna, at this rate, while you can. We have other meetings this week scheduled. As you know, Lada left a big void for all of us."

"Plus, we have the foundation project," I interject.

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