Page 13 of My Off Limits Billionaire Boss

“You know I will,” says Alice with a nod and smile. Obviously, there is good energy between them, and I am loving the front desk banter. I’ll be seeing these people every day, and that too, first thing in the morning. I am thankful they are cool and funny.

“Thank you for everything Alice, and so good to meet you!” I say shaking her hand.

“You treat her well now Jessica,” she says endearingly “I know good people. I got an instinct.”

“Whatever you say Boss,” shouts Jessica, as we enter the magnificent, silver-plated elevator. Whoever did this building has a bold sense of style. The inside of the elevator is all silver, and the floor is a gleaming stone, a deep shade of purple. In the middle of the elevator floor is the Elysian emblem, the letter E stylishly standing out in burnt orange. She notices me looking at the detail of the elevator.

“Oh, you designers, you have that eye Brooke, I can see. I have worked with a lot of designers.”

“I am just impressed with the building. Everything, almost every corner has been curated to look stylish.”

“That is very good Brooke, do make sure you say that to our CEO, he will like that. He redesigned this whole building…”

“Ethan Knight?”

“Yeah, he has a business philosophy of design immersion.” She says using air quotes. Then she laughs.

“Why do you laugh Jessica?”

“Uh so, after the renovation of the building, he gave a presentation…you know in person to our design team. Most of us are women. And we were so distracted by his good looks, you know what I mean.? And no one had any questions after the speech. And he had no idea obviously, so he seemed annoyed and thought that we don’t care …oh God, it was so bad…”

“Oh ha-ha.”

I hope she falls for my fake laughter.

The elevator opens on our 29th floor. For Jessica, it’s business as usual, but I take my time to marvel at the lively scene. Open-concept workspaces stretch out before us, showcasing the latest in contemporary office design. Sleek, long, ergonomic desks, (covered with piles of cut materials, dye buckets, scissors) are arranged in neat rows, adorned with heavy brass lamps, large round magnifying lenses held up by adjustable contraptions. The personalized touches reflect each team’s unique style. No cubicle, just designated areas, islands of creativity with the most state-of-the-art machines, sewing machines, monitors, and art magazines for reference.

One wall that goes all alongside the whole floor is all frosted, covered with marker sketches of handbags, buckles, slings, embroidery designs. The words ‘DO NOT ERASE’written above rough sketches and numbers that represent measurements.

Under the beautiful high ceiling showering spots of light, the whole floor is buzzing with the hum of machines, the smell of fresh dyes, inks, and leather.

“These snooty ones don’t think our team is good enough,” whispers Jessica as we pass by islands of creativity each having its own large design desk, surrounded by designers engaged in hushed conversations.

Ah let the office gossip begin.

“I have been trying to get our team to take off, and we have this year to prove ourselves. You know what I mean?”

“What do you mean?” I ask as we pass some of the best dressed people I have ever seen, her sleeves always folded to the elbows, as she expertly cuts through a large piece of orange velvet. Probably to form the interior of some luxury handbag.

“Well, you’ll see. We are a little different Brooke. And that is why we wanted you in our team. You are different. And maybe together we can make a difference… Wow that was a good speech even if I say so myself,” she laughs.

I like her down-to-earthiness and the ease with which she laughs.

“Well Miss Brooke Banner, here we are. This is our island.”

Next to a large window our four long design desks arranged with a luxurious distance from one another. One of the desks has several large potted cactus plants surrounded by pineapples.

“We are studying those for leaf extraction for our sustainable leather line. You know what I mean?”

I nod, excited by the prospect of working with green designs.

A long white desk is attached to the wall with computers and dark leather chairs.

“The common areas are the coffee machine and kitchen which I am too lazy to show you right now…”

I love her frankness.

“Oh, I can discover that on my own, and thank you…I love our area!” I say hoping to be of immediate help.

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