th eir seasoned colleagues." Melaine
begins to explain. "You haven't been paired with anyone, because you have
been paired with me." Melaine informs the newbie. Renee's eyes widen. Had
she heard, right? What will this mean, and why?
"Renee, your eye for desi gn
far exceeds your contemporaries, at the same level. Take this piece for
example." Melaine begins to refer to the design she assigned to Renee to
tweak. "This was created by one of our more experienced artists. Although
the client is happy with it, I sti ll thought that it
wasn't quite right." Melaine continues to clarify. "Now you have
taken it to a new level." Melaine tells Renee, and smiles broadly.
"There is something about you Renee. I can't quite put my finger on it,
but your creativity is refreshing . Still, don't let
it go to your head." Melaine delivers pointing her index finger at Renee,
and wearing a smirk. "Now, the first thing we need to work on is your
confidence. First thing tomorrow, as soon as you arrive, check in with Marina,
and we begin." Melaine directs her new prot égé.
CHAPTER 5
Over the next few weeks, Melaine coaches Renee on
delivering, confident and effective presentations, including tweaking her
language to appear fully in tune with the specifics of the clients' business.
Melaine also takes Renee on a shopping trip to
replace her mostly black, and aged wardrobe. Renee's make-over comprises of
color blocking, and shades to enhance her black chroma scheme, without
replacing it entirely. Melaine isn't opposed to black. She believes t hat it is a rather professional option. She just wants to
help Renee refine her humdrum, nerdy application of it-that is all. The women
also visit Melaine's hair salon. Melaine hopes to introduce Renee to styling
options for her long, thick, coarse, but sp iraling
curly hair beyond a high top-knot bun.
Renee slowly spins around in her salon chair to face the
mirror. She had not worn her hair down in a long while. The effort it took her
to detangle, define and smooth her curls was exhaustive. Brushing it up with a paddle brush was all she could manage, on a day to
day basis.
Renee is taken aback by her own reflection.
"Whoa!" She whispers.
"What was that, Renee?" Melaine immediately says.
"Um...I am...well, I am just...I have never seen my
hair look like this before?" Renee manages to
get out.
"So, do you like it then?" Melaine asks, while
chuckling.
"I do...I like it very much." Renee responds.
"If only I could do this myself." Renee added with a frown on her
face.
"Not to worry about that Renee. I acq uired Natalie's services just for you. She is now available
here at my favorite salon, and can answer any questions you have, offer any
tips, and - this is the best part - your appointments with her have already
been scheduled over the next couple months." Melaine says proudly.
"The next couple months?" Renee asks confused.
"Um...I...I don't think that is in my budget Melaine. " Renee
subsequently states.
"I know that Renee." Melaine says chuckling.
"Don't worry your creative mind about that. It is covered ."
Melaine refuses to entertain any of Renee's further
inquires, or comments about the situation, and the women return to work. The
moment Renee, and Melaine step off the elevator they attract attention from
every person they whisk by, or who catches a gli mpse
of the ladies. Renee overhears comments including; "Who is that with
Melaine?", and "That new client, with Melaine is hot!" Renee
cannot believe her ears. Could they really be talking about her like that? She
had never heard the words, "Hot", and "Ren ee" in the same sentence. She had heard
"Smart", even "Funny", but never that. Renee begins to feel
awkward. She looks down at her clothes, and nervously adjusts them.
"Renee...join me in my office please." Melaine
orders, jolting her out of her self-cons cious thoughts. Renee
complies. "I need you to join me in a meeting with one of our long-term
high-profile clients, in the next
Marteeka Karland and Shelby Morgen