thoughts?”
“I know the marketing department head at UMKC. I can reach out to him and see if they have any insights on what is hot right now and how we can use it,” Jason speaks up.
I sometimes worry if he still feels like he needs to prove himself since he has been hired on permanently. He’s continued to carry the same enthusiasm and drive he had as an intern, and I know I can say for the entire team, he has nothing left to prove. I love his gusto though, and I want him to know that.
“That’s perfect, Jason. Thank you.”
“I heard on the radio this morning that they are doing a bridal show at the Crowne Center next month. I’ll dig up the info and see if we can get in on that. Maybe do a raffle for a free shoot and discounted prints?” Shelby writes herself a note, and I nod my encouragement. I can’t help but feel so blessed to have such a dedicated team.
“This is great guys, thank you.” I check my watch to find we should be opening the doors in just a few minutes. I slide the box of memory cards toward the middle of the table. “Let’s keep this going as we move on throughout our day. Just make sure to run any ideas you have by Daphne or myself before you move on anything, please. Don’t forget your memory cards and let’s capture some memories today,” I say with a hopeful smile, giving my dismissal.
Everyone picks up their belongings and scatters to start their day. Daphne gives me an optimistic smile as she stands and picks up her notebook.
“Ddon’t you dare think I’m letting this whole Stephen thing go, missy. I want details,” she says as she walks out of the room. I shake my head as I pick up the nearly empty box and make my way back to my office.
Most of the appointments that have been canceled are mine, which makes me feel even worse that this is happening. I now do not have a shoot scheduled until Wednesday, so I get to come back from vacation dealing with some of the other issues I’ve put on the back burner. Like cleaning my office and addressing the broken and misplaced equipment scattered about it. I make a couple quick calls to my normal fix-it guy and am able to get some lighting pieces into him this afternoon. I collect all the damaged equipment and move them to my car.
As I’m walking back into the office, I make a proud mental note that even though my really good mood has been slightly dampened, I haven’t been all over my phone wondering what Stephen has been doing this morning. I stop by Daphne’s desk on my way back in to check in with her and well, you know, see if he might have left a message or something for me, but she’s on the phone with a very upset look on her face.
“Yes, we understand, Mrs. Garcia. Well, I truly do appreciate your insight. I know Jessie and I will personally be checking the validity of this review. We aren’t in the habit of doing such shady business and appreciate your willingness to reschedule with us. I am making a note on your appointment to include a ten percent off discount on your portrait package for your advantageous feedback.” She pauses for a second, relaxing the scowl on her face before speaking again. “Of course, and again, I know I speak for all of us here at All of Creation when I say thank you so very much for your help….Absolutely. We’ll see you Friday. Have a very blessed day.”
She hangs the phone up and the fumes start escaping her ears.
“What did you find out?” I ask, completely forgetting my original reason for stopping by.
“Reviews, all over PicturePerfect.com. And they are not pretty,” she says, banging her mouse on her desk every couple of seconds. I lean over the half wall that separates Daphne’s desk from the lobby and place my hand carefully over hers. I really don’t want to have to stop by Office Depot to replace computer equipment this afternoon too.
“Breathe, love, breathe,” I say, trying to calm her. “We’ll figure this out.”
The doorbell dings and in walks a
Elizabeth Amelia Barrington