I flopped down in the worn rolling chair in front of my desk. The small back room was overflowing with orphaned accessories-earrings, scarves, raven-themed boot laces-and stacks of magazines. I had finally moved my paperwork onto the iPad, which freed up precious desk space.
Fiddling mindlessly with next month's store layout, futilely trying to get my mind off the party, I sighed deeply. Riiiiiing, riiiing.
The sound made me jump, nearly dropping the tablet onto the painted concrete floor. Scrambling for my purse, I dug deep and pulled out an old flip phone, decorated with black lace bows and an oversized gothic, silver cross-a fashion statement, not a religious one.
"H-hello?" I stuttered, instantly embarrassed.
The voice on the line was firm, masculine, and a little husky.
"Oh! Good morning, Dominic." I steadied my voice, putting on my business smile.
"Good morning, Lia. Are you ready for this afternoon?"
Dominic had a pleasant tone. He only called me Lia, instead of Ophelia, when he was happy with my work. Hearing that, I relaxed, sinking down into my chair.
"Yes," I informed him, "The store is prepared and all the guests have RSVP'd."
Dominic already knew these things, as his Butler had stopped by this morning, but over time I had learned to report to him directly anyway. A shop owner needed to be confident, organized, and aware of the needs of both their customers and their investors. Grace had taught me these vital points, but it was hard to live by them.
"Hello?" Dominic's husky voice had taken on an air of annoyance. I had completely spaced out, missing his question.
"I'm so sorry, I'm so nervous..." Honesty was the best policy with Dom.
He chuckled, and repeated his question.
"What do you think about a little Halloween entertainment for the guests?"
I never would have guessed what Dominic had in mind.