Chapter 22
November 18, 2009 | Filed Under Dawn | Leave a Coment
It was 3:30 PM when Dawn made it back to work. Her assistant handed her the standard late afternoon pick up, a triple nonfat mocha, before starting in on the agenda.
“Macy’s east coast distributors would like to meet with you about creating an exclusive line, here you go,” she handed Dawn a pink Post-It note.
“I’ll review my messages later. I need to make a private call,” she said taking the stack of notes her assistant held.
Dawn walked into the office, closed the door and sank into her smooth leather armchair. She closed her eyes and tried to envision a future that nurtured her husband’s career and hers simultaneously. She spoke into the air, “Canada? Are they serious?”
Dawn used to joke that the only places she’d ever live were San Francisco, New York City, and in first-class flying between them.
She loosely entertained the idea of running her business from the great white north. It was more than possible. Dawn tapped her fingernails on her keyboard trying to ignore the panicky feeling that was creeping up her spine. The idea of leaving Lisa, River, and Meeghan consumed her. Was that why she’d been so generous with River earlier?
A childlike giggle spilled out of her. She recalled River’s face as she held Dawn’s first investor payment in her hands: a check for $250,000. If Rivers’ eyes had grown any bigger they probably would have rolled out onto the sidewalk. No, it wasn’t fear that had led to the hasty transaction; Dawn didn’t hesitate when she saw a viable business opportunity and this was one of them. She just hoped River wouldn’t let an inferiority complex get in the way of potential profits. They’d planned a seminal action plan meeting for the end of the week.
Fingering through her messages, Dawn saw one from her husband. She knew that today was the day corporate was going to let him know whether or not he’d be part of the move. If he was asked to stay on and join the Quebec team that would mean a whole new life for her without her best friends. If he was let go, that would mean everything he’d worked so hard for would be gone.
“Either way, I lose,” she whispered as she dialed his office number.
“WNBC, how may I direct your call?”
Dawn recognized the now-sober assistant’s blog.
“Hi Leslie, it’s Dawn.”
“Oh my gosh,” Leslie gushed, “I am so sorry about the other night. I should have known better than to mix Captain morgan’s and expensive wine…”
“Don’t even worry about it. Is Rick free?”
Leslie paused for a moment before continuing. “Sure. One moment.”
Dawn tried to distract herself with a brightly-colored stack of fabric swatches on her desk.
“Hello?” Rick sounded calm. Too calm.
“Hi Rick, I saw your message and just wanted to check in- how did everything go today?”
Rick took a deep breath.
“It went great.”
“So they kept you on then,” Dawn’s voice was flat in spite trying to force some enthusiasm.
“Yes.”
“Wow. Just, wow. So I guess we have a lot to do over the next few months,” Dawn tried to remain positive.
“Dawn. I start in Quebec next week.”
And suddenly the investor was silent.
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