Page 35 of Something Cheeky

Greg’s mispronunciation grated on Zoe even more the second time.

“And why would wearing this keep them from relating to her?” Zoe picked up the sketch of the dress that T?m’s magical fish had gifted her.

To illustrate T?m’s finally coming out of her shell, Zoe had given her an áo dài with a traditional silhouette that included the hip-high side slits. She’d changed the traditional high-collared neckline to a halter and added puffy sleeves. The plan was to construct it out of a black sequined fabric and pair it with leather leggings and brocaded heels.

“It fits my vision perfectly, Greg,” Derek said through gritted teeth. “You told me I had complete creative control.”

“You do. I’m trying to anticipate what the board might say. They’re old and aren’t big on trends,” Greg explained.

Zoe opened her mouth but thought better of it. Greg was clueless. He genuinely thought he was helping them.

“If anyone has problems, tell them to come directly to me,” Derek pushed back. “I trust Zoe implicitly.”

“You got it. Derek’s in charge.” Greg leaned back in his chair. “Welcome aboard, Zoe.”

She pressed her lips together to keep a smirk off her face. Derek wasn’t being indifferent earlier. He knew how to handle Greg and when to put his foot down. She, on the other hand, wanted to call Greg out for his little microaggressions, which would only make him more defensive. That would’ve created a contentious working relationship for all of them.

Zoe breathed a little easier now that she’d successfully defended her costume designs. And she was even more confident that Derek had her back no matter what.

Chapter 16

“Derek, can you stay for a minute?” Greg asked after Zoe excused herself for her meeting with the costume shop manager.

“Sure, what’s up?” Derek stopped in the doorway, but Greg pointed at the chair Derek had vacated a minute before.

“I don’t know how to say this, but—” Greg stopped and sat on the edge of his desk. He sighed heavily.

“Just say it.” Derek braced himself.

“I’m concerned about Zoe,” Greg finally said. His forehead furrowed as he pursed his lips.

“I’m not,” Derek replied without missing a beat. He sat up straighter. “Her designs are great and you know it.”

“Her designs are fine. Nothing to write home about.” Greg shrugged. “I’m worried she won’t be a team player.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s obvious that she has a hard time taking constructive feedback. On a production like this, you want everyone to be on the same wavelength.”

“We are. This is the first time I’ve worked with an all-Asian design team and the experience has been affirming.”

“I get it. Asian pride and all that. But I’m talking about us”—Greg gestured as if to encapsulate the entire building—“and the board. They’re going to have a lot of opinions after the meet and greet. And if she fights back at every suggestion—”

Greg stopped.

“What? Then what?”

“It’s not a good look for us. For Prestige.”

“I see.” Derek didn’t. He tamped down the anger bubbling up inside him.

“We gotta think about the big picture. They help fund the entire season, not justT?m Câm.”

“It’s pronouncedthum kham.” Derek corrected him through gritted teeth.

“Can you help her understand how all this works? The unwritten rules.” Greg ignored Derek’s correction as he walked around behind his desk. He sat down and put his feet up on his desk.

“I have complete faith in Zoe and how she’ll handle herself. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll work closely with her to make sure she’s prepared for the meet and greet next week.”

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