Page 85 of Mr. Big Mistake
One Month Later
“Now, these are the outfits we’ve outlined for our spring arrivals next year. It comes off the heels of the fall line, and we’ve dragged some elements from our fall line out into the summer. For instance, these boots. While they’re muted tones in our fall line, these same boots have bright, fun-colored prints. Some of them are covered in glitter, while others are draped with flowers. What was a small accessory for the fall is now our biggest item for summer, so it cuts our costs and gives us a trademark piece.”
Dad nodded. “Customizable boots.”
I snapped my fingers. “Exactly. That’s what I want my fashion line to be known for. Dad, we’ve got removable, interchangeable heels on the market. There are purses whose outsides you can switch. Shirts that turn inside out. Ties with double sides. But, when it comes to boots? There’s nothing. It’s one shape, one form, one purpose, one color. Every time. I want to change that, and that’s why I’ve outlined two years' worth of fashion debuts. Because I want you to see how this boot evolves over time, the ideas I have for it, and--eventually--how we make them interchangeable and customizable.”
“And what about that rental space you were talking about?”
I flipped over the page of my presentation. “So, those numbers we ran earlier? All of the money I’d save on boot prints alone because of the customizable idea would cover my rent for a small business space for the next year. I’ve already got schematics drawn up for it, and it would be my personal office. But, could also double as a--.”
“Storage facility. Or an advertisement space.”
I smiled. “Or both.”
He leaned forward. “If you want to do this boot thing, you’re going to have to come out of the gate doing that. Because if anyone in the business catches wind that it’s what you ‘eventually’ want to do, they’ll do it before you can even get it to manufacturing. You’ll have to scrap the idea.”
“Which is why I’m actually coming to you for help.”
He leaned back. “I figured this meeting was a bit off, especially since you wanted to do it yourself.”
“I know we’ve butted heads in the past. I’m stubborn, but I’m not stupid. I wanted to show you everything that I have in the works because it’s all pinned down. The hard work is done. The clothes are being manufactured for a pop-up debut in a month. I’ve gotten really good deals on places where we can erect a runway for cheap and have modeling friends that I know in the area come walk my clothes for a small audience. Hopefully, filled with bloggers and fashion icons alike.”
“Sounds like you’ve got this all planned out.”
“But, for me to roll out these customizable boots from the beginning, I need upfront capital.”
“Which you don’t have.”
I went and sat down by my father.
“I’m not asking for your permanent involvement. If you want, we can make this a loan. I’ll need twenty grand upfront to do the customizable fall and spring boots. I want to release the fall ones immediately and start advertising the spring line and taking preorders while getting a jump start on making that inventory.”
He took my hand. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, though, princess.”
“A loan. Not a grant. Not something that’s forgivable. You’ll recoup your money, even if this tanks and I have to work as a waitress somewhere until I pay you back. It will get paid back.”
He kissed the top of my hand. “From the second you called me and told me you needed my ear, I was already prepared to say ‘yes.’”
I blinked. “You--you were?”
“Yes, princess. Of course, I was. I’ve wanted to be in this with you from the beginning. But, I also understood the reasons why you wanted to do this yourself.”
“You--you do?”
He nodded with a smile. “I do, princess. You’re my little girl, and you always will be. But, to be part of your business like this? It’s one of the proudest moments of my life.”
“Daddy, you’re going to make me cry. And you know how frustrated I get when I cry in front of people.”
He snickered. “Then, consider me in. Twenty-five grand, no interest for the first two years, and one percent interest will kick in if its not paid off by then. Sound fair enough?”
I threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
He held me close, chuckling. “I’m so proud of you, Kelly.”
I kissed his cheek. “I love you so much. Thank you seriously.”
He cupped my cheek. “Anytime. And I mean that.”
