Page 29 of Unraveling the Truth About Love
Chapter Thirteen
“TRADE SHOWS ARE one of the most important aspects of our jobs,” Claudia began. “We are a reflection of JBD, therefore”—she ran her eyes slowly down Riley’s cream blouse and black pencil skirt, both of which were not high-fashion pieces, but they were stylish and professional—“you need to represent JBD. Get something from the closet. If you can find something that fits.”
Rileyclenched her jaw.Let it go. Just let it go.“I’ll do that.”
“You need to be there an hour early to set up the booth. Be sure the layout is perfect.”
“Aren’t you going to be there?” Riley asked. This was to be her first trade show. She had no idea how Josh liked things arranged.
“Yes, but I’ll have things to do. I’ll join you right before we open. And the show is trying something differentthis year. They’re doing an evening premier, not morning, so plan on sticking around until ten at least. This is their first pre-Christmas show, and if it goes poorly, it’ll be the last.”
“Are there guidelines for the booth arrangement?” Riley’s pulse sped up with the sneaking suspicion she was being set up to fail.
“Simone can fill you in on those details.” Claudia waved a dismissive hand inthe air, and when Riley waited for further direction, she snapped, “What?”
Riley blinked several times.Are you for real?“You made such a big deal about the trade show, I figured there was much more to it. I feel like I have no information. What do I put up? What about accessories? What can I expect at the show? Is it okay to show buyers alternative clothing arrangements? Accessories?” She hada million questions, and by the pinched look on Claudia’s face, she knew she would walk away with all of them unanswered.
“Simone. Go see her.” Claudia spun on her heel and walked away.
Riley gritted her teeth and headed for Simone.Simone. Go see her. What am I? A dog? A child?Riley was by no means a wallflower, and if anyone back home had treated her that way, she’d have set them straight,but she couldn’t afford to piss off Claudia. She needed to learn the ranks.Learn the ranks.Riley stopped in her tracks. Maybe she’d been playing Claudia all wrong, acting strong, taking direction without question. She’d seen women like Claudia before. Claudia needed to be the queen bee, and luckily for Riley, she didn’t mind being the unwanted stepsister. At least for now.
Instead of seeingSimone, she headed back to Claudia and approached her with a furrowed brow.
“What?”
“I know you said to see Simone, but I really want to learn from the best.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “And Josh says there’s no one better than you. I really wish you’d show me around a little. It’s obvious that you know exactly what needs to get done, and according to Josh, no one does it better thanyou.” She opened her eyes wide and covered her mouth. “Oh goodness, please don’t tell anyone I told you that. Josh probably didn’t mean for it to be public knowledge.” She bit her lower lip, then turned, fidgeted with her hands. “Never mind. I’m sure I’m overstepping my bounds.” Riley took a step away.
“Stop,” Claudia said.
Riley bit the insides of her cheeks to ensure a smile wouldn’t suddenlyappear and give her ruse away.
“Josh told you that, did he?” Claudia held Riley’s gaze.
Riley hurried to her side, feigning a worried glance around the room, then whispered, “Yes, and so I just thought…well…that it would be best to learn directly from you. You obviously know what you’re doing.”
“Of course I do.” Claudia lifted her chin. She tapped her pen on the desk, then shot to her feet.“Okay, but I don’t have much time, so pay close attention.”
Riley followed Claudia into another room, this one stocked with banners, brochures, and various racks and displays. Claudia pulled a binder from a shelf and leafed through it.
“These are photos of our previous displays. Results from each show are noted behind the images. Obviously, the designs must change from show to show, and thesetup needs to be fresh as well, but I use this and pull ideas from each to create something new. Whatever you do, do not ever duplicate a display. Buyers are smart, and they have great memories for details. You have to be on top of your game. Memorize every item we bring to the show as well as our stock on hand.”
“How can I possibly do that in two weeks?” Riley asked.
“You’ll have to studythe line sheets day and night until then. All of them. I always make sure to read through the tech packs, too, so I know what stitch is used on each garment.”
Of course you do.“Oh, you are so smart. Okay, I’ll do my best.”
“Your best?” Claudia turned stern eyes on her. “You cannotdoyour best. You have to be perfect. There’s no room for flustered newbies at the trade shows.”
Then why am Igoing?“Of course. I won’t let you down. I’ll stay late and study them.”
“Why don’t you take them home tonight? I always find it easier to concentrate at home,” Claudia offered.
“Really? I’m allowed to take them out of the office? I figured this stuff was proprietary.”
“Oh, don’t worry. If I say it’s okay, it’s okay.” Claudia smiled and touched Riley’s shoulder.
Riley tried not to bristleagainst her touch. “Thanks, Claudia. I really appreciate your help. I won’t let you down.” Why hadn’t she thought of being a kiss up before today? Worked like a charm. Unless…Was this a setup of some sort? Was she going to get in trouble for taking them out of the office? She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach and tried to will it away.
