Page 9 of Shooting for his Heart
“That’s the sketch for the minions’ uniform,” Gia answered.
“Nah, I said no red.” He shook his head.
“I’m actually the wardrobe designer for the minions. It was my idea,” I spoke up, finally finding my voice.
“I’m actually the director, and I specifically said no fucking red.”
What a fucking asshole!
I had no idea who he thought he was talking to, but it couldn’t have been me. I had been given full creative control over the designs. I had a whole vision in mind. I’d been working halfthe day on the designs for the costumes. I wasn’t about to let him come in and shit all over my sketches as if they weren’t good as hell. I took a beat to convince myself not to curse him all the way out.
Plastering on a fake smile, I gave him my full attention. “With all due respect, I understand that you’re the director and everything, but this is wardrobe and design. We were givenfullcreative control. You can’t come in here insulting me and telling me how to design my costumes. I don’t even remember you being in that meeting.”
He scoffed as he looked me up and down as if I had no right to speak to him directly.
“With no respect at all, whoever you are, you’re fired,” he said before turning and walking out of the tent like it was nothing to dismiss me.
My eyes stretched to the size of saucers as I looked over at Gia. She shook her head slowly.
“What the hell, Gia?”
“He’s such an asshole,” she said, mirroring my thoughts.
“Can he do that? Can he fire me like that?”
Her facial expression told me that this wasn’t good. “In some cases, he can. He’s the director. He has the last say.”
“Oh my God! Why didn’t I just keep my damn mouth closed for a change?”
“Just give him time to cool off,” she suggested.
“Cool off? He just fired me on my first day!”
“Let’s go talk to Larsen. Maybe she can reason with him.”
“I’m nobody. They’re not going to take my side over his. I’d rather bow out peacefully than face the embarrassment of begging for a job I already knew I didn’t deserve.”
Shaking my head, I swept my sketch pads and pencils into my arms and dashed out of the tent, making a beeline toward the shuttle that would take me back to the duplex. It was less thana mile away from the set, but I was not in the mood to walk. I needed to get the hell out of there as quickly as possible.
The tears were steaming hot on my face as I plopped down in the seat on the shuttle. This could not be happening. I hadn’t even been on set for a full day, and I had already been fired. I blew up my relationship, thinking I was getting my big break, only for it to crumble in my lap. I was absolutely sure that William couldn’t wait to laugh in my face after hearing how my dreams had imploded right before my eyes because I couldn’t keep my big mouth closed for once. The shuttle took far too long to make the trip to our duplex. When it stopped, I rushed to the door and down the steps to get off.
“Vonnie!” I heard someone call my name as I stepped out of the shuttle. I looked around to see Larsen and Gia hopping out of a car. “Gia told me what happened.” Larsen sympathized.
“Yeah… If possible, give me the day to sulk, and I’ll be gone tomorrow.”
“Girl, fuck Shawn and his ego! Yes, he has the power to fire people, but he’s just in a pissy mood because he found out Clarissa Sanders is starring in the movie.”
“Weren’t they?—”
“Married? Yes.” Gia finished my thought.
“That doesn’t make me any less fired.” I shook my head.
“You’re right. I swear it’s not you, though, babe. He’s on a rampage right now. He’s probably already forgotten about you. Don’t go anywhere. I’m not trying to find another makeup and wardrobe person on such short notice. Besides… I handpicked you. That trumps his nasty attitude. Just keep a low profile for a couple of days. You’ll be fine.”
“Can I take the rest of the day off? My vibe is already ruined.”
“Sure, babe. Just come back early tomorrow like nothing ever happened.”
