Page 25 of A Private Affair
“That was so unnecessary. I was just a little late.” She’d been an hour and a half late because she’d been sleeping too soundly and too comfortably in Chaz’s arms.
“But you’re never late.”
That was true.
“I apologize.”
“No need to apologize, Ri. You’re entitled to some time for yourself. It’s just that we know you, and when something changes, we worry. But I’m glad to see you’re just fine and on top of things with this new bridal collection. Your reports are amazingly detailed and the plan you’ve mapped out for marketing is stellar. I believe we have a winner here.”
That sent happy vibes throughout her body. “I’m glad to hear that because I want to revisit the specialty shops idea again. I know Dad said he didn’t want to detract from our flagship stores in Manhattan, Beverly Hills and Paris, but I really think these smaller, more focused shops will hit a section of the market we’re missing.”
They’d had this discussion before at meetings with her father; his top two designers; Major, who was the technical developer; Maurice, who was in charge of public relations; and Janel Lindsey, the CFO. The same conversation had also been held during family dinners at their parents’ house. Each time, her idea for expansion on a smaller scale was shot down, regardless of her market research on the idea. The Gold brand was big; everything they did had to be big or they didn’t do it. That was what her father insisted.
“You know how Dad feels about that.”
“He’s wrong.” She knew she was being adamant, but she couldn’t help it. She was positive the idea could succeed. Riley hoped that with the successful launch of this couture bridal collection, she could convince her father that she really did know what she was doing.
“Well, let’s just take on one thing at a time. The projected sales numbers for the Golden Bride Collection look great and the campaign you’ve outlined is amazingly thorough. If the marketing department follows through with everything you’ve pitched here, we’re looking at a major victory for the company.” RJ seemed pretty excited by that thought.
Of course he was—more sales meant more accolades for him. Not that he needed them. As the firstborn he was going to slide into the CEO position at RGF the moment their father retired. Major and Maurice didn’t want that job. But Riley could see herself doing it. She’d also seen herself as a phenomenal chief executive of market research and she knew that she was ruling that position right now. So RJ could have the CEO spot, Riley planned to make her mark right here and right now.
“I have to call Sigmund again. I missed our call this morning. But I need to stress the importance of having enough stock to fill all the preorders. Once the show is over, stores are going to need dresses to sell.”
“Maurice will have all the online specs ready to go so ordering will be possible,” RJ added.
“I don’t want there to be a wait for delivery in the first few weeks of the launch. I want brides to see these dresses, fall in love with one and plunk down their cash to buy it. And I want them to have their dresses in hand well before their wedding dates so they have more time to adore it. Especially since they’ll only have it on for one day.”
RJ eased off the table and went to grab his notepad and empty coffee cup. “There’s my sister. For a while I was wondering why you were going so hard on this collection when I knew weddings were not your thing.”
Riley picked up her half-full bottle of water. She tucked her tablet under one arm and held the sketch case in her hand.
“Oh, you know I’m never getting married. But I can relate to a woman’s dream of the perfect wedding.” Probably because she’d had it once, a long time ago. Even before Walt, Riley had dreamed of what her wedding would be like. The problem with that dream was that she’d never really thought there would be a man who she wanted to marry. Blame that on the low self-esteem that had plagued her throughout her teenage years, which she’d finally overcome when she was in college. She’d taken a chance with Walt because it was a good business match and she had liked him in the beginning. The problem was marriages shouldn’t be built on “like”—or infidelity for that matter.
“Well, you’ve conveyed your thoughts to the design team and they’ve come through in spades.” RJ led the way to the door.
“They did. I’m really pleased with everything they’ve done.”
“The show’s going to be great. Rehearsals are already planned to start early next week.”
“I’ll be there,” she said as they walked down the hall, past conference rooms and mini fitting spaces, where designs could be examined and altered.
“You know, Ri, you don’t have to do everything. I feel like you’ve been trying to make up for what happened with Walt and that’s just not necessary.”
It was. Calling off the engagement had cost the company a lucrative deal with one of the world’s top clothing distributors. On top of that, her parents had been friends with Walt’s parents for a very long time. The breakup had been about more than just her and Walt. It had severed a business connection and a friendship. Right or wrong, Riley carried that guilt.
“I should have never agreed to marry him. The entire relationship was a mistake. One I plan to never make again.”
“Well, you know how I feel about relationships, so you’ll get no argument from me. But I would like to see you socializing a little more. Going to parties just to have fun instead of reeling in designers for the company. Taking more than one vacation. Sleeping in one morning because you work too many long days and nights in the first place. You know, stuff like that.”
He nudged her when he finished and grinned.
Riley smiled back while shaking her head.
“I know you’re not talking. You are the biggest workaholic of us all.” Which was true. Major and Maurice were the most relaxed of the Gold siblings, while Riley and RJ took the job, the company and their family obligations much more seriously.
He shrugged as they moved to the elevators. “You might be right about that, but I do at least take the time to go on a date here and there. You’re on this solo crusade when I think a little socializing might be good for you every now and then.”
“Wait a minute. Are you, my big brother, telling me to find a guy to sleep with?”
