AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Mine too,” I whispered.
“Then, we’re not alone.” He placed his arm around my shoulder and squeezed it, and a bit of the weight lifted. “Merci, I needed that.”
He heated our milks. “I studied in New York at Parson’s a few years back.”
“How did you find it?” I spoke above the noise and pushed the espresso button on the machine.
“Hard, with the language, but a lot of fun, though a bit lonely at first since I didn’t know anyone.”
“I have no family here, and I have no idea how to spend my time.”
“I’ll show you around, yes?” His brows rose.
I grinned at him. “I’d love that.” He took out his phone, and we exchanged numbers.
“I’m going to pick up fabric after work. Would you like to come?”
I nodded. “I’d love to.”
“Bonjour,” Josephine sang out as she walked in with an iPad in hand. “Good, you’re both here. We have so much for you to do.”
We returned to the studio, which was already filled with people chatting and working. The creative energy was a fragrant aroma that I basked in every second. And I could have pinched myself, but I didn’t have time. I quickly put on my translator and rejoined them at a workstation, where a male designer talked to his team. He introduced himself as Philippe.
“Tomas already shared your work with us.” He showed us the line of ready-to-wear he was working on for the winter collection. “Nadia, you’re going to work on similar patterns with samples. Wyatt, you’ll work on the winter textiles and design. They are almost final, but Tomas wants a fresh perspective. Come back over to see me.”
I thanked him and was about to return to my desk when Josephine lightly tapped me on the shoulder. “No, that’s just for Philippe. We have more for you to do.”
She brought us over to three more design stations to add our names to the schedule for assembling accessories, polishing their samples, and helping with showroom set ups. We had fabric to collect and some from shops around Paris. I could barely keep up with the notes and typed on my iPad. All this for a first day?
“I’m here to help. Any questions?” Josephine asked us.
“Not at the moment. Merci beaucoup,” I said to her in an upbeat tone.
“Ah, you thank me now, but….” Josephine didn’t finish since she was called over to help someone else. I returned to Philippe. The collection he showed us had a spark of something new, but I could see the historical tones of the Givenchy house intermixed. Casual chic. Elegant. After studying his work and the patterns and forms he wanted, he gave me a list of where to find his files.
Philippe was patient, but not everyone. I was given a stick diagram to explain what to do from some of the designers. And when I asked for more explanation, the response was a dismissive wave. Deflated, I sat down at my station. The translator was helping, but it didn’t pick up quick voice transitions and slang.
Wyatt came over and sat with me. “How about we go back over, and I’ll have the designers to slow down their assignments. I’ll also translate to help you.”
I glanced over at his seat across from me. He had fabrics and patterns, his computer running. “But you have work.”
“We work as a team.” He winked at me. “Come.”
Wyatt brought me back over to each of the workstations. He approached each person directly, but was kind and firm. “You will need to explain, and I’ll help.”
Every team member went over what they wanted me to do and it became much clearer. Their samples were simplistic and were of the level of a skills test. However, I thanked them with much excitement and enthusiasm. When we were done, I reached to hug Wyatt, but hesitated.
“You’re a hugger. It’s no problem.” He returned my hug and kissed my cheek. “That’s what we do.”
“Sorry to keep you from your work.”
“Not at all. I speak English; that is why Tomas teamed us up.”
Knowing Tomas, he chose Wyatt because he not only understood English, but was compassionate. “Merci.”
Then I was off. My computer and sketch pad were open, and I got lost in creating sample textile patterns. We went together to collect fabric from a department and went back over the designs and patterns. My nerves spiked as I cut and pinned the fabric following the instruction. Before I knew it, three hours had passed. I felt exhilarated. Even though it was so taxing, especially with the language barrier, it was a sensational environment. I am so lucky.
“Bonjour, Nadia.” A smiling Josephine appeared again by my seat. She touched the mannequin and looked over the sketches. I held my breath.
