Catherine on Duty

It was the most awaited day of the month, the launch of the fashion brand at The Lavish. Alex and Cathy reached the twelfth floor, they were welcomed by a lady named Nadia. In her 40s, Nadia is the brand manager of the luxury products whose launch will be happening today. 

"Hi there," Alex gave Nadia a firm handshake, and then proceeded to an introduction. "This is Catherine over here," "Hello," Nadia greeted with a sweet smile. "Hi Nadia, I'm Catherine, on duty" and the ladies gave an exchange of smiles. Alex continued, "She will be in charge of the launch, so if there is anything you may need in relation to this event, please reach out to her." pointing to Cathy. "Will sure do, thanks Alex." Nadia said in reply. "So, Cathy, shall we go to work?" "Yes," Cathy replied in a confident manner. But just before she walked away into the backstage, Alex grabbed her arm and spoke softly to her right ear. "This is your chance, prove yourself" and waved goodbye, then left. 

Cathy then went to the backstage, had a meeting with Nadia and the rest of the team. There were several ladies, as the products were women's apparel and shoes. Cathy and the rest of her staff were assisting us the models, they helped them change outfits, while some were assisting guests such as other fashion models, designers, photographers and celebrities who have been invited to the launch.

There were around fifty models, all from different races across the globe. They were Caucasian, Asian, African, Indian and women who had mixed nationalities. 

The launch started at seven in the evening and ended at eleven, almost midnight. The famous model Stephanie Fox had a final walk with the world renowned fashion designer Carlos Vianilla. The audience gave a standing ovation, and it is very obvious that Cathy did not expect her first assignment to go well. 

"Woohoo! What a great night!" Nadia came back to the backstage and gave Cathy a warm hug. "Thank you, dear," she said as she touched Cathy by the arms. "I did what I had to do. Thanks to you and your team." Just as they were thanking each other, the lead designer Carlos came in, with Stephanie who is holding a bouquet. "Hey everyone," Carlos greeted. "This launch is amazing," said Stephanie in her French accent. "I love the setting of the stage, the theme was there and the lighting was amazing" she continued. "Plus" Carlos interrupted, "It really felt like summer. The set up was so good. Congratulations!" he gave Cathy a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. 

"Ladies, hey!" Andrew came into the scene from behind them. "We are going to an after party!" Everyone in the backstage is happy, some are jumping, others are taking selfies as the event has been very successful. "Cathy went to Andrew and asked," Andrew, am I invited?" "Well, you're not," he was trying to tease her, but quickly made her smile. "Because you do not need an invitation. You're part of the team, remember?" "Everybody, let's go!" a highly energetic Carlos is asking his team to leave the launch and head straight to the after party. There were shuttle buses to take them to the party venue, but then Andrew told Cathy that she will not be joining them this time. "Cathy, you stay here." "What do you mean?" She was so confused as she looked at him straight in the eyes trying to get some clue. "I thought..." He did not need to interrupt her talking because a luxury car stopped right in front of them, which was about four meters away from the parked shuttle buses. The glass window of the car was pulled down, and from where they stand, Cathy was able to see clearly who was driving. And it was Jon. 

"Sir," said Andrew as he stepped forward, getting closer to the car. "Here she is," he continued.