The Cherry Blossoms Read Online Free

thinking?”
    She giggled.  The French could mangle the English language as well as she mangled French.  “Get us both fresh cups of coffee while I complete my thinking.”  That one statement about fresh cups of coffee solidified the direction her design house would take.  When Grant returned to her office, she wrapped her arms around him nearly spilling hot coffee across the two of them.
    Grant held the cups tightly and was certain his boss had just gone over the edge.  “Mademoiselle, êtes-vous d’accord ?”
    “I haven’t a clue what you just said, but listen to this and then tell me what you think.  Grant , our spring show designs are new and fresh.  It’s likely mine will present differently than the competition.  I think we could consider a new and fresh look to our models as well.  Instead of contacting agencies looking for models, why can’t we advertise for them?”
    Grant gave her a pensive look, “We’ll end up with all the models that no one else wants.  They will be inexperienced and we will end up being laughed at.”
    “Listen to me for a moment.  Women come in all shapes and sizes.  Paris tends to use tall, skinny models.  What if we broke away from that standard and chose models that the average woman could identify with?”
    “Daniella, I think I see where you are going with this thought.  You would be the only designer creating outfits that flattered any woman.  I think that is a brilliant idea Mon ami.”
    Daniella’s outlook changed dramatically, she was no longer angry; but excited about her spring line up.  “Grant, before you go can you please send Annette and Charlene in.”
    When they entered Daniella’s office, they both looked as though they were ready for a likely thrashing from her for something they weren’t aware of.  “Come and sit.  I think I will need to re-sketch the show designs, so throw away what Grant gave you.”
    Charlene flashed a motherly look at Daniella, “ Enfant vous êtes d'accord ?  The designs Grant gave me are spectacular.”
    “Thank you for the compliment.  We’ll use those designs; however, I plan to make some changes to them.  The other houses have contracted with the best modeling agencies, so Grant is going to advertise for models.  So, until I know what we have to work with, I’m going to ask that everyone put their work on hold.” 
    Michele, who was shyer than her colleague, didn’t say a word.  There wasn’t a shy bone in Charlene’s short, trim body, so she asked her boss without hesitation, “Daniella, are you saying that there was not one professional model available?”
    “That’s exactly what I’m saying.  I interviewed three very inadequate candidates yesterday, so I told Grant to advertise for some.”
    Charlene looked dumbfounded, “I do not believe I know where you are going with this advertising for models, but I will throw your designs into the trash.”
    “Great, so we’ll get started once Grant finds models.  Take the rest of the day off and go enjoy the afternoon.”
    Annette and Charlene looked at one another.  Annette in her low shy voice asked, “Daniella, you are saying we should take the afternoon off with the show so close?”
    “That’s exactly what I’m saying.  Let me share something with you.  Michal tells me my stress passes to those around me.  He suggested that I chill out.  We have a great deal of hard work ahead of us, so I don’t want you tired and stressed before that work begins.”
    Charlene asked, “Are you saying the entire staff may take the remainder of the day off?”
    “Yes, everyone gets the rest of the day off, except for Grant, who needs to find new models.”
    As they left her office, Daniella knew Charlene and Annette thought she’d lost her mind.  If the out of the box plan worked, she’d reach her goal.  If it didn’t work, she’d be considered a failure.  If Daniella stayed in the office, she knew she would start the sketches too early, so she