Standing up for Myself

I walk into my fathers office building after the complete makeover by Anna and it feels as if everybody is staring at me. I don’t look that different do I? I start to think that maybe I may need to change my style. Standing, waiting for the elevator I cannot help but pull at the hem of my dress.

“Stop that” Anna says, smacking my hand away. “And put your shoulders back. Slouching is unattractive. Plus it makes it harder to walk in those heels.”

I make an effort to do as she says, lowering my shoulders and pushing them back. As I do so I can’t help but notice that it makes my chest both look bigger and perkier.

“Anna?” I ask as we step into the elevator. “Have you ever met this Austin Aves?”

“I have indeed.” She replies,  giving me a knowing look. “You’ll be glad to know his online pictures do not do him justice.”

I blush before saying “I don’t just want to know about his looks. What is he like? Is he as ruthless as Dad seems to think he is?”

“Your father has a very skewed view of anyone who he deems an enemy, which he most certainly does with Mr Aves” She answers diplomatically.

With that last comment, I decided to let the conversation die its natural death and we rode the elevator up many floors in slightly awkward silence.

Ding! The elevator doors open and it seems like Anna cannot escape the small space quick enough. She rushes out, not even waiting to see if I am following. I follow her, walking through the doors slowly, careful not to fall over in the heels I am not quite used to. When I arrive outside my fathers office doors, Anna glances at her watch, takes a breath and knocks.

“Enter.” My fathers voice rings out.

The first words spoken as we enter are not those of a greeting. “You’re late.”

“Sorry Sir, that would be traffic's fault but luckily it's only five minutes. Now I know you planned for us to be here early so that five minutes is not too bad in the grand scheme of things is it?” Anna cherrily responds. To say I am shocked that she has talked to him this way would be an understatement. What shocks me further however is his response.

“Harrumph. Well, I guess you are right. Please see that Victoria and I are not disturbed Until my lawyer arrives, which should be in ten minutes. After that the only person we wish to see will be Mr Aves himself.”

“Why Victoria, don’t you look lovely today?” my fathers voice drips with condescension.

“Personally I don’t see why I couldn’t come here looking like myself. It’s rather irritating that you assume I have to look a certain way for this meeting.” I say, some of my good mood from the day disappeared under his gaze.

“You and I both know it is easier to get what you want from someone if you dress the prize in pretty packaging. Now what are those terms you are so desperate to include?”

“I will not discuss the terms of the contract with someone who is not directly involved.” I say, quite proud of myself for standing up to him on this.

“That is unacceptable” He begins to yell.

“No it isn’t. What is unacceptable is that you are willing to basically sell me to this man without taking any of my wishes into account. Now I am doing this and I am doing this on my terms. Not yours.”

“I’m doing it for you. Can’t you see that? One day the business will be yours. I have to do what is necessary to keep it in good stead for you.”

“If that were the case, instead of using me to charm men you would be using my skills to innovate and modernize the business. You would actually have some modicum of respect for me as a person let alone your daughter!” My chest is heaving. I have never been this honest and angry with him.

He rubs his hand over his face, clearly exasperated over not getting his way.

“Victoria, I….” He stops, unsure how exactly to continue. He doesn’t have much time to be unsure however as there is a knock on the door and his lawyer enters.

“Ah Charles” my father greets him. “It seems as though Victoria here does not want me joining you both in the negotiations. So I will be trusting you with doing both what is best for the business and for Victoria” He says with a pointed look in my direction. “I’ll be off now so you can prepare her for the meeting.” With a nod to us both, he strides out of the room.