Gothic Fashions 

 

 

 

September 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Brian, your two o’clock is here,” Brian heard Cynthia say via his intercom.  Brian scowled at the unit on his desk; he was unaware he had a two o’clock.  He searched his online calendar and his phone looking for the appointment.  He even searched his desk.  Brian sometimes jotted down notes then stuck them to something prominent.  Nothing.  Nada.  No dice.  He picked up his phone to call Cynthia.

 

“It was last minute and very special clients,” Cynthia immediately stated cutting off the growls she was expecting before they started.  “They’re in the small conference room ready to give us a presentation.”

 

“Give us a presentation?  Isn’t it usually the other way around?” Brian snarked.

 

“I told you this is special,” Cynthia repeated.  “And I want you to be nice.”

 

“I’m always nice,” Brian retorted.

 

“Claire Anderson McNally is nice; you on the other hand don’t qualify.  Now go in there, listen and keep an open mind.  And above all be...”

 

“Nice.  I get it,” Brian growled as he hung up the phone.

 

Brian sat back in his chair and briefly wondered when he had ceased being the say all end all tyrannical boss that was feared.  He looked up at a framed photo of their flagship branch just confirming that it still said Kinnetik etched on the brass label fastened to the frame.  He shook his head then got up to go into his private restroom to make sure he looked perfect.  Of course he did.  Brian put his game face on then went to meet his potential new clients.

 

Brian stopped for the briefest of seconds as he scanned the conference room.  Sitting at the table were Richie, Candy, and Cynthia.  Cynthia was smiling but behind the smile Brian saw the “be nice” command.  He straightened to his full height to formally meet his clients.

 

“Good afternoon,” Brian greeted Richie and Candy cordially, extending his arm to shake hands.  “How may Kinnetik be of service?” Brian asked politely, taking a seat opposite them and next to Cynthia at the table.  The kids exchanged looks then stood to step toward a couple of easels that held flip charts.

 

The presentation lasted less than an hour and while a bit amateurish it was well thought out.  The flip charts contained dozens of sketches of original clothing designs along with corresponding swatches of material.  Plus photos of clothes that were repurposed, altered and enhanced.

 

Brian stood to get a closer look at each chart.  Cynthia gave the kids an encouraging smile which they took as a sign to continue with their proposal.

 

“Mr.  Kinney,” Candy began, “the vintage clothing store on Liberty Avenue is about to go out of business.  The owner says it’s not making money.  We want to buy it.  We think we can make it profitable.  Here are our figures,” she said as she handed Brian a ledger with a bunch of figures written in it. 

 

Brian narrowed his eyes as he recognized the handwriting.  Schmidt.  He curbed the glare that he was about to let fly then turned his eyes to Richie.  “What’s the rest of it?” he demanded.

 

Richie cleared his throat then addressed Brian.  “Mr.  Kinney, we know that you’ve had a hand in several start-ups in Pittsburgh, especially around Liberty Avenue.  With the good start you’ve given them they’ve all gone on to be profitable ventures and have been able to give back to the neighborhood,” Richie stated.  “We’d like you to consider extending us a loan and handling our advertising.  We’d request a six month grace period before we begin to repay the loan - with interest, of course.  This is the preliminary contract,” Richie said as he handed a contract to Brian.

 

Brian took it, scanned the legalese, recognizing the talents of the third conspirator.  He returned to his seat resigned to the fact that the gods and his employees were playing with him.

 

Choosing his words carefully, Brian stood again.  “Ms. Cummings, Mr. Cross, I can see that your proposal was well planned out.  I have no intention of taking it lightly; however, I’d like a few moments to consult with my team.  Cynthia, please have some refreshments sent in for our guests then join me in my office.”

 

Brian left the conference room.  Cynthia winced when she heard Brian bellow, “Schmidt!”  She smiled at the kids as she quickly followed Brian out.

 

 

*****

 

 

“Okay, spill!” Brian demanded as the co-conspirators surrounded Brian at his desk.

 

“That vintage store has been mismanaged for years.  I’m surprised it hasn’t folded a long time ago,” Cynthia said.

 

“The figures look good, Bri.  The kids are serious about this,” Ted supplied.

 

“It’s a good deal.  I modeled their contract after the others I found in the files.  Could have knocked me over with a feather when I realized how community involved you and Kinnetik are,” Mel admitted out loud. 

 

Brian snorted.

 

“So bottom line you think we should do this?” Brian threw out, and received nods from the three.  “Did any of you think to discuss this with Linds, Emmett and Drew?  Do they even know?  Only a couple months ago Emmett was in here about to have a nervous breakdown at the thought of Richie and Candy living on their own.  Now the kids are going into business together and I don’t mean a lemonade stand on the corner.  This is big time.  If they fail or go bankrupt this may ruin their credibility.”

 

“We know,” Ted spoke up.  “They originally wanted to go to the bank but we had a long talk about that and decided that this was a better route.  This is no different than what you did for Lacy or Hunter.  They really do have a good plan and if they stick to it the projections look good for them to break even in about a year.  One or two good clients and they may be in the black earlier than that,” Ted added.

 

“Explain,” Brian said.

 

“Local theater groups are always looking for costume ideas.  Not to mention that we’ve had an increase in filming done here.  Wardrobe departments won’t have to go far to find outfits,” Cynthia stated.

 

“Babylon could sponsor a fashion show or two,” Mel said with a shrug, trying to be helpful.  “And yes, Lindsay knows, she’s very supportive.  Richie said he ran it by Drew first and then the two of them spoke with Emmett.”

 

“I guess the big fairy must approve of the idea.  I’m sure he’d be in here shrieking up a storm if he didn’t,” Brian mumbled.  “All right, everybody out,” he said making shooing gestures.  He made himself a cup of coffee then sat at his desk to review the proposal in private.

 

 

*****

 

 

Brian strode into the conference room to give his decision.

 

“My team approves of your proposal,” Brian announced.

  

“And do you approve?” Richie asked knowing he’d get an honest answer.

 

“Yes, I do.  I think if you’re careful, stick with your plan and go with your gut, you’ll both be very successful.  I’ll let you and Mel go over the contract and when you’re ready we’ll work out an advertising stratagem,” Brian said.  He shook hands with the kids then strode out.  He smirked when he heard the kids whooping and hollering.

 

 

 

“You’re a good man, Brian Kinney,” Cynthia teased hours later when she walked into his office.

 

“Yeah, yeah.  You’re lucky I like those kids.  But the next time you’re planning to give away my money, run it by me first.” Brian meant business.

 

“Of course, I will.  These were special circumstances and those kids deserve a break,” Cynthia said as she pecked Brian’s cheek then walked out.  Brian fought the urge to swipe the kiss off his cheek.  He agreed with her.

 

Feeling rather pleased with himself, Brian packed up his briefcase then went home.

 

-end-

 

 

*****

 

 

 

Kinnetik North

 

 

 

September 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Hey, ” Justin called out as he rounded the spiral stairs to Brian’s attic office in their cottage.  Justin expected to see Brian hard at work at his desk with his nose glued to the computer screen.  Instead, Brian was sitting on the futon sofa with what looked like a photo album in his hand.

 

“Hey,” Brian responded as he turned a page.

 

“What’s that?” Justin asked as he sat next to Brian.  Brian smirked.  “Besides the obvious,” Justin said.

 

“A gift.”

 

“From whom?”

 

“Ted, Cynthia, the employees of each branch,” Brian explained.

 

“What do the pictures represent?”

 

“Each opening of a Kinnetik branch including Kinnetik North,” Brian replied as he reverently turned another page.

 

“May I see?" Justin asked with awe.  Brian smiled as he placed the album in Justin’s hands.  Justin opened the book to the first picture.  “Kinnetik,” Justin whispered as he looked at a picture of himself and Brian. 

 

 

 

“I remember how proud of you I was and what you achieved.  You worked so hard to get your flagship branch up and running.  You’re still working hard.”

 

“I have a lot of good people working just as hard.  I have to set an example.”

 

“And you do.  Every day even when people think you’re not working, I know you always are,” Justin said with pride and admiration.  “You’ve accomplished so much in a fairly short time.  You’ve managed to find like minded people who share your visions, your dreams, and you’ve allowed them to grow.  You did it, Brian.”

 

“I’ve had a lot of help,” Brian said as he patted the album.  “We all share in this.  You, Ted, Cynthia.  John and Bobby have made very large contributions.  Gus; even Smelly Mel...”

 

“Brian,” Justin scolded even as they laughed.  “All of Kinnetik from Perspectives to Kinnetik Isles, Kinnetik Part Deux.”

 

“Don’t forget Kinnetik N’rgy.  Stacy helped us conquer New York,” Brian crowed.

 

“And now Kinnetik North.  This is your history, Brian.  Kinnetik’s history.  Your legacy to pass down to Gus or Bree.  I can see them both running the company.  Playing to their strengths,” Justin said with a bright smile.  “I’m so happy for you,” Justin said as he put the book aside to give Brian a fierce hug.  Sensing something was a little off, Justin leaned back to look up into Brian eyes.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing, just a little tired.”

 

“You’ve been working non-stop for months.  It’s no wonder you’re tired.  It’s time to let the others take over while you take a break,” Justin stated which Brian took as an order.

 

“Sir, yes sir,” Brian said as he gave Justin a quick salute.  Justin chuckled then gave Brian a kiss.  Justin handed Brian the album then went back down to the main cottage.  Brian flipped through the pages again reliving every moment then stopping at a picture of himself with Joan while they were in New York.  They both looked so happy.

 

 

 

Brian stared at the picture then took out his cell.

 

“Dr Alex Wilder, please.  Tell him it’s Brian Kinney.”

 

-end-

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