by Jaci Burton
"Yeah."
"No trauma or drama otherwise, with coaching or teammates?"
"None at all."
"Then just play the same game you play at home. You'll win eventually. Stop acting as if it's the last game of the season and it all comes down to that one game. Just . . . play."
"You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is. It's not life and death, you know."
Drew cringed and gently squeezed Bill's frail hand. "You're right. It's not."
"Hey, I wasn't looking for sympathy here, kid."
"I know. But you're right. We're stuck in our heads in the worst way."
"Then get out of your heads and just play every game like it's just a game. Because that's all it is--just a game. The one you love. I think you forgot how to love it."
"Right again."
Bill offered up a grin. "I'm always right, kid."
Drew clasped Bill's hands in both of his. "I love you, old man."
"I know. Love you, too. And don't think that after I'm gone I won't still be watching over you, because I will. Be happy."
Drew's eyes filled with tears. "I hope you will."
He didn't want to think about how much he was going to miss Bill. They'd talked on the phone often. Bill would call him after his games and either congratulate him or chew him out when he screwed something up. In college, he'd kept him on the straight and narrow. After, they'd become lifelong friends. But he'd always counted on Bill to give him the best advice.
What was he going to do without him?
Bill drifted off to sleep and Drew sat there with him until Ginger and Haven came back in.
"Did you two get a chance to visit?" Ginger asked.
"Yeah, we did. A nice long chat."
Ginger put her arm around him. "I'm glad."
"I guess I should go."
"I'll walk you out."
Haven gave him a hug and Ginger stepped outside with him to walk him to the elevator.
"He's so strong, Miss Ginger."
She nodded. "He has his moments. He's fightin' it to the very end. But he's very aware that this is the end. He's accepted it."
"Well, he has you by his side, and I've never known a stronger woman."
Tears glimmered in her eyes. "We'll be fine. Now you go home and don't worry about us."
He hugged her. "I love you."
"I love you, too, honey."
When he pulled back, he took her hands. "If you need anything, call me."
"I will."
He started to leave, but then found himself unable to. He ended up sitting in a chair by the lobby. That's where Haven found him a half hour later.
"Hey. I didn't know you were still here."
He lifted his gaze to hers. "I can't go yet."
She nodded and took a seat next to him. "I know the feeling. I should get back to work. Mom said she'd call me when--well when it gets closer. But these are his last days. I can't not be here."
He took her hand and squeezed it between his. "I'm sorry, Haven."
"Me, too. Thanks for coming. It's meant a lot to my mom and me having you and all the guys come by. And it's been wonderful for Dad to know that he's that important to all of you that you'd take the time out of what I know are busy lives for all of you."
"None of us are too busy for your dad. He's important to all of us and always was."
She tilted her head and smiled up at him. "We all had good times together in college, didn't we?"
"Yeah, we did."
"Though all of you gave me a hard time."
"What? I never gave you a hard time. That was Trevor."
"Please. You teased me mercilessly. And especially Trevor, who tried to bribe me to do his schoolwork for him."
"Yeah, well, school definitely wasn't his thing."
She laughed. "Clearly. And look at him now. The superstud superstar."
"A legend in his own mind."
She laughed at that. "My hope is to someday be in a position to shove a microphone in his face and make him as uncomfortable as humanly possible."
"Well, you are in broadcasting. And he's in sports. It could happen."
"If things go well with this new national job I'm in line for, it could definitely happen."
"Oh, yeah? What new job?"
"National sportscaster."
"No shit?"
She grinned. "No shit. I don't want to talk too much about it in case it doesn't happen, but my fingers are crossed."
Haven was gorgeous. Tall, curvy in all the right places, short raven hair, the most amazing blue eyes he'd ever seen, and just about the smartest and savviest woman he'd ever known. She was on-topic on any subject, and she knew sports as well as any guy. "You'd be perfect for the job, Haven. I hope you get it."
"Thanks. Me, too."
"Have you told your dad about the opportunity?"
"Yes. He's very excited for me, but also sad he won't get to see me make the big time as a sportscaster."
He squeezed her hand again. "He'll be there watching over you, honey."
Her eyes filled with tears. "I know he will."
Not wanting to monopolize her time, and knowing he had a plane to catch, Drew finally stood. "I guess I should head out."
Haven hugged him. "Thanks again for coming today."
"Stay in touch, okay?" he asked as he hugged her back.
"I will."
He went down to the parking lot and climbed into his rental, but found himself staring up at the hospital, still unable to leave, to make that final break from Bill. He finally just dropped the keys in his lap and released the tears he'd held in check.
TWENTY-EIGHT
"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S HERE, CAROLINA. YOUR DAY HAS finally arrived."
Carolina took in a deep breath, knowing it was probably the last time today she'd be able to breathe. She turned to her assistants and nodded. "It is. I couldn't have done this without your help."
Edward pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "You made this happen, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited as hell to be here."
"You're going to knock them dead out there, Carolina," Tierra said. "And like Edward, I'm thrilled to be a part of it."
"Thank you. Both of you. Now let's go get everyone dressed. Is makeup here?"
Tierra nodded. "Just arrived. Hair people are here, too. And Jessica is checking in the models."
At least something was going right.
"Hey, gorgeous."
She turned and gave a quick hug to her brother. "You made it."
"Of course I did."
"Are Mom and Evelyn here?"
"Yes. Mom's so excited she couldn't stop talking."
Carolina grinned. "That's great. I'll go check on her."
"Don't worry about her. You have enough to do. Between Evelyn and everyone else fawning over her, she's in heaven. She gets to meet big designers and magazine people today. And watch her daughter's big debut."
Just the thought of who would be out in the audience today made her stomach do somersaults. Other designers, along with the editors of some major fashion magazines.
She grabbed Gray's arm. "I think I need to go lie down."
He laughed. "You're going to kill it. Now, where do you need me?"
"See that cute brunette over there? Just tell her who you are and she'll tell you what to do and where to go."
"Okay." He kissed her cheek and wandered off.
Carolina took a moment to center herself before dashing off to see to the rack of clothes currently being guarded by one of her staffers. She and a few of her staff removed the clothes from the bags and began steaming any wrinkles while the models were busy in makeup and hair.
"All the models are checked in," Jessica said. "Except for Drew Hogan."
Carolina squeezed her eyes closed and counted to ten. She tossed Jessica her phone. "His number's in there. Call him and ask him where the hell he is."
This fashion show would be a nightmare without Drew. He was
supposed to wear three of her menswear outfits. He'd promised her he'd be here. He'd already bailed on the print ad--surely he wouldn't drop the ball on this, too, would he?
"No answer," Jessica said, handing her phone back. "I called twice."
Dammit. "Okay. Thanks, Jessica."
Dread dropped a lead ball into the pit of her stomach. What was she going to do if he didn't show up? She looked at the time on her phone. An hour until the show started. There was hair and makeup and coordinating the models into the lineups.
She wanted to tear her hair out from the roots, but her panicking wasn't going to solve the problem. She had backup models ready to go in case of illness or no-shows.
She found Tierra. "Get Gerard into hair and makeup and prep him for Drew's outfits."
Tierra nodded and ran off.
Though Carolina had a million things to do, her thoughts drifted to Drew.
He'd let her down.
Again.
But there was nothing she could do about that. She checked on her models, who were mostly prepped and getting into their outfits. The stage manager gave her instructions, and she sidestepped security to finish up last-minute details. With her mother in the audience, security was extra tight today, Secret Service being doubled because of the expected crowd. Even she and Gray had Secret Service protection today, though she mostly ignored them. It was enough to know they were there, extra bodies in an already tight space.
When there was a rush of crowd noise, she turned around to see Drew running toward her. Sweat poured down his red face.
"I'm so sorry."
"What happened?"
"Goddamned taxi rear-ended the car in front of us three blocks away. Traffic is a fucking nightmare. I finally got out and just ran the whole way."
"Oh, Drew. I'm sorry. You didn't have to do that."
"Sure I did. I promised I'd be here, didn't I?" He looked around at the models getting dressed around him. "Am I too late?"
He was sweaty, his hair wet from his run. Actually, he looked perfect. "No." She grabbed his arm and took him into hair and makeup. "Gel his hair, give him a rough edge. He doesn't need much in the way of makeup other than to tone down the redness from running. Otherwise, he's good to go."
"Probably a little deodorant would help, too," he said with a smile.
She laughed. "Whatever. I'll see you on the runway."
He'd made it. He hadn't blown this off. Her heart swelled with joy. One less thing to worry about.
In short order the models were lined up, Drew was in that fantastic outfit, and everyone was ready.
Carolina took in a deep cleansing breath, let it out, and when given her cue, stepped onto the runway.
"Good evening. My name is Carolina Preston, and I'm so thrilled to be here today to showcase Carolina Designs. This has been a long-held dream of mine, and I'm happy to set it free today. I hope you enjoy the show."
She turned and headed back behind the curtains, listening to the polite applause. She knew it wouldn't be wild clapping. She hadn't earned that yet. But she hoped her fashions would show that she was a capable designer.
The music queued up, and she sent her first model down the runway. As she watched them on the monitor, it felt a lot like giving birth.
The men were going first, and they looked spectacular from casual slacks and button-up shirts to Drew taking the runway in a weekend outfit of drawstring pants and a fitted Henley. He grinned at the end of the runway, turned, and oh, God, the way he walked. Confident arrogance. No one could have done that outfit justice better than Drew. And Gray in a suit was something to behold.
The guys dashed back and changed, then went out again, everyone moving with precision. So far, so good. Gray came out next in a weekend casual piece, still very elegant, but oh, he looked so good. And Drew in jeans and a button-down shirt made her salivate. Every piece of her men's line had turned out perfectly. She could tell the audience was captivated. She hoped it was the same when it came time for the women, who were up next.
First down the runway was her camel leather jacket and beaded mini. She felt such a sense of pride seeing something she'd created walk the runway at Lincoln Center. Then came the flirty dark print skirt and body-hugging sweater, followed by the low-slung pants and matching knee-length coat.
Outfit after outfit walked, and with each one Carolina wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes shimmering with tears. She hoped--oh, she hoped so much they were well received.
And when Esme walked out in her gown, she heard the collective gasps, and knew she had the audience by the throat. The applause as Esme disappeared was loud, and as the men came back out, followed by the women, people were on their feet, the applause deafening.
She'd done it. It was over. And it had been damn good, so she no longer cared what anyone thought.
"This is your moment," Edward said, squeezing her arms. "Go take it."
She nodded, turned to her assistants who had been right there by her side since the beginning. "Thank you. For everything."
"Go," Tierra said, laughing.
She walked out behind Esme. All the models clapped for Carolina. When she reached the end of the runway, she took a bow, then clasped Esme's hand and mouthed "thank you" to her. Esme grinned and they walked hand in hand down the runway toward the curtain.
After, her staff surprised her with champagne. It was nonstop media and interviews and her mother and Evelyn came backstage, too.
"Oh, Carolina. You took my breath away," Evelyn said.
"It was more than even I hoped for you," her mother said, pulling her in for a tight hug. "Your designs are stunning. I'm so very proud of what you've accomplished."
"Thanks, Mom."
She did a few interviews and talked to some fashion editors, who gave her very favorable reviews. One, a very prominent editor with one of her favorite magazines, said she'd love to do an interview and article about her. She had to keep from squealing, so she did it on the inside.
"So . . . you did good."
She turned to her brother and Evelyn. "Thank you for doing this. You looked amazing today."
Evelyn laid her hand on Gray's chest. "He did, didn't he? You know I'm going to want a suit like that for him."
"And I'll be happy to make one for him. On the house, of course."
"Now how are you going to make money for Carolina Designs when you do it gratis."
"Only for my fantastic brother."
"I'm really proud of you, Carolina. I think you're fantastic."
That was high praise coming from Gray.
"Thank you."
"I have to agree with Gray. You are a top-notch designer."
Drew came to stand beside her.
"Thanks," Carolina said. "And thank you for running three blocks to get here in time. You didn't have to do that."
He shrugged. "I'm sorry I was late."
Gray frowned. "What happened?"
"Taxi rammed the car in front of us and then I got stuck in traffic, couldn't find another taxi. It's ridiculous out there. Who knew clothes were so popular?"
Evelyn laughed as she looked over at Carolina. "Men. They know nothing."
"Nothing about Fashion Week, anyway. But I do appreciate it. Were you hurt?"
"Nah. I'm fine. Just pissed off at the taxi driver, who was mad at me for wanting to leave. And he wanted me to pay him the fare."
"Seriously?" Evelyn asked, her eyes wide.
"Yeah. I cussed him out and told him he could chase after me if he wanted to, but I was already late and if he hadn't been zigzagging in and out of traffic, he wouldn't have clipped the car in front of him. Asshole."
"Man, you need a drink," Gray said.
Drew laughed. "In the worst way."
"Come on. Let's go get one. Carolina, can you get out of here yet?"
She looked around. The place was still filled with media, her assistants, and models. "I'm sorry. I can't. But you go on."
"Okay. We'll catch up later. Maybe for dinner
?"
"Definitely. I'll text you when I'm free."
They left, with her mother and Drew and the Secret Service, which gave her a little breathing room. She and her crew wrapped up the clothing and took care of clearing everything out. Tierra and Edward were going to follow the truck back to the studio with the clothes.
"I'll finish up here and then I'll meet you back at the studio," she told them.
"No, you won't. Go take some time off," Tierra said. "You've earned it. Today is a day to celebrate. We'll take care of the inventory."
"And then Tierra and I are going to go pop a bottle of champagne and have a very expensive dinner. On you."
Carolina laughed. "You two both deserve it. Enjoy. And thank you again."
After she finished up, she texted Gray, who informed her they were all still at the restaurant. She managed to finagle a taxi despite the crowd and made her way over.
She was instantly handed a glass of champagne by Evelyn.
"I wish I could drink with you, but unfortunately, it's sparkling water for me today."
"Raise your glasses everyone," her mother said. "To Carolina Designs. May today be only the beginning of many wonderful years of beautiful clothes."
Carolina blushed as glasses were lifted toward her. "Thank you, Mom." She took a sip of the wonderful champagne, and for the first time that day, sighed in relief.
"Glad it's over?" Drew asked.
"Absolutely, deliriously glad it's over."
"But it's just beginning, honey," her mother said. "Now the real work begins."
Judging from the texts and emails she skimmed on her way over, that could be true. She had requests for interviews and orders from some very prominent celebrities who wanted to wear her designs, including an Oscar-nominated actress or two who insisted they come by to discuss wearing her for the awards. One wanted to wear the dress Esme had worn today.
Holy. Shit.
"I'm going to be busy, I think. Which is a wonderful, incredible, mind-blowing thing."
"I think the first thing you should do is call that former designer you worked for and tell him to suck it," Drew said.
Carolina laughed. "That would be very unprofessional." But she grinned just thinking about it.
"Drew is right about that, though of course you shouldn't call him. He didn't appreciate your talent. And look at you now." Her mother was beaming.
"Thank you. All of you. I couldn't have done this without you."
"You did it on your talent, Carolina. Nothing more."
Her gaze shifted to Drew. "Thank you."
They had all eaten already, and her mother had a plane to catch.
"We have to get going, too, unfortunately," Evelyn said. "Some race car business something-or-other that my fiance claims to need to do in Florida." She rolled her eyes, then winked.