by Todd, E. L.
Tony placed his arm over the back of my chair. “I want to ask for a favor.”
“I’d do anything for you, Tony.”
I was hating her more and more.
He nodded. “Cassie works for Castle Magazine as a fashion designer.”
Victoria looked at me. “Oh. I assumed you were a model.”
I was speechless. “Uh…”
Tony smiled at me, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
“No,” I said.
“Have you considered it?” Victoria asked. “You have a nice complexion and perfect proportions. And the angles of your face are desirable.”
“Are you being serious?” I blurted.
Victoria smiled. “Yes, dear.”
Tony turned to Victoria. “She’s so humble about her appearance, it borderlines complete ignorance.”
“Well, you are very beautiful, Cassie,” she said.
I turned the shade of a tomato.
“Anyway,” Tony said. “She’s having some problems with her chief editor. Basically, her boss continues to reject her work, and she’s going to be terminated for it. We want some revenge.”
“And how can I help?”
“Go into the studio and watch. When Pia disgraces Cassie, jump in and compliment Cassie’s work. Then insult Pia. That’s it.”
She smiled. “Pia Giovanni?”
“You know her?” I asked.
“She’s a bitch,” Victoria said. “Yes, I know her. And I’ll do it.”
“Thank you so much,” I blurted.
“Absolutely,” she said with a nod.
“I also wanted to talk to you about something else,” Tony said.
“I’m listening,” she said.
“Cassie is starting her own clothing business. She could use some help getting off the ground, marketing her work, shipping it to distributors, things like that. I would love it if you could lend her a hand. Of course, you can say no. There’s absolutely no problem with that. I understand if you have other responsibilities and may have legal issues supporting Cassie’s work.”
Victoria was quiet. She ran her fingers through her hair then sipped her water.
“Take all the time you need,” Tony said.
The waiter brought our food and set it down.
Victoria picked at her lettuce and I nibbled on my sandwich. I wished Tony had just ordered me the salad. I felt like pig when I looked at Victoria.
“I’ll do it,” she said. “After Cassie shows me her work. If I don’t like it, I can’t put my stamp of approval on it.”
Tony nodded. “I completely understand. Thank you very much.”
She nodded and ate half of her salad. I didn’t understand how she functioned on such a small portion of food. I ate my entire sandwich because I was starving. All the fries were gone too. Tony still had some on his plate so ate those too.
Tony smiled at me as he watched, amused. “You’re so cute.”
I flinched at the compliment. Victoria must have heard him.
Tony placed his hand on the back of my neck and touched me gently. When his fingers brushed my hair, I shivered. His eyes shined bright with the love he had for me.
“You guys are cute,” Victoria said.
“I think it’s just her,” Tony said. “How are you and Fernan?”
“Good,” she said. “He’s in Italy until next week. I’ve been a bit lonely.”
“I’m sorry,” Tony said.
She sighed. “I’ll manage.”
After Tony paid for lunch, we went to the sidewalk. He embraced Victoria then pulled away. She kissed him on the cheek then smiled at him. Even though she was seeing someone, I didn’t like it when she kissed my boyfriend. I kept a straight face since she was doing me a huge favor. Victoria hugged me next then kissed me on the cheek. I realized the affection might be a cultural practice. She was from England. Maybe I completely misread that.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.
Tony nodded. “Thank you, Vicki.”
“Anything for you.” She got into a cab and drove away.
Tony put his arm around my waist then held me close. “It looks like our plan is in motion.”
“Yeah.”
He stared into my face. “What?”
“Nothing…”
Tony sighed. “There’s no reason to be jealous.”
“I’m not.”
“I can see it on your face.”
“Well, you lied to me.”
His eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“There was something between you.”
He looked away and watched the people go by. His hand fell from my waist then moved into his pocket. “We dated.”
“So you lied to me?” I felt my anger explode. After Danny lied and cheated on me, I had absolutely no tolerance for that.
“No,” he snapped. “I’m not a liar. I’ve never been one nor will I ever be.”
“Then what happened?”
“We dated for a few weeks. She and I fooled around but we never went that far.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. I didn’t like the idea of him kissing her, but it was better than him sleeping with her. “Why did you break up?”
He sighed. “I think Victoria is an amazing woman. She built the empire she has now, starting with absolutely nothing. But she and I just didn’t…hit it off. She’s very superficial and shallow. I knew she wasn’t with me for my money because she’s richer than I am, but I didn’t feel anything for her. I thought I would fall for her but it never happened. So I ended it before she got hurt. And I’m glad I did it because she and I are still friends. There’s nothing more to the story.”
“You intentionally misled me.”
“No, I didn’t,” he said. “But I didn’t want you to miss this opportunity because of something so petty.”
“Petty?”
“Yes, petty,” he snapped. “I love you. I haven’t loved something like this in a really long time. The last person who had my heart broke it years ago. So, there’s nothing to feel threatened by. I could have her whenever I wanted her, but I don’t. It’s just you.”
I avoided his gaze and looked at the street. I knew I was being immature but I couldn’t help it. It didn’t bother me that he dated her. It bothered me that he downplayed their relationship. “Danny cheated on me and lied to me for months. I’m very susceptible to lying. It’s something I don’t tolerate.”
“And I didn’t lie.”
“You still stretched the truth. I don’t accept that behavior.”
He sighed. “Cassie, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. But I doubt you want to hear about every girl I’ve dated or fucked. I’m just trying to protect your heart. I know I wouldn’t want to hear about it if the situation was reversed.”
“The truth is still better.”
Tony wrapped his arms around me and looked into my face. “You can trust me, Cassie. I don’t want you to ever feel like you can’t. I made a mistake and I won’t repeat it. I’ll always be blatantly honest with you. If that’s what you want.”
“One more chance.”
He nodded. “I won’t let you down.”
“Thank you.”
He kissed my forehead then ran his fingers through my hair. “I really hope this doesn’t change our plan. Victoria’s help is essential in both places. If you have her support for your company, your clothes will be sold everywhere. Magazines will want to interview you. And I bet Victoria would even model for you if she likes your style. Please don’t let your jealousy interfere with that.”
“It’s not the jealousy that bothers me.”
“Then don’t let my stupidity ruin it.”
I took a deep breath. “Okay.”
“Now let’s go home.”
We went back to his apartment and watched TV on the couch. I curled up next to him and enjoyed the scent of his skin. His fingers ran through my hair and touched the back of my neck.
“The guys are coming over.”
“Is a game co
ming on?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“I’ll get out of your hair,” I said as I moved away.
He grabbed me. “Just because I’m watching a game doesn’t mean you have to leave. You’re always welcome here.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
He stared at my face. “Did Danny do that?”
I wasn’t expecting the question. I didn’t like talking about him. “Yeah.”
“Well, I’m not him. I like it when you’re here. You don’t need to leave.”
I smiled. “Okay. I just didn’t want to cramp your style.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Having my ridiculously gorgeous girlfriend sit on my lap while I watch the game isn’t cramping my style, baby. It’s a little uncomfortable because I have a hard on all the time, but that’s it.”
I blushed.
The guys came over an hour later. The TV was turned up and the pizza arrived. I sat on Tony’s lap while he watched the game then went into the kitchen when I wanted another beer. Scott came beside him.
“How are you?” he asked.
I hated looking at him. He always reminded me of Janet. “I’m okay.”
He nodded. “Just so you know, Tony’s birthday is this week.”
“It is? He didn’t tell me.”
“Janet said he’s always really quiet about it. I figured he didn’t tell you.”
“Well, thank you for letting me know.”
“Of course.”
“Does Janet talk about me?”
He shook his head.
“What about Tony?”
“She says she misses him like crazy.”
“She hasn’t thought about talking to him?” I asked.
“No,” he said. “She’s sticking to her guns. She really doesn’t want you two together.”
I sighed. “I hate this.”
“I know,” he said as he patted my back.
“I hate not seeing my best friend. But I hate Tony not seeing his sister more.”
“It’s a crappy situation.”
I stared at Tony while he watched the game. He didn’t talk about Janet but I knew he was upset about the situation. He and Janet were close, as close as she and I were. I was breaking up a family by staying with him. It was unfair and I didn’t do anything wrong, but I still felt responsible. The more I thought about it, the more depressed I became.
14
My heart was racing all morning. It was my time to shine and I was nervous about taking the spotlight. I worked really hard to perfect the dresses I designed. I stopped trying to figure out what Pia wanted and just created something I thought was beautiful. I was quitting whether Pia like it or not, so I didn’t bother trying to impress her.
Orlando kept moving around, unable to stand still. “This is going to be epic. I’m putting my phone on the table so I can record everything.”
“Don’t,” I said quickly.
“Why? I have to broadcast it.”
“She’s going to know it was you.”
“Who cares? Hopefully you get her fried.”
“Well, that won’t happen overnight,” I said.
“The video might help,” he said mischievously.
I glared at him.
“Cassie, you live in a catty world. As a woman, you have to scratch, hiss and bite. That’s how you survive.”
“I’m above that.”
Gloria and Winnie came out wearing the dresses I created. The dark purple looked great on Gloria and the blushing pink complemented Winnie perfectly.
“These are my favorite,” Gloria said. “Pia will love these.”
I laughed. “I find that unlikely.”
Gloria spun in a circle. “It’s so light but elegant at the same time.”
“It’s all about the material,” I said. “And it holds the color. You could wash it twenty times before it started it fade.”
“You should make clothes for a living,” Winnie said. “Not just for a magazine.”
I kept my secret. I didn’t want anyone to know.
Victoria came inside, making everyone turn their head.
“OMG!” Orland hopped on his toes. “It’s Victoria Sullivan!”
“Hello,” she said as she shook his hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“I love you,” he blurted.
She chuckled. “That’s always nice to hear.”
Gloria’s jaw dropped. “What the…”
Winnie looked just as shocked.
Victoria hugged me and kissed me on each cheek. “How are you, darling?”
“I’m well,” I said. “How are you?”
“I’m excited to be here,” she said. She took a seat in the chair and Orlando handed her a glass of champagne.
Gloria leaned toward me. “How do you know her?”
I shrugged. “We just ran into each other.”
Gloria still looked shocked.
I never felt popular or cool my entire life, but I definitely felt like a badass in that moment. Winnie and Gloria were looking at me with new eyes. I hoped Pia would have the same reaction.
Orlando looked down the hallway. “The witch is coming.”
“Good luck,” Gloria said.
“There’s not enough in the world,” I said.
Pia strutted in, wearing an elegant suit with tall heels. Her hair was slicked back and she wore golden hoop earrings. Her assistant stood by her side, trying to anticipate her every move. I felt bad for her. I would kill myself if I had to be bossed around by Pia every day.
Pia walked around Gloria then sighed.
I knew what that meant.
She walked to Winnie and did the same thing. Her face was unreadable, but I could tell she was disappointed with my work—again.
I didn’t care at this point. I knew I understood fashion better than most people. My work wasn’t garbage. Pia was the only person who didn’t care for it. Her opinion meant less than nothing to me.
“No,” she said.
I said nothing, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You can pack your things,” she said simply.
Victoria stood up then grabbed the dress Gloria was wearing. “Did you make this?” she asked incredulously, looking at me.
“I did.”
“Everything?”
“From the drawing to the manufacturing.”
Pia narrowed her eyes at Victoria. A glimmer of recognition flashed across her irises. I wondered what she was thinking.
“They’re amazing,” Victoria said. “I love the color.”
“Thank you,” I said.
She went to Winnie then examined the dress. “This would sell on my show, not to mention everywhere else. This is nothing less than fabulous.” She turned to Pia, scorn in her gaze. “How do you not recognize a masterpiece when you see it?”
Pia didn’t react, but I knew she was livid.
“I want these dresses,” Victoria said. “But I want a lot more of them.” She walked around then returned to my side. “You’re a fashion genius, Cassie. I’m very glad I met you today. You’re exactly what I’m looking for.”
Pia took a step forward. “Cassie’s creations are owned by Castle Magazine. They are not allowed to be taken and sold by other distributors. To do so would be unlawful.”
“But you just fired me,” I snapped.
Pia shifted her weight. “No, I didn’t.”
“You told her to pack up her things,” Victoria said.
Pia looked at her assistant, demanding her to resolve the situation.
She stepped forward and opened her mouth.
“Do not insult me by making me speak to a pawn,” Victoria snapped. “You just excused Cassie from her employment. We all heard it. She’s working for me now.”
“She isn’t going anywhere,” Pia said.
“I thought you said I was creating garbage?” I said.
Pia held my gaze but didn’t speak.
“And I quit anyway. This place is a joke,” I said. �
��And I’m taking my designs with me. Good luck finding my replacement.”
Pia put her hand on her hip then turned to her assistant. “Take care of this.” She left the room and disappeared.
Theresa came to me. “On behalf of Pia, I apologize—”
I held up my hand. “I’m leaving. Nothing you say will change that.”
Her eyes widened in panic. “Cassie, please stay. I already screwed up once. If I do it again, she’ll fire me. I have to get you to stay.”
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“Please,” she said. “I have a little boy.”
I sighed. “Do you want to work for me?”
“Doing what?” she asked.
“I need an assistant.”
“Are you being serious?” she asked.
“Do you want it?”
“What are you doing?”
“I’m starting my own company,” I said. “I’m sick of this place.”
She smiled. “I’m sick of this place too.”
“Then you’re hired.”
“Yes! Pia is my worst nightmare. I only took this job so I could get into the photography department.”
“Well, now you can quit.”
“Excuse me,” Orlando said. “Shouldn’t I be offered a job first as your best friend?”
I smiled. “What do you want to do?”
“Jewelry and accessories—duh.”
“You’re hired.”
Victoria nodded her head in approval. “It looks like you got your crew.”
“Thank you for everything,” I said.
“And it’s not over. I really do love your work. I’d be happy to help you in any way that I can.”
“Really?”
She nodded.
I hugged her. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” she said as she patted me on the back.
“Let’s pack up our stuff and get the hell out of here,” Orlando said.
“Let’s do it,” I said. I went into my office and packed my stuff, dumping it into a box. Victoria walked inside.
“I wanted to give you this before I go.” She handed me an envelope with Tony’s name on it. “Can you give this to him on his birthday?”
I took it with shaky hands. “Sure.”
“Thank you.” She turned and left.
I stared at the envelope for a long time. My mind was working in overdrive. When I felt the paper in my hands, I could distinguish the note inside. It wasn’t a birthday card. I held it up to the light and saw the feminine writing. I couldn’t make it out.