Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
“Okay.” I give her a questioning glance as she gestures for me to get up.
I follow her down the hall and into my workspace, stopping short once we enter the room.
“Oh my God—” The words die on my lips as I glance around, trying to process what I’m seeing.
Yesterday, I was worrying about how I would complete my senior collection with the tools I have. And somehow, in that short period of time, the space has been completely transformed, with everything I could possibly need.
A brand new drafting table and chair, a cutting table, fabric racks, Pantone color guides, a Wacom tablet, an LED lightbox, and every design and construction tool that’s probably ever existed. Each discovery is more exciting than the last, but the thing that tips me over the edge is the Bernina 790 Pro Sewing Machine.
“I can’t believe you guys did all of this.” I sob, embarrassed when tears start to leak from my eyes.
“We didn’t,” Abella confesses.
I blink at her in confusion, and she offers me a watery smile as she tries to hold back her own emotions.
“I came in here earlier to grab one of your markers, and that’s when I saw it. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know what half this stuff was.”
As I glance around the room again, I realize these are all the things I put on my Pinterest board—as a far-fetched dream. If my friends didn’t do this, there’s only one other explanation.
“Eros,” I whisper.
This had to have cost a fortune. The sewing machine alone is five figures.
“Oh God. Did he really do this?”
Abella seems to understand I’m in shock, so she gives me a minute before she breaks the silence.
“It’s a really nice gift,” she offers.
“It’s everything I could ever want,” I choke out. “But it’s too much.”
“Why?” She examines me.
“It’s so much money.”
“You deserve this, Gabi,” she says softly. “And clearly, he wanted you to have it. It’s hardly going to put a dent in his bank account, so don’t worry about that.”
I let out a shaky exhalation, unsettled by the fact that she knows exactly who did this. But if everything goes to plan, I’ll know by the end of this weekend, too.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yes. I think so. I just need to text him.”
“Alright, I’ll give you some privacy. When you’re done, we’ll eat.”
I thank her and pull my phone from my dress pocket as she leaves the room. It takes me a minute to figure out what I want to say, but in the end, I settle on the truth.
BiteSizedGabi: I honestly don’t even know how to thank you for something like this. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Eros415: Seeing you happy is enough.
Those words trigger another flutter in my chest, because I know he genuinely means them. Unlike the other men in my life, he doesn’t mock me for my dream or treat it like a dumb hobby. He told me he wanted me to do what I love. But it isn’t just that. It’s the fact that he set up the space exactly as I would have wanted it. He chose the colors I like. He even labeled the drawers on the new cabinet the way I would have.
He pays attention to all the little things. He takes care of me. He makes me feel warm, safe, and…loved.
That thought slams into me with terrifying clarity.
I don’t want this to be casual.
I think I actually want him…to love me.
29
GABRIELA
I spend the first part of my day playing around with some of the new tools in my workspace and working on my muslin.
It’s a huge relief to know I don’t have to worry about anyone messing with my materials or projects anymore. Having my own space where I can work without the sensory overload of the studio will make a huge difference in my focus and productivity.
This really is a dream come true, and after I graduate, these tools will give me a solid starting point as I develop and launch my collections.
For the first time in years, I’m confident about my future. I have a clear trajectory, and once I’ve officially called off the engagement to Riccardo, I’ll be able to breathe again. I know it won’t be easy, particularly when Michael finds out, but I can’t allow that fear to control me anymore. He’ll be angry, but I’ll have the protection of the Vitale family, so as much as he may want to, he can’t punish me.
By the time I pack my bags and all of Beppe’s things to set off for the island, I’m feeling lighter than I have in months. I’m looking forward to a weekend with the girls, despite the changes Sunday will bring.
When I arrive at the Vitale estate, Julian informs me he’ll spend the weekend in the guards’ quarters, in case I need anything. He tells me he’ll deliver my bags to my room, and I thank him before we part ways.