Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
But all of it was worth it to see the smile on Leo’s face when everyone showed up and spoiled him. He played in the pool with his cousins, ate lots of food and cake, and squealed in delight when we helped him open each present.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the party, I had to excuse myself to register for school because the classes I needed fill up quickly, and with it being my last semester, I needed to make sure I got the ones required for me to graduate on time. As I selected the classes and jotted down the days and times—because I have to be there in person—realization hit that while we’d been pretending like life was normal, in a few weeks, everything was going to change.
And as my finger hovered over my mouse to pick my classes, I considered putting it off, lying to Lorenzo and saying that I couldn’t get the classes I needed and that I would figure it out next semester. But the thought of not graduating on time after everything I’d worked for made me confirm my classes. Because as much as I love Lorenzo, I refuse to put a man above my dreams and future.
Lorenzo
And maybe add in one of those sexy lingerie pieces you were working on the other day.
I choke out a watery laugh at his text as what he’s doing hits me. With Christmas coming up, he’s taking me away before I leave. And the thought makes me both smile and tear up because if I were at a different point in my life, Lorenzo would no doubt be the man of my dreams. But right now, the only dream I can afford to have involves me graduating from college and getting a job in the fashion industry.
Vanessa
I’ll see what I can do.
I spend the rest of the morning playing with Leo, and when he naps, I pack my carry-on luggage, noting the irony in the fact that the last time I used this luggage, it was to go to the Bahamas to escape getting trafficked, which led to marrying Lorenzo, and now I’m packing it to spend a night away with my husband.
My husband …
We haven’t broached the subject of getting an annulment. I know it’s what needs to be done, but the thought of doing so makes what we have feel less real … even if the marriage was only out of convenience.
Once I’m done packing, I take a shower and get dressed in a nice pair of linen navy-blue pants and a simple white top, pairing them with cute white sandals—stylish but simple since I don’t know what we’re doing tonight.
As I’m double-checking everything I packed, my phone rings with a call from Kora, the designer I used to intern with.
“Hey, Kora! How are you?”
Even though I was forced to step away and she had to hire a new intern, she was understanding, and I left on good terms.
“Vanessa, please tell me you’ll be back after the holidays. I’ve gone through five interns, and nobody is as efficient and knowledgeable as you.”
I bite back a laugh at the desperation in her tone, and my heart swells at the compliment.
“Actually,” I say, “I will be back. My … family emergency has been taken care of, and I’ll be moving back to Seattle after Christmas.”
“Oh, thank God! After dealing with these bumbling idiots, I’ve made an executive decision. I’m putting you on payroll. That way, you can work more hours, and you won’t have to work at that bar anymore.”
I wasn’t planning to work at the bar since I’d been making a good living from my online boutique, but I don’t tell her that because, hello, she’s going to pay me.
And then it hits me …
“I only have one stipulation.”
“Name it.”
“I need to ensure there’s no noncompete clause. I’ve opened a little boutique online to sell the clothes I make and—”
“Oh, I’ve seen it, and your clothes are gorgeous. I wanted to speak to you about your plans for after you graduate. I won’t put in a noncompete clause, but I would like to schedule a business meeting with you to see about partnering. Your clothes are the ideal mix of edgy and classy, and I think they would be perfect for a collab. I’m heading to LA right after Christmas, and I was thinking you could go with me.”
Oh my God. Holy shit. It takes everything in me not to scream and cry. But I hold it together, not wanting to sound silly. Her LA office is where all the deals are made.
Once I somewhat have control of my emotions, I say, “I would love that.”
“Perfect. Have a good Christmas, and I’ll see you soon.”
We hang up, and I stare at my phone for several minutes, half convinced I just dreamed that entire conversation.