“Wow, he is dreamy. You two make a lovely couple!”
“Thank you. So do you and my brother. Even though you’re way better looking than he is.”
A chuckle erupts from my chest. “So, what else is new with you?”
“I passed my boards recently, and I’m now a licensed dermatologist. I started working with Dr. Eun-ji Bae a couple of weeks ago, and she has been such an incredible mentor.”
“That’s wonderful, Asami!” I beam. “Do you plan on opening your own clinic one day?”
“Yes, that’s the plan! I’d also like to develop my own skin-care products.”
“I can totally see that becoming a huge success!”
“You think so?” She rubs the back of her neck.
“Oh, for sure. Success runs in the Kamado family.” I smile.
Asami chuckles. “So, how’s everything going with your online shop? All the clothes you have on there are so cute! I need to order everything.”
“It’s going pretty well!” I reply, a grin spreading across my face. “I thought it would take me a while to get orders in, but I shipped out items to ten different customers yesterday, and I’ve already got a few new orders today. I’m really hoping they leave good reviews. That would give my shop a big boost.”
“Girl, I’m sure they will leave you raving reviews. You are talented as hell,” she says, flashing me a warm smile.
“Thank you, Asami. If only I could quit my job so I can focus on my shop. Working at Dauntless leaves me drained.” I let out a groan and slump back in my seat.
Asami squeezes my hand. “I can only imagine. One day, you will be able to leave that place and be your own boss.”
A few months ago, I thought I was stuck working at this dead-end job, and had accepted the fact that I would never become a fashion designer. But now, my future is looking bright again. My shop is growing every day, and my passion for creating clothes has come back.
Maddox’s constant encouragement reminds me of what I am capable of and has brought back my confidence. He’s silenced the voices in my head that were telling me to give up on my dreams.
Those dreams once felt so far out of reach, but now I feel myself getting closer to making them a reality.
The lights dim and red strobe lights dance across the floor.
“Everybody, get on your feet and make some noise for yourSan Francisco Draaagooonsss!” the announcer bellows.
“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled blasts from the speakers, and the announcer introduces the starting five players as they come out one by one.
“Everyone, get loud for number twenty-four, your shooting guard and MVP, Maddox Kamado!”
The energy in the crowd is palpable, and the whole arena fills with chants of his name.
“I love you, Maddox!” someone shouts.
“Have my babies!” another voice calls out.
“He is so hot,” a girl sitting behind me says.
“I know. I wish I was a basketball so I could be touched by him.”
I let out a snicker and Asami sticks her finger in her mouth, making a gagging sound.
I don’t blame them. Maddox looks extremely hot in his uniform. It shows off his large biceps and muscular legs. How lucky am I to have him all to myself?
Maddox scans the crowd and when his eyes land on me, he flashes me his infectious dimpled smile. I smile back at him, giving him a thumbs up and mouthing “good luck.”
He shoots me a wink and I instantly become flustered.
