My nerves have been getting the better of me all day. And now that the time is finally here?
I feel like they’re ready to explode out of me.
Guests are already mingling as I look everything over from my spot at the back of the store.
Everything looks perfect. Pierce helped me find this coveted piece of real estate in Shoreditch on their main fashion street.
Exposed brick wall. High beams cutting across the ceiling. Vintage lights hanging from the ceiling. And a brand-new coat of bright white paint to make everything pop.
This store—Layla’s—is a dream come true.
Not having to deal with the people in Dixon trying to put me down, I was able to create the perfect store. With help from Bri, my new favorite influencer, I was able to make this a reality.
Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing server, I head into the crowd, stopping to talk with everyone. Telling them about my pieces and listening to their excitement.
It’s a blur, really. This whole night. People come and go, but Simon has taken up residence on the fringes of the store, keeping an ever watchful eye on everything. Ever the protector.
It’s then I notice who he’s talking to.
“If you’ll excuse me a moment.” I smile at the couple I’ve been chatting with and make a beeline for a face I’ve missed more than I realized.
“Gemma! What are you doing here?”
“Surprise!”
I pull her in for a tight hug, tears prickling my eyes.
“I talked to you last night and you were at home.”
I can’t believe my little sister is in London right now.
“You didn’t think we’d miss your big night, did you?”
“But how?”
Blake is standing behind her, talking with Simon. Even with how little we make it back to Dixon, those two are as thick as thieves.
“We flew in yesterday. Layla,”—Gemma’s eyes fill with tears—“this is incredible. I am so proud of you.”
She pulls me in for another hug, my emotions now getting the best of me.
I’ve been working for so long at this, it’s hard to believe that it’s real. That these beautiful creations I made—made to make people feel beautiful and empowered—are real. It’s a shift from Pinstripes & Push-Ups. No more clothes. Just lingerie.
And now I even have a team helping me design and create.
“How long are you here for?” I ask.
“Another week. Shooting doesn’t start back up for a few weeks, so we’re taking a real vacation.”
“Hey!” Blake cuts in. “I’ve taken you on plenty of vacations this year.”
“Yes, but something always comes up and you end up having to work a few of those days.”
“Okay, not entirely untrue. But it’s not like issues haven’t come up at the ranch either.”
Being around Blake and Gemma makes me realize how much I miss home.
London has done nothing but welcome me with open arms, but it was harder to adjust to life in the big city than I thought.
