Now, it turns out I lost myself to the one man who was never mine to begin with.
ChapterTwenty-Seven
LAYLA
“Tell me it’s not true.”
Erica bursts in through the back door of the shop. With the wedding in just a few short hours, I closed the store today. Nothing is more important than Gemma’s big day.
Even if my entire world is coming apart at the seams.
A closure that will be permanent, if the notice on the front door this morning is anything to go on.
“I guess bad news travels fast.”
“They’re really closing Pinstripes & Push-Ups?”
I look around at all the white silk that is strewn across my workroom. Half-finished pieces hang on mannequins. Beautiful works of art that the town of Dixon decided they don’t want here anymore.
“They are.” I hand her the notice that greeted me this morning. A bright orange sign that sealed my fate. “We only have a few days to get out.”
“You can’t let them do this!” Her voice borders on shrieking.
“It’s done.”
“Is it though? You have to fight this.”
Last night, I might have agreed with her. Anger warred with sadness mixed with hurt. But watching Simon’s retreating form? It’s like he took any and all fight I had with him.
“And what about next week when they think that the newest top I design is too risqué?” I shake my head. “I can’t keep going around and around with the town leaders on this.”
“What will you do?”
“I don’t know.”
The question has been nagging at me. This shop is everything. Everything I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember.
Designing clothes.
Helping people feel beautiful in something I make.
One dumb decision—trying to save my business with Simon’s help—and it’s gone.
The ache in my chest swells. Not only have I lost my dream, but I’ve lost Simon too. How could I let the most amazing man in my life walk away?
I was up all night thinking about him. I don’t even think I was this broken up when I left Brad. Simon leaving cut deep. Deeper than I ever expected a fake fiancé to hurt.
“We need to talk.” This time, it’s Gemma bursting into my studio.
“What are you doing here?” Glancing down at my watch, I should be leaving to head to the ranch to get hair and makeup done. Yet, the woman of the hour is standing in my shop, looking none too pleased with me.
“Erica, will you give me a minute with my sister?”
“Sure.” She heads out the front, the door slamming shut behind her.
“What in the hell is wrong with you?” Gemma’s brown eyes are fierce.
“Do we really have to talk about this today? Aren’t there more important things going on?”
