I’d heard what Lord Renbrook had said to me earlier, but it’s only now that the words are fully starting to sink in.
“I . . . I . . . I don’t know what to say. Why me?”
“Clarissa received her big break when the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Leeds walked into her shop and decided to take a chance on an unknown designer. She has been looking to give someone else that same opportunity, but we haven’t been able to find the right person—that is until now.”
My legs begin to quiver, and I sink down onto the couch.
“We both agreed when we saw your sketches that whatever you come up with would be perfect for her. So will you consider it?”
My future is about to change. I nod, then realize Sonya can’t see me. “Yes, I’ll do it.”
Eleven
Ihold the phone a foot from my ear as Liz squeals. “You’re designing Clarissa Lee’s wedding gown? The wedding that’s probably going to be featured in every fashion magazine and blog?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Neither can I.” I’m still pacing my flat. At this rate, I must’ve done about three or four miles. “I feel like I’m riding a giant roller coaster in a loop. I’ve never been so excited about anything in my life, but I’m also terrified of screwing this up.”
“First of all, there is no way you’ll muck this up.Youare talented with a capital T. There is no way you would’ve won a scholarship, graduated near the top of the class, or caught Clarissa’s eye without it. Secondly, youdeservethis. You’ve worked your bum off and it’s about time the universe paid you back?—”
“I think I got that when the horse sneezed on me,” I interject.
Liz snorts. “Not that kind of payback—the good kind.”
“I know, I’m only joking.”
“What were the terms of the deal? Did they give you a budget? Time frame? Studio space?”
“The wedding is in six months. I have a blank check for whatever I need. And I didn’t ask about the design space. Until our next meeting, I was thinking about using your old room for now.”
“Six months isn’t very much time. And what are you going to do when the lease for the flat is up?”
“Sonya worked that out for me.” I walk toward my kitchen and pour myself a glass of water from the tap. “Once Clarissa settles on the sketch she likes, I’ll be responsible for the mock-up, and then she’ll assemble a team to help me to bring the real thing to life. I’ll use the school studio if need be as a temporary setup when it’s time to move. I’m not worried about that part yet.”
“Wow, you get your very own team?”
“Uh-huh. I’d hoped you might be willing to work with me too. I mentioned to Sonya that I know the perfect menswear designer and she wanted a few sketches to show Lord Renbrook.”
Placing the phone down, I take a sip of water. Liz’s voice has reached a new octave. If I’m talented, Liz is ultra-talented in all caps. Menswear may look simple, but it’s just as difficult as working with women’s clothing, especially when it comes to adding some signature style elements to a suit.
“Are you okay?”
“I will be, I think.” She takes a few deep breaths. “I’m going to owe you for life for this.”
“Friends help each other out. Just come with me when I need help picking up supplies and we’ll call it even.”
“I think Soldier Boy might be better suited to a task likethat. I’m sure he’s fit and can carry as many bolts of fabric as you need.”
I sigh. In the excitement of the call, I completely forgot that I agreed to meet Sam this weekend. That seems to be a recurring theme of late. Sonya and I set up a tentative in-person meeting for Tuesday. I know they don’t expect me to have too much done, but I’d still like to have some sketches to show them. With my work schedule, I’m going to need every spare moment I can get to prepare.
“You’ve gone quiet, should I be worried?” Liz asks.
I set my glass down and rub my temples. “I’m just wondering what my work-life balance is going to look like for the next couple of weeks. I’d planned to meet Sam this weekend, but now I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Donotdo something stupid like pick one over the other. You can have both. Actually, spending time with Sam is the perfect distraction for you. When are you meeting him?”
