She starts marching us away dramatically while the men laugh behind us.
“Don’t worry,” Justin calls out. “We’ll try not to miss you too much!”
“Oh, you will,” Meghan shoots back over her shoulder, making all of us burst into laughter.
“So, Blair…” Meghan starts as soon as we step into what looks like a study. The space is airy and impeccably organized, with a minimalist yet feminine touch. A cozy couch and loveseat sit by a wall of color-coordinated bookshelves, their spines forming a gradient that’s oddly satisfying. She lowers herself onto the loveseat, rubbing her stomach as she speaks. “I love your name, by the way. Totally gives meGossip Girlvibes.”
“Thank you, I was actually named after the badass Blair Waldorf,” I reply, settling into the matching armchair.
“Really? Your mom must’ve been obsessed withGossip Girl,” Meghan says.
“Actually, it was my sister who was obsessed with the books. She picked my name, hoping I’d turn out like Blair.”
“And did you?” Inès asks.
“I’d like to think so.” I grin, flipping my hair dramatically for effect.
“Iconic,” Meghan declares, beaming. “So, tell us everything. How did you meet Calvin?”
“I… uh,” I stammer. What am I supposed to say?I met Calvin when I came here for my sister’s wedding, who just so happens to be his fiancée.
Before I can come up with anything, Inès steps in smoothly. “Meghan,” she says, a gentle warning.
“What?” Meghan protests, dramatically throwing her hands up. “I’m not being nosy!”
Inès raises a brow.
“I’mnot!” she insists. “I just want to know because, girl, that man is fine.”
Both Inès and I turn to her at the same time, eyebrows raised.
“What?” Meghan asks, dead serious. “I mean, my man’s the love of my life, obviously. But I’m not blind.”
I glance at Inès, and in perfect unison, we both burst into laughter. Meghan joins in, clearly pleased with herself.
“You’re impossible,” Inès says, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.
“Thank you, thank you,” Meghan says with a mock bow, one hand resting dramatically on her baby bump. “Now… Blair. What’s one thing we need to know about you?”
“Oh gosh, no pressure,” I say, laughing nervously as all eyes fall on me. “Well, I’m studying fashion in Paris as you already know… but I also post style tips and videos on social media. You know, outfits, little tutorials, behind-the-scenes stuff.”
Meghan perks up. “Wait, really? What’s your handle?”
I blink, surprised but flattered. “It’s just @BlairCouture. All one word.”
She’s already pulling out her phone. “You’re kidding, that’s you?” she says as she scrolls. “Oh my God, I’ve totally seen your reels! You did that one with the pink corset and the silk gloves, I saved it!”
My cheeks flush. “That one blew up a little, yeah.”
“I’m following you immediately,” she says, tapping her screen like a woman on a mission. “You’re so talented. These looks are stunning… Inès, look at this one.”
Inès leans over to see, nodding with genuine admiration. “Wow, Blair. That’s really impressive.”
“Seriously, your aesthetic is so soft and romantic,” Meghan says, still scrolling. “It gives book heroine energy. No wonder you’re studying fashion in Paris.”
That makes me smile. “Thank you… Honestly, I think half my inspiration comes from the books I read anyway.”
“Stop. You’re a reader, too?”
