A huge grin broke out across Winona’s face. “And Oliver doesn’t know.”
“No. Oliver’s been working so hard trying to get Eliganz up and running, I didn’t want to worry him with starting my own business. I’ve got plenty of time to start one. Once Oliver reaches his goals, he’ll support me. He’d do that now, but that would detract from his long-term plans,” I said.
“So, you’re sacrificing your needs for Oliver’s,” Oceana declared with disapproval.
“No. That’s your perspective, not mine. Oliver has worked damn hard since we left college. I worked for a while, but with us both absent constantly, things slipped. We weren’t seeing each other, and the house was a mess. We only ever had Sundays off together, and we spent that day doing housework.
“In the end, our goals were tearing us apart. My job paid less, so I quit because, obviously, Eliganz would be the main earner for us. With me home, things became much smoother. Neither of us was as stressed. Oliver had home-cooked meals instead of wasting money on takeout. We were both fitter and healthier. Oliver could concentrate knowing I was happy, looked after, and he could provide for me,” I elaborated.
The five women swapped glances, but I couldn’t read them.
“When did you return to designing?” Saska asked.
“Honestly, I never stopped. Over time, I built up a portfolio during college and then continued ever since.”
“And you’ve got more designs?” Zinnia demanded. “Like those?”
“Yeah. They’re not that great. A real designer would probably shred them, but I enjoyed the process of creating them,” I responded.
Winona shook her head. “If that dress is an example, they’ll be stunning.”
“What are you doing tomorrow?” Zinnia asked.
“Gardening,” I replied, confused.
“Not now, you aren’t,” Oceana said.
“Jude,” Rebel called out, and Jude turned immediately. Suddenly scared, I swallowed hard and began twisting my fingers. Had Rebel just interrupted the husbands chatting? If that had been me, Oliver would have been furious, which would have been justified.
“What, darling?” Jude replied with a warm smile. He left the group and sauntered over. Annoyance flashed across Oliver’s face, and inwardly I flinched. The emotion was gone so quickly that anyone else would have missed it, not me.
“Add Alicia’s name to the visitor list for a pass tomorrow, please,” Rebel said.
Jude appeared taken aback. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“To the WS Club?” Jude clarified.
What was so important about this? Even the other husbands appeared surprised, while Oliver appeared completely confused.
“You’re inviting Alicia to your club?” Aaron called out.
“Yup,” Winona replied.
Aaron smiled warmly and clapped Oliver on the back, who looked as bemused as me. “Well, now. Alicia must be something special. The girls never invite anyone. This is rather a shock,” Aaron said.
“Oh, Alicia doesn’t have to attend if it’s an imposition,” Oliver stated, and I cringed inside. My cheeks turned red with embarrassment. He’d blame me for this going wrong, and rightfully so. Damnit, I’d screwed up.
“Huh? The women invited Alicia; it’s not a problem, Oliver. Relax. Nobody ever gets an invitation to the WS Club. For Alicia to get one, they must really like her. Seems Alicia is a hit,” Ryder snapped. “Take a leaf out of her book.”
Ouch. I felt that slap from Ryder over here. Oliver’s stance stiffened, and Dax clapped him on the back.
“Oliver, chill out. We know you want the funding, and we’re halfway there. Sure, I’ve got a few reservations, but Alicia just virtually sealed the deal. If our wives approve of her, there’s a reason. For them to invite Alicia to their club means the investment is literally yours, unless you fuck this up by being an asshole,” Dax said.
My shoulders sagged in relief, and the women exchanged meaningful glances.
“I’ll have Alicia’s name on the guest list,” Jude stated, and Rebel grinned.
