This year, I was styling Eliza for one of the most important fashion events in the city—the Stark Patrons Ball. This year, the theme was “Notte A Venezia.” It was such a big deal that we’d finalized her highly intricate Venetian gown months in advance. It was currently tucked away in a breathable garment bag in her closet—where, per my strict instructions, she’d also placed a humidifier to keep the air just right. No moisture, no disasters.
“If the dress wasn’t okay, the first thing you would have heard when you picked up would have been my hysterical crying. It’s totally fine. Don’t worry.”
“Thank God,” I said with a relieved laugh. “So what’s up?”
“My plus-one can’t make it to the ball anymore, and I was wondering… Would you like to come with me?”
I blinked at one of the bedazzled canvases hanging on my wall. “You’re kidding.”
“I’m completely serious. I’d love for you to be there.”
“What happened to your cousin? You were going to take him, right?”
“He has to stay in LA for some work thing. An audition, I think.” She sighed. “He’s really trying to make it as an actor. So what do you say?”
I nibbled on my fingernail. “Are you sure? There isn’t anyone else you want to invite instead?”
“I can’t think of anyone who’ll appreciate the atmosphere more than you. It’ll be a smorgasbord of fashion. Plus, you worked so hard on that stunning gown. I want to do something special to thank you.”
This was…unexpected, to say the least. Eliza and I had a great professional relationship, but it had never quite crossed into friendship. There were people in the city who’d kill for an invite to this event, and she was extending it to me?
“Can I think about it?”
“What’s there to think about?”
“I have to check my schedule,” I said. “You know it’s been crazy with everything going on.”
“I’m sure your dad’s people will understand. It’s really a no-brainer.”
Was it just me, or was she being a little pushy?
“I really appreciate the invitation. Let me get back to you.”
She cleared her throat. “Right, of course. But don’t think for too long. It’s soon!”
Very soon. I’d have to scramble to find something to wear. I wouldn’t need to go overboard, but I couldn’t show up in a little black dress either. There was no bigger faux pas at these things than not taking the theme seriously.
“Who was it?” Fabi asked, tearing her attention from her laptop as I sat back down beside her.
I told her the gist of the conversation. “It seems crazy to say no, but is it really a good use of my time? Jenny’s eager to put me back to work, and here I am asking for another night off?”
“You deserve a night of fun after the year you’ve had,” Fabi urged. “You’ve definitely earned it. Just say yes.”
One night of fun. Could I give myself that?
Maybe this was exactly what I needed to finally forget about Romolo.
I took out my phone and sent Eliza a text.
Her response was immediate.
Wonderful!!! I can’t wait.
* * *
An hour later, I hurried to the studio. With less than a week until the ball, I needed to figure out what I was going to wear fast. There was a velvet dress I had tucked away that I might be able to use. It had a fitted bodice with long sleeves, a square neckline, and a lush, voluminous skirt. Alone, it was much too plain, but I could alter it and add some embellishments. Since my days off were numbered, there was no time to waste.
Leaves crunched under my boots as I made my way toward SoHo. I liked New York in the fall, though summer was my favorite season. This last summer, however, felt like it had come and gone without me truly experiencing any of it.
