“I’ll organize the client info, and we’ll plan accordingly. Also, are you sketching all the designs?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’ll always be the one to sketch, though others will help make them and match the fabrics.”
“Great. And for the staff here… are we moving people around?” she asked.
“No. Only three are going to New York. You and Francesca will stay in Italy. I’ll probably close the boutique briefly for training.”
We spent the next few hours finalizing the details, making sure everything was set. As Inaya left, I grabbed my phone to text Ronan, but the message didn’t send. I tried calling twice with no response. Odd, but then I remembered he might be in the middle of surgery.
With that settled, I grabbed my new sketchbook and finishedthe designs. After reviewing them, I sent the file off for approval, hoping for the best.
But my thoughts kept drifting back to Ronan. It seemed like everything led back to him. His dedication, care, and unwavering support had been my anchor through everything. Still, part of me held back, haunted by the past. I could still feel the ache of his absence, the uncertainty that once consumed me.
I told myself this time was different. He was different. But doubt lingered, whispering that I should protect my heart. My mind argued with my emotions, one side urging me to leap, the other to tread carefully. But damn it, he’d done enough. I was ready. I wanted him. I needed him.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, quickly setting my sketchpad aside.
Alejandro entered, a smile on his face. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen or spoken to him. He stepped forward, holding a cup of coffee.
“Thought you could use this,” he said gently, offering the cup. “Haven’t seen you in a while. How was New York?”
“Thank you,” I replied, taking the coffee. “It was good. Got a lot done.”
He moved to hug me, but I instinctively stepped back, avoiding the embrace. Alejandro’s face briefly flickered with confusion.
“Long day?” he asked, leaning against my desk.
“Busy day,” I said, sipping the coffee to calm my nerves.
“Anything I can help with?”
I shook my head, glancing at the clock. “It’s work stuff. It’s almost nine. Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“Are we friends?” he asked, catching me off guard.
I shot him a confused glance. “Huh?”
“Are we friends?” he repeated.
“Why wouldn’t we befriends?” I replied.
He looked at me, sighed, and I braced myself, hoping thiswasn’t heading in the direction I feared.
Ronan
“Should we bring your stuff to the hotel?” Rachel asked as we drove through the streets of Arezzo.
“Yes, please. I’m not sure how long I’ll be,” I replied. “But I’ll call. Rachel, get those files printed for Mrs. De Luca. We’ll head to Milan soon and let my aunt know I’ll be passing by.”
“Perfect. I’ll get it done. Send Nina my best.”
“I will.”
I headed straight to Nina’s boutique, my heart racing. As I approached, I was surprised to find the door open, the soft chime of the bell announcing my entrance.
Were they usually opened this late?
The boutique was bathed in golden light, and I quickly spotted Inaya behind the counter. Her face hardened when she saw me, a mix of surprise and displeasure in her eyes.
