“Yeah,” I replied, curiosity piqued. “Why?” I took a sip of my wine, savoring the taste as memories flooded back.
I remember that design like it was yesterday. Inaya was the whole reason we got that deal, and it was so heartfelt for her, as it explored modest clothing for Islamic men, women, and children.
“We got an email from them asking us to enter into a one-year contract to design more clothes. I forgot to mention it earlier.”
I almost choked as she revealed the news. “You’re joking?” I whispered, my voice barely audible, disbelief etched on my face.
“It’s your year, Nina,” she assured, her confidence unwavering.
“We’re definitely going to have to expand our team because thesmall unit of us back home can’t manage all these projects.”
She leaned back into the chair, a relaxed smile playing on her lips. “All will be well, and we technically are expanding. Once we get back, we’ll make a calendar of everything and see what we can manage and what we can’t. Deal?”
I nodded as the waiter approached with our food. “Deal.”
The sudden amount of success we were receiving had me in a tailspin. While I should have felt exhilaration, all I could think about was how undeserving I felt.Did I have the talent and capability to sustain this momentum?
Impostorism whispered doubts into my ear, making me second-guess every achievement, every praise. It was as if at any moment, someone would point out I was a fraud, undeserving of all this recognition. The fear gnawed at me, almost making me choke on this delicious salad.
What if I let my clients down?
What if I couldn’t deliver?
The pressure felt overwhelming, but I had to push through. I had to believe in myself as much as everyone else believed in me.
The silence ensued, and we continued our night eating, laughing, and conversing here and there. Amidst the chatter, my gaze drifted to a young couple seated nearby. The way the guy looked at the girl as if she were the only person in the world stirred memories of Ronan and me.
In a flash, I found myself transported back to a moment years ago. Ronan and I were strolling through the streets of Florence, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart melt. It was moments like those that made me fall in love with him all over again, despite our past struggles.
Returning to the present, I realized Inaya was watching me with concern. “Are you okay, Nina?” she asked softly. “You look extremely pale.”
I nodded, offering a faint smile and sipping my water. “I’mfine.”
“Alright,” she said, partially convinced, and we finished up our meal, heading back to the hotel as it was getting late and the jet lag was creeping in on her.
“I think I’ll be out a bit later,” I told her, preparing for her inevitable questions.
“Why? Is everything alright?”
“I have something I need to take care of,” I reassured her and grabbed my phone to send a message I knew I’d regret.
Me
Hey. Do you by any chance know where Ronan would be?
I waited around for five minutes until he responded, my heart beating fast.
Dillon Xander
At his hospital, he had a surgery earlier. Is everything okay?
I had no fucking idea if everything was fine; I just knew I needed to see Ronan.
Me
Yeah. Can I get the address?
He quickly sent it, and I booked the Uber, making my way through the city streets. The familiar blend of doubt and apprehension surged within me as I approached the building.
