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They all applaud. Michelle hugs me.
We drink our champagne and talk and laugh.
When Amy Greer joins us, we offer her champagne, too. She takes the glass and we stand together, talking.
“You really blew us all away,” Amy says. “I didn’t know what would come of it. When you contacted me, I took a chance on you. But you’re a very talented designer and now that the world knows your name, I’ll be looking out for it in the headlines. You’re going places.”
I hug her. “Your support means so much.” I’m still emotional, and the more champagne I drink, the more I feel like crying.
Finally, Michelle dismisses everyone to go out and have a good night.
“We’re going out for dinner and wine to celebrate,” she says to me. “And then we’re going home for a good night’s sleep. God, I feel like a zombie.”
I giggle. “Me, too. I think that’s the best plan I’ve heard all week.”
When everything is packed up and ready to transport back to Paris, we finally get away. We go to Lavande, a restaurant I’ve only been to once, and Michelle doesn’t know at all.
My heart constricts when we walk in. This was where I ran into Noah the first time I arrived in New York, and we had that unforgettable night together. This was where it all started.
“This place is incredible,” Michelle says, looking around when we sit at one of the tables. The dining room is as beautiful and lavish as the bar area I was at with Noah. The tables have expensive cream tablecloths over them, with silver underplates, silver cutlery, and beautiful ceramic centerpieces.
A server brings us wine when Michelle orders it, and when it’s poured and we’re both sipping the deep red liquid, she stares at me across the table.
“What?” I ask, laughing after a while when it gets awkward.
“Do I have to play Twenty Questions with you before you tell me what’s going on?”
I sigh and shake my head. “It’s just…Noah.”
“Yeah? Tell me about it. You’ve been spending a lot of time with him.”
I nod. “You told me to go out and have fun while we’re here.”
“You’re right. Are you having fun?”
“Too much fun,” I admit with a secretive smile that makes Michelle laugh.
“That’s exactly what I want to hear. You really do deserve it, Ray.”
“I’m falling for him.” I shake my head. “No, I’vefallenfor him. It’s done. And I don’t know what to do about it.”
Michelle blinks at me. “Are you serious? You’re in love with this guy?”
I nod. “He’s just everything I didn’t realize I wanted; you know? He’s different from before, too. He’s grown up. I don’t know him very well; it’s only been a week. But when I’m with him, itfeelsright. I like the way I feel around him.”
I pick up the menu to study the options, but I don’t see anything.
“I don’t know how to say goodbye.”
“Maybe you don’t have to. How does he feel?”
“I don’t know,” I admit. “But that’s not the point.”
Michelle raises her eyebrows. “If the other side of the equation in a relationship isn’t the point…”
I shake my head. “It’s just not that simple. Even if he does feel the same way, it won’t work between us.”
“You canmakeit work,” Michelle urges. “The world is incredibly small these days. In one hours, you’re on a different continent.”
