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“So, tell me,” he says warmly. “What name do I give them for the sign?”
I’ve thought about this moment for years, spending endless nights trying to come up with the perfect name for my fashion label. All the greats resorted simply to using their last names, synonymous with their style, their success, their brand. ButWilsondoesn’t have as much kick as I’d like. It doesn’t feel as glamorous or as sophisticated as Versace, Balenciaga, or Prada.
An idea pops into my head. If my last name won’t do, perhaps my first will.
“Marina,” I tell him with a smile. “Just Marina.”
Dominic nods in approval. “Perfect.”
“You think so?”
“Definitely less clunky thanMarina’s Lil’ Dress Shoppe.I’ll have the boys put in the order.”
Felicia looks around, moderately fascinated with our new location, though I have a feeling I won’t be able to keep her attention for much longer. I’m sure there are a million other things an energetic four-year-old would rather be doing. She plays with a lock of my hair, squirming a bit in my hold. I set her down on her feet but hold on to her hand.
“Mommy, where are we?”
“This is my new store, sweetie.” I smile wide when I glance at Dominic. “Your Daddy gave it to me. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Daddy,” my daughter echoes, looking at him.
I’ll never forget the look on Dominic’s face. It’s a combination of pride, pure joy, and so much love that I’m genuinely afraid he might pass out.
“Are you really my daddy?” Felicia asks.
Dominic gets down on his knee to meet her at eye level. “I am, principessa.”
We both stare at our daughter to see her reaction, and I nearly laugh out loud when she shrugs her little shoulders and says a nonchalant, “Okay.”
“I’m going to call Miriam the second we get home,” I say. “Hopefully she’ll still take me on as a client.”
“She will,” he says firmly.
“Thank you, Dom. For all of this. It’s really amaz—”
His phone rings loudly, cutting me off. “Sorry,” he grumbles. “I have to take this. Feel free to check out the rest of the store.” Dominic leaves promptly, a few suited men following him.
I give Johnny a quick glance. “Any idea who he’s talking to?”
“I’m not at liberty to say,” he replies with a sympathetic shrug.
A flicker of annoyance licks at the back of my neck. Right. Of course. It’s Mob business or whatever. I’m a part of Dominic’s life, but at the same time, not a part of it. Not entirely. I might never be.
I tell myself I’m being silly, that this strange knot twisting in the pit of my stomach will pass. It’s just a phone call. Dominic has always been a busy man. I shouldn’t allow myself to get this upset, especially not when he’s done something so amazing for me. Besides, I’m about to be very busy myself now that my path forward seems free and clear of any obstacles.
As I look around, an electric excitement fills me from head to toe. This is it. My dreams are finally going to become a reality.
Chapter 30
Arin
The second I sign my contract with Miriam, things move at break-neck speeds. Most of the time, I’m as lost as a dinghy caught in a massive monsoon. Thank God Miriam has my back.
“Okay, babe. I’m gonna go quick, so stop me if you need me to repeat myself,” she says as we walk and talk.
I feel like we’re always walking and talking whenever I visit her at her downtown office location. Poor Johnny has to chase us around at all times, surprisingly inept at keeping pace with us despite the fact that we’re wearing stiletto heels.
“I’m going to get your website set up by tonight, along with various social media accounts. It’s important that we set up your internet presence as soon as possible to give your brand an even greater air of legitimacy.”
