AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Although I moved to Paris, I fly up once a month for a weekend doing my part. I may not want to work at the company. However, I enjoy the time helping the miners and their families, especially the children. I hope to have a little one of my own one day. Hopefully, with sapphire blue eyes and jet black hair.
“Come back to this world, Blair.”
Jasper’s words rouse me from my musings as he takes my elbow and leads me and Jillian into the hotel’s lobby.
We make our way to the grand ballroom and take our places beside our parents in the receiving line. Our father cocks an eyebrow and glances at his watch, so like Jasper. Our mother smiles as her gaze lands on our bared middles.
“Twinsies, girls?” She asks as she kisses our cheeks. Her eyes sparkle like the diamonds in her ears and around her slim throat.
At fifty-three—four years younger than our father—she’s a stunning woman who inspires my love for fashion. She can make a cashmere sweater and a pair of jeans as glamorous as the haute couture Valentino gown she wears tonight. I recognize the master’s signature red color and the craftsmanship of his maison.
Every year since I was sixteen, together we attend the fashion shows for each season in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. They’re always our special mother-daughter trips. So, my announcement to bow out of Thomas Industries did not surprise her. She encouraged me to follow my dreams.
“Great minds.”
Jillian and I respond simultaneously, then burst into giggles.
Our Mum shakes her head with a smile and turns to greet the next guest.
Twenty minutes later, she touches my arm and gestures towards a young man in front of her. I recall him being a Scottish duke—one of the most sought-after bachelors in the UK. I glance from his smiling face to my mother. She beams.
“Darling, you’ve spent enough time on the receiving line. Why don’t you show the silent auction items to His Grace?”
Caught off guard, I stare blankly.
A nudge in my side from Jillian causes me to utter an undignified bleat. My cheeks heat as I stutter an affirmative response and place my hand on the wrong duke’s arm.
Blasted! And I thought the night would go well…
* * *
“Oh, Blair! I have such great news!”
Lola rushes towards me the moment I enter the atelier in Paris. Her hazel eyes shine as she claps her hands.
“We have a meeting tomorrow with STEELE International, Inc. in New York City to discuss our expansion into the United States! Luc arranged it. Can you believe it? STEELE is huge! They would be the perfect partner…”
My mind zooms in on one word. Luc.
Will he attend since he organized the meeting?
Will he say more than hello, how are you, and goodbye this time?
Or will I just fade into the background for him as usual?
“—prepare for the meeting. I’ll need you to research their properties while I run the numbers. Then organize the latest collections and models in New York City. Luc wants to go over the presentation. He’ll join in via a video conference call in a few hours. Leonie is coming too for a mini fashion show. We fly out on Luc’s private jet in the afternoon and stay for the week. I know it’s last minute, Blair. Does time away from Paris work for you?”
I all but jump in the air and pump my fists.
Instead, I contain my jubilation and nod.
“Absolutely, Lola. What fantastic news! I’ll get right on those tasks. Anything else you need, just let me know.”
She nods and hurries back into her office.
As I head to my desk, I wonder if I’m more excited about the meeting or having the chance to spend time with Luc. With a grin, the favor tilts towards him.
The day passes in a blur. I don’t join in on the video conference call with Luc since I run around like a madwoman organizing the trip. But I don’t mind. I thrive on a challenge. Lola and I stay well into the evening. She rehearses her presentation between bites of Thai takeaway. By the time I return to my flat in the seizième arrondissement, I shower and collapse in bed.
