AllFreeNovel
Share Us
And now, a decade later, I attempted to do the same thing.
I didn’t break under pressure. I didn’t get jealous. I was focused, and I definitely knew what I wanted.
I knew I wanted Clay.
So why?Why. . .was I crying!? Why was I scared? Why did hearing him say he had everything he wanted and needed scare the shit out of me?
Thoughts whizzed through my brain. My time in Portland was coming to an end. I’d go back to New York, and what then? What would happen as soon as this wedding was over? Would he come with me? Would he leave me again?
Without having an answer to my own question, I lowered the visor and wiped away my tears. Pinching the skin below my cheeks, I took several deep breaths, telling myself to focus. I put the car back in gear and drove the rest of the way to Madeline’s, making sure my eyes were calm and a smile was on my face before walking in the door.
She would only see what I wanted her to see.
Before I knew it, it was the night of the party, only seven days until Milo and Madeline’s big day. Madeline had come to the studio to try on the dress, and I had to talk her out of taking it off, that it was hers to keep no matter what, and that Milo was going to drop when he saw her. There were absolutely no adjustments to be made as she slipped it on so the fact that Clay wasn’t there didn’t hit as hard as it would have. He was a full-blown accountant now, trying to work his way through Elliot’s accounts, proud to say he was almost at ground zero.
But even though he was busy, as was I, we still made time to finalize everything for the party, spending some nights together getting everything just right. We had gotten most of the guest list to respond—a bigger shindig than we originally thought—but with the little details being ironed out with Clay and Elliot, I knew it was going to be an amazing night.
My phone buzzed on the dresser, dancing in circles as I zipped up my own dress. JoAnn’s name lit up the screen. I furrowed my brow and answered. All of my designs had been accepted, and from the photos she had sent me, we were ready to move forward with the store.
“Hello, this is Ophelia,” I said in my most professional, modest voice.
“Ah, hello, Ophelia!” JoAnn’s voice rang through the other line, sharp and intense. “How was your day?”
“It was great, thank you.” I smiled. “Madeline came and tried on the dress for her party tonight. Seven more days until the wedding! I know Carter has some amazing photos of her dress.”
“Oh, he does. I’ve seen them! That’s actually why I’m calling. Carter and I have been talking, and we’d love to get some photos of you here. In the store, with the people making your designs, that way we can post the store opening. We’re so close.. . . I really think you need to come out here for a few days.”
“Oh, but,” I interrupted her, “I have to be here for the dress rehearsal and the wedding,” I stammered.
“Oh, yes, and I am in no way taking you from that, just a few days. When’s the rehearsal?”
I placed my hand on my forehead, trying to envision the calendar in my head. Could I really leave and go to New York before the wedding? I’m sure Madeline would understand, but I had promised her my attention here. And. . . Clay. . .
“Um, it’s. . . uh. . .” I lowered my hand. “rehearsal is on Friday, wedding is Saturday.”
“I can have you back Thursday night. Fly out tomorrow and be here for four days. That would give us plenty of time, and you can see the gowns—”
I interrupted her again. “Can’t this wait until I get back? I fly home the Monday after—”
“Ophelia, I am closer to opening this store than you think. We have worked so hard, and I really feel like you being here would help us get further so we can complete the project. If you’re here, that's just the cherry on top.”
I inhaled a deep breath of air. “Let me talk to Madeline,” I mumbled.
“Let me know ASAP, and I can book this flight for you. The one I have my eye on leaves tomorrow afternoon.”
“Tomorrow, right. I’ll talk to Madeline now and let you know
—”
“ASAP,” she reiterated.
“Right.” I nodded, and JoAnn quickly said goodbye. Staring at myself in the mirror, I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I’d been holding. Nerves shot through me. I knew Madeline would tell me to go. She’d be supportive. She would basically pushed me out the door. My mind and heart went to Clay.
Rolling my shoulders, my strong demeanor back on, I left the room ready to tackle the night, but first, I had to talk to Madeline.
Madeline and Jamie were already in the living room, dressed and waiting for me. Jamie was wearing a tight dress that matched the purple of Madeline’s custom, gorgeous, gown (the gown,the one that stopped the show, the one that Madeline treated just as delicate as her wedding gown), and then there was me. I dressed to fit into my New York life. The gold shimmered against my skin, and my curls sat on my shoulders, my gold hoops lighting touching my neck as I moved. Together, the three of us were a sight to be seen, and we were going to be the best dressed at the party.
“Oh, Phe!” Madeline said, taking my hands as I approached them. “You look stunning! You need to wear it at your store’s grand opening.”
