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I went over to Xander’s dorm. He opened the door in his underwear while holding a pair of pinstriped pants in his free hand.
“Professor Elan says my copper dress is up for the year’s collection and fashion week,” I blurted out.
Xander dropped the pants and lifted me up off the ground in a big hug. “I told you! Elan has her eye on you. You can’t blow it. This or Givenchy. We’ll rule New York City.”
He was well ahead since Professor Elan only said my dress was up for the best of the year. It hadn’t been officially selected yet. Still, this was my freshman year, and I was already a standout. Clothing design wasn’t just a pipe dream.
Xander put me down and picked up his pants.
“Where you off to?”
“Dinner. I would have invited you to celebrate—my treat—but I assumed you were going to the event at Juilliard.”
My stomach dropped. “What event?”
Xander’s lips formed a perfect O, but then he busied himself by putting on his pants. “Nothing. I mix up things. What would you like to eat?”
I put my hands on my hips. “Don’t lie to me. Tell me the truth. What event at Juilliard?”
He let out a grunt, went to his computer, and showed me a flyer on social media. I read the words in my head.
“Aubrey Crane Practice Room Dedication. The critically acclaimed violinist and music producer gone too soon is honored by her alma mater, Juilliard School of Music. Her husband, Grammy- and Academy Award-winning artist and fellow alum Paul Crane, will grace us with a rare performance. The Crane family will be in attendance. The event is at the Lincoln Center. It’s free and open to the public, though space is limited.”
Paul never mentioned the dedication, even when I texted him earlier.
My temples throbbed with pain. “The event is for Paul’s late wife,” I whispered. “I have no business being there.”
But even to my ears, it seemed like a flimsy excuse.
Paul had shut me out.
“Let’s gatecrash? It’ll ease your conscience.”
“I can’t do that, Xander. If Paul wanted me there, he would’ve invited me.”
Like he never invited you to his home or to meet his friends and family. Some places you could take a plus-one, but I wasn’t a real part of his life.
“Okay. Fuck Paul’s arrogant ass. Let’s go have fun.” And that’s what we did. Xander was such easy company that Imostlyput the event out of my mind.
We headed to Gramercy for lunch.
“So, what’s your plan on building from here?” he asked when we were seated at a table.
“With the best of the year or Givenchy? I haven’t been selected yet.”
“Yet.Damn, I love your confidence. It’s very sexy. But yes, you have to expand your portfolio and consider making a webpage. Start marketing yourself now. I am. I hired a marketing team to help me expand my reach. It’s pricy, but I have to get my name out there. My accessories are picking up. I’ve already had meetings with a couple of retail shops on the Upper East Side. Hell, I might drop out if things keep going well. I don’t need a lifetime of loans over my head. You know, strike while the iron’s hot. Have you mentioned Givenchy to your parents?”
I shook my head.
Xander tutted. “Tell them. This is a career opportunity. Don’t blow it.”
What he said made sense. However, all I could think about was my dad baking those moon cookies every year on the anniversary of me becoming a permanent part of the family. I loved him too much to risk being so far away if something were to happen.
“Something else will come.”
Xander sucked his teeth. “I suppose you feel that way with Paul Crane. But seriously, wake up. He’s enjoyed the sex, but even that gets old after a while. What else do you have with him? He’ll move on. Your career needs to last to support your life.”
He had good points. Paul wasn’t someone I could expect forever. His lack of concern for me today showed where his head was when it came to me. He liked me as his kept woman.
