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The waitress poured our drinks, and we tapped our wine glasses before taking a sip.
“So, tell me how you are preparing for your Givenchy internship?”
I blinked, but then remembered she must have heard about it from Sophie. “Besides designing, I’m going over Givenchy’s design history, current styles, and trends. I’m also reviewing the current employees’ resumes and experience. And I hope to talk to someone who’s done the internship before.”
“Oh, I can help you with the last one. Before college, I worked at Lancôme as a temporary assistant. My boss had the experience listed on her resume, and we remained friends.”
“Oh wow, that would be great. Thank you, Isabelle.”
Isabelle smiled. “Of course, and now I don’t have to feel bad about asking you for a couple of favors. You kind of owe me.”
I lowered my brows. “Oh?”
“I got in trouble for discussing the rumor of Paul Crane’s surrogacy.”
“I wasn’t aware. Paul never mentioned it. What happened?”
She averted her eyes. “Nothing really, but I was told I would be in breach of contract if I mentioned it again. They told me it was okay, but I couldn’t help but worry. I have such bad credit I have to pay for everything upfront.”
Isabelle needed the money to recover the debt her parents had placed on her credit. It had been hard for her to take high-interest loans for school.
My mouth went dry. “Oh, my God. I’m so sorry, Isabelle.”
She flicked her eyes at me. “Lucky for me, their baby was born healthy, and the family is happy, so I received everything in my agreement.”
“Honestly, I only asked Paul, and I didn’t mention you. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.” My tone was earnest, and my pulse increased as I waited for Isabelle’s answer.
Isabelle took a deep breath. “Don’t worry, it all worked out in the end. It’s over. I’m over it.”
I gave her a tight smile.If you were over it, you wouldn’t have brought it up.
A soft smile formed on her lips. “Now I feel weird asking you for favors.”
“Don’t be. If I can, I’d be happy to help, within reason.”
I did feel bad about what happened with Isabelle, but I wouldn’t do any favors that would harm me or anyone else in my life. Afterall, finding out about the surrogate and confronting Paul was a normal reaction that she should have expected. Though I regret what happened to her and if I’d known I’d have intervened.
She grinned broadly. “Okay. I’d like your advice on the swimwear line I’m developing.”
My brows rose. “You’re askingme? I’m positive you have better options.”
We had the best professors with solid connections to help her get started, not to mention the designers at school who would run rings around me in swimwear.
“But most don’t have a private studio.” She beamed at me. “Sophie described it, and it sounds amazing. I’d love to review your setup…we can still collaborate and stuff.”
Even someone as dimwitted as me knows that she just wants to use my studio.She could’ve just asked.On the other hand, perhaps Isabelle was cautious after Sophie’s fiasco during her visit. No matter what, I couldn’t take a risk because my life didn’t only affect me, but everyone I cared about.
“Sorry, but the studio is not available. I’m moving soon.” I added and it wasn’t a lie. Paul had mentioned it before we left Rome.
Her expression turned skeptical. “You’re moving? Are you and Paul breaking up?”
“No, were not. The press is aware of the location so I’m moving somewhere more private.”
Isabelle scrunched up her face. “Well, I mean you’re still there right now. Couldn’t I have a peek? I’m not like Sophie.” She paused, but I didn’t respond. She blew out her breath. “Well, can you still help with ideas for the swimwear?”
I smiled. “Sure.”
We returned to eating, but then Isabelle said, “The other thing is I’d like to personally invite you to my birthday party. I’m turning twenty-three.”
