AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yay!” I said and she echoed my cheer. “When’s the party?”
“It’s in two weeks. I’m renting a yacht. It’ll have a live band, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and movie theater. I mean, this party is going to beepic. I hope to have a few swimsuits ready to give out as samples so some partygoers can share images of them online. I’ve got a tailor, and I can sew them too.”
I nodded as she talked about her birthday party, revealing her true purpose. She needed the studio to finish her designs, and Sophie told her about mine.Yachting? Didn’t Sophie invite me to a yacht party before?
I grimaced. “Who are you renting the yacht from? If it’s Sophie’s boyfriend Landon, my answer is no.”
She held up her hands. “Hey, I’m on your side. I’ve organized a regular rental from East Coast Cruise. But Sophie will be there. She’s sorry and wants to apologize to you. She behaved badly, and I don’t blame you for making her leave.”
I clenched my jaw. “I don’t need Sophie’s apology. I don’t want to have anything to do with her.”
“You’re mad now.” She frowned. “But we both know why Sophie reacted the way she did to you. She’s always been the most beautiful and popular, and seeing you in luxury made her depressed. She cried for hours after visiting you.”
“But Sophie told me she was happy with Landon?”
“Landon’s not a billionaire superstar or voted the handsomest, wealthiest bachelor around with awards to boot. It’s made her question everything about herself.”
I snorted. “I truly find that hard to believe.”I never knew Sophie was so immature. It’s complete bullshit.
We ate in silence while I stewed.
Sophie cried because of what Paul did after she threw herself at him. It made Sophie sound pitiful and jealous. I highly doubted she would appreciate Isabelle gossiping about her, and it made me trust Isabelle less. However, Isabelle asking for help wasn’t something to hold against her.I’ve been very fortunate, and it’s only right to pay it forward. But yachting with the enemy? No thanks.
“I’ll see if there is another studio I can use. However, Paul and I might go away that weekend.”
Isabelle frowned. “It’s only twelve hours from Southport to Nantucket and back. The yacht is huge, so you’ll never see Sophie or have to speak to her. You’ll still be able to go wherever you want afterward. Please. You can bring bodyguards if that’ll make you say yes. I just want us to be friends, Nadia. Here, watch me.”
She took out her phone and made a call. “Uma, hi. It’s Isabelle. Yes. Yes. Fine. Great. Yep. New York School of Design. Still. Anyway, I have a friend going to Givenchy for the internship. Can she ask you questions about your experience? Her name is Nadia Sokol.” Her lips parted. “You’ve heard about her? Yes. Yes. Okay. I’ll text it now. We’re at dinner.” She ended the call and showed me a text to Uma with my details. “I keep my promises, Nadia. Uma was at the school fashion show. She said she’d answer anything you want to know.”
Isabelle did keep her word and proved what we both knew. She already had access to people in the industry and didn’t need me.Perhaps she really wants to be friends?
The party didn’t sound too bad, even if Sophie would be there. There would be a group of her friends, and I could bring a bodyguard.I’m sure Paul would agree to that.However, there was a nagging part of me that said otherwise. After all, Paul had “forbidden” me to see Sophie.But doesn’t Paul like Isabelle?He did before she told me about his surrogacy plan. Not to leave out all the students and alums that signed the petition. It was highly likely a few attending could have signed it.But that’s over now. They lost and I won. Some students even congratulated me at the show. Not everyone is out to get me.Still, I didn’t want to tell Isabelle for sure I’d go.Maybe Xander will come, too.
I lifted my eyes to find Isabelle looking at me expectantly.
I smiled.“Thank you for your help. I’ll let you know about the party, but if I can’t go, I wish you a happy birthday.”
“I really hope you come, Nadia.”
My phone rang.It’s Mom. I couldn’t wait to see them in ten days. It would also be nice to be out of New York and spend time face to face with them. I wonder if Mom is calling to confirm the flight details with me. “Excuse me, I have a call.” I left the seat at the table and went out front to answer.
“Hello, Mom.” I sang down the line.
“Hello, Nadia. You’re back from Rome?”
“I am. How are you and Dad doing in Texas?”
“We’re fine. It’s fun…very friendly. Hmm, I was wondering if you could change your visit? I know it’s kind of last minute, but Uncle Jan and your Aunt Olivia want to come and next week is the only time they can.” Her voice sounded strained.Odd.
“Do you want them to?”
“Oh, don’t be silly; of course I do. They haven’t had a vacation in years. It would be good for them. And we’ll have a couple to go to see landmarks with. Dad’s still talking about the Alamo. And you know your Uncle Jan’s a history buff.”
Mom wasn’t being unreasonable. Most of our family worked and rarely ever had a chance at holidays. I liked the idea of Dad being able to laugh with his brother for a while instead of only seeing him when he’s sick. “It sounds good for all of you, but will I see you before Paris?”
“How about you stop here after you return and before you start college this fall? August would be better.” She emphasized the new timeline.
“Surely you won’t still be in Texas?”
