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I flicked my gaze back to Sophie and forced a smile to avoid bringing her attention to it. Justus wasn’t a priority anyway.My dad is, and he keeps telling me he’s feeling better. Twenty years younger.
“It’s quite spacious for something so compact. Well-crafted and chic. Excellent choice.”
Sophie handed it back to me, and my insides softened with her admiration. Sophie was the epitome of New York City sophistication—beautiful and stylish. Like today, she made a simple camel tunic and moccasins appear like the height of fashion. Even the dark roots of her blonde hair added to her bohemian elegance. Her arrival also reminded me that I had invited her over for lunch.
We left class together. Sophie vaped while we waited for Ben. I introduced her to him. However, he stopped her before she could climb in the back. “No smoking in the car.”
She saluted him and pocketed her vape. “Yes, sir.”
Ben’s cool demeanor told me that either Paul or Laurence briefed him on Sophie. No doubt, she had been careless at the sugar baby mixer. However, since then, she’d sent me recordings from classes I missed, daily fashion briefs and lecture videos. She even offered to let me stay at her place when Paul and I fought. And that was why I decided to give her another chance.
“Can you believe the panel chose your dress as one of the best of the year?” she said in a light tone, smiling at me.
I lifted one shoulder. “I’m still stunned.”
“I bet. It was like overnight. You changed your designs, went to Paris, returned, and jumped to the top of the class.”
I nodded. “Paris was a big influence and inspiration. Meeting Tomas Renault and spending time with him at Givenchy was unexpected. Yeah, I am still shocked.”
She laughed lightly. “I’m glad you said it. But, I mean, come on. A first-year student at Givenchy, one of the best houses in the world for the summer. Honestly, it’sinconceivable.”
My stomach dropped, and I didn’t respond to her. It was a fairytale kind of fortune. It also enlarged the big elephant in the car. Paul Crane. I’d never have met Chef Renault if I hadn’t lived in The Hudson, or his son if Paul hadn’t taken me to Paris. Still, it took a lot of work, night and day, to make the clothes. I attempted to comfort myself. However, I knew that without Paul building a studio and funding me to afford quality materials, I’d never have risen so fast at the design school.Maybe the students were right with their petition?
No. It’s still my design creations that were chosen. It was luck surely, but also hard work.Be proud of yourself, Nadia. Don’t allow Sophie’s incredulous reaction sway how proud you are.
“You have nothing to be embarrassed for, Nadia.” Sophie interrupted my thoughts. “It’s part of Paul fulfilling his end of your bargain as his kept woman. He improves your life, and you work to please him. I was one too before Landon fell in love with me. Have you learned Paul’s habits? What turns him on?” She tilted her head and smirked.
I stiffened in the seat. “I’m not discussing Paul with you.”
“NDA. I get it. But I can help you if you want to know things.”
Even talking casually about Paul with Sophie felt wrong. Sure, she had been a sugar baby and spent time with wealthy men, but I didn’t trust her. “Our relationship is not like that.”
“Oh, it is, Nadia. No matter how he plays it. You’re his property. Does he call youhis?”
I glared at her.Paul doesn’t mean it that way. “You’re wrong. In fact, this was a mistake—”
“I’m sorry, Nadia, please,” Sophie pleaded. “I’m trying to help you. No one knows wealthy powerful men better than me. And you wouldn’t have to pretend your relationship isreal.”
Every word from her lips brought another doubt. Has our arrangement changed to The Girl Friend experience?No. Paul wouldn’t have brought me to meet Lily, Jonas, and Darling.
I lifted my chin. “It’s my life, and I’m living it. So that makes it real. I had access to opportunities, but it took talent to make it work. I earned it.”
She pressed her lips together and said nothing for a few minutes. Then she asked, “Did you watch Hayden Madsen’s fashion show?”
“No. I haven’t.”
“Well, besides being hot as hell, he’s the next McQueen.” She took out her iPad, and we watched some of the show the rest of the ride to the Hudson. However, she went quiet when we walked inside the building. And she still hadn’t spoken a word as I led her up to the penthouse and gave her a tour of all the rooms: living, kitchen, dining, office, studio, study, guestrooms, and master bedroom. I found myself embarrassed by the time we reached the swimming pool.
“This place is easily fifty million or more. And Paul doesn’t live here?” her tone held an edge.
“He stays with me sometimes, but I’d love it if he stayed over all the time.”
She gazed pensively at the swimming pool.
“Would you like to swim? I have some extra swimsuits that I haven’t worn yet.”
“Maybe…I want a look at your closet. I’m trying to decide on a new setup for mine.”
