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“This is Gemma. Gemma, this is Novalie, my sister,” Elijah says.

She extends her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

I shake it. “Nice to meet you, too.”

“Please, come in.” Novalie steps back.

I follow Elijah over the threshold, glancing around. The space is an open, cozy studio apartment filled with natural light. Houseplants sit in almost every corner.

Novalie gestures to a soft gray couch. “Make yourselves comfortable. Can I get you anything to drink? Tea?”

“Oh, water is fine, thanks.”

She nods and heads into the small kitchen area.

Elijah takes a seat on the sofa. After a brief hesitation, I settle down beside him, leaving a space between us.

He chuckles.

“What?” I glare at him.

“I don’t bite.”

“I remember that differently.” Shit. I bite my lip.

Business.

Novalie still stands in the kitchen. She’s petite, almost fragile. But there’s an elegant, quiet grace to every of her movements. Her long blonde hair falls in gentle waves down her back. As she reaches into a cabinet for a glass, the sleeve of her white oversized knit sweater drop, revealing slender wrists. A golden bracelet on her left one. I love the combination of her black leggings. Cozy but chic.

Novalie returns with two glasses of water and a water bottle under her arm. She hands me one glass before sitting in an armchair across from the couch.

“So...” She looks at me with those large, expressive gray eyes framed by long eyelashes. Like from a cartoon. “Elijah tells me you did all the designs for our new lingerie line?”

I clear my throat. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Novalie mostly handles our social media and press. She is also a contributing editor for a few fashion and lifestyle magazines. Thought it would be the perfect fit. The two of you,” Elijah says.

“Wow. I’m impressed and humbled that you spare some time to talk with me.” I rub the side of my neck.

“My brother exaggerates.” She ducks her head down, scribbling something in her notebook.

“What made you want to get into fashion writing and editing?” I ask.

“I’ve always loved writing and fashion. Even as a little girl, I was obsessed with clothes and putting together outfits. I’d style all my dolls and make tiny fashion sketches. So it was a kind of natural progression.”

Now I understand who Elijah thought of back then.

“But enough about me. We’re here to talk about you.” Novalie leans forward. “Let’s start with a simple question. What inspired you to create lingerie?”

Simple? Do I tell her the truth? That this line was born from my history with her brother? Not the best idea.

Elijah checks his watch. “I guess I can leave you girls to it. If you need me, call.”

“You don’t wanna stay?” Novalie places her notepad away.

“No. I… have a meeting. I’ll come by tomorrow, okay?”

“You better.” She stands and gives him another quick hug.

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