Page 71 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

I frown. “She’s looking for investors?”

“No. But there will be people eager to give her their money after tonight, especially since she’ll be under Imogen’s brand to start with,” Ellen explains. “Clothes don’t just make themselves. It’s going to take quite a bit for her to put on more shows and launch her line.”

“Especially considering that she wants them ethically made and affordable,” I murmur, understanding Ellen’s meaning now. “Then I’ll have to talk with my investment advisor about it.”

I’m truly grateful that Ellen and I ended our relationship on such a friendly note, allowing us to be friends. If things had soured, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know Bella—and I would have missed out on the love we share.

At the close of the show, Bella and Imogen speak again.

When Bella takes the mic, she clears her throat. “We have a special after-show surprise. Imogen and I have donated money to a charity running tonight. Anyone who wants to can attend the Castleton dance.”

Surprise ripples through me.

“We’ve paid for your entrance, so you just tell the event organizers you’re coming from the Imogen-Bella fashion show. If you wish to donate further, they have the information at the dance itself. I hope to see you all there!”

I turn to Ellen. “Did you know about this?”

She shoots me a sly look. “Do you really think you’re the only one I told to make a grand gesture? Mike and I practically have a matchmaking business going on here! We even warned you that we were going to play Cupid with the two of you—complete with arrows and everything!”

I’m startled and delighted all at once, bursting into laughter.

Bella weaves through the crowd, her face alight with excitement. She wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, radiating joy.

“That was amazing,” I gush, holding her close.

She buries her face into my neck. She’s shaking, but I know it’s pure adrenaline.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

She releases me, and then she and Ellen leap into the air, squealing with delight like kids at a carnival. I can’t help but laugh at their infectious enthusiasm, feeling the joy of the moment wash over me.

I’m not sure how many guests from the fashion show end up at the charity dance, but the place is buzzing with familiar faces. It’s even better than I imagined; we dance, laugh, and truly have a blast.

Throughout the night, people approach Bella to congratulate her on her stunning designs, and more than once, I catch Imogen watching her with a look of unmistakable pride.

I can’t help but wonder when they arranged the donation to cover entrance fees for all their guests. Was that Ellen’s clever tactic to coax Bella into coming here in the first place?

It wouldn’t surprise me if it was.

Finally, Bella and I find ourselves back on the dance floor, surrounded by a soft glow of dim lights that cast a warm halo around us. Her bubblegum-pink lipstick glistens like a playful promise, drawing me in as we sway together, lost in the rhythm of the moment.

Each glance we share feels electric, igniting a spark that dances between us like the music in the air.

“Your ploy worked,” I tell her. “We’ve received a huge increase in our donations. Castleton is going to have more money than they know what to do with.”

“Maybe,” Bella says with a sly smile, “they can get a second road into town so they don’t get locked in by a landslide again.”

“Maybe! But where’s the fun in that for you and me?”

As the night winds down, guests begin to leave, raving about how wonderful the evening was. Finally, it’s time for us to go.

Ellen and Bella share a tight hug before she departs with Mike, both of them waving goodbye.

I make my way to Bella. “I take it you’re not heading home with Ellen?”

“No, she insisted I practice asking for help more.” Bella rolls her eyes but can’t help grinning. “So, will you help me out and give me a ride home?”

“Of course.”

---