Page 22 of Beards and Broken Hearts

“I’ll always be here for you if you want to share anything,” I say as a promise.

She stands, and we hug. This was long overdue.

“I’m always here for you, too, and there is nothing to forgive. I love you.”

Emotion cloaks me, and we stand there for another moment.

“Okay, you smell like sex, so I’ll let you take a shower now.” She finally says, still squeezed in my arms as I laugh. Releasing her, I see the emotion in her eyes and feel like we’ve taken a huge step in the right direction. Holly leaves, and I shower and change. I also pack a bag for my overnight stay at Layton’s with a huge smile.

When I come out, Holly is standing on the porch with the mail in her hand. The door is wide open, so I step out to see what she’s staring at. There’s a U-Haul parked and several men in jumpsuits unloading it into the house next door. A man I recognize is playing with a puppy on the lawn.

“No way,” I say in disbelief.

“You know him?” She asks, still unable to remove her eyes from our new neighbor.

“Yeah, that’s Jenson, Layton’s best friend. He was in the Beard Competition.”

“There were so many of those bearded beasts, couldn’t tell them apart,” Holly laughs.

“Be careful with that one. He’s quite the charmer,” I say with a laugh, snagging the mail from her hands.

Her cheeks pinken, and she shrugs her shoulder nonchalantly, turning to follow me inside.

Weeding through the bills, one letter sticks out to me. It’s a simple envelope, but the return label is anything but simple.

Rocks suddenly fall heavy in my belly as I set down the rest of the mail to open a letter I had wished would come for months. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an elite Bridal team and the grand master herself, Vivian Lancaster. A woman I had idolized since I started school. If I got this opportunity, it would set up my career for life. Just working with her would put my name on every bride's radar. My dresses would be featured in magazines all over the world, but instead of being excited, I am terrified to even open the envelope.

“What’s that?” My sister asks, noticing my weirdness.

“A letter.,” I reply.

“Well, no, duh, smart-ass, but why are you frozen in our living room and not opening it?”

“Because it could change my life, and I just started loving it,” I whisper honestly. I am still not used to sharing so much, but I know I need to confide in her.

Holly takes my hand in understanding, giving me a moment to process.

“Maybe it’s a rejection, and it means nothing,” I say out loud, trying to gather courage.

“No matter what it says, you still have a choice in what direction your life takes,” she says, squeezing my hand in reassurance.

Taking a deep breath, I open the letter and slowly read each line.

Dear Daphne Darling,

We are excited to extend an invitation to you to join Vivian Lancaster and her team of designers at Starlight Bay this winter. Ms. Lancaster was personally impressed with your portfolio and looks forward to mentoring you. This honor is only given to one person for each project and will give you access to anything you need. This also gives you creative freedom while developing a Summer Bridal Showcase that will be featured in Enzo Rossi’s Envy Magazine. With this spot, you will also get invited to the private and elite fashion show in Porto Rico hosted by Vivian and Enzo next year. As you must know, this will put your work in front of the entire world.

Congratulations, Daphne. Please reach out to me as soon as possible to discuss travel arrangements. On behalf of Vivian Lancaster, we look forward to working with you.

Sarah Cross

Assistant to Vivian Lancaster

992-893-9839

7878 S Martini

Starlight Bay, MS 23145

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