Page 103 of The Night We Met

I order from my favorite deli and then grab us some water.

“So how’s life been?”

A soft smile graces her face. “Really good. Work is insane, but it keeps that part of my life full. As for love, my best friend and I started dating about a year ago.”

“Is this the guy you were telling me about while we were in school?”

“Yeah. It was…I don’t know. I guess it took being apart from him to realize that he’s the one for me. College was not an easy time for our friendship. We continually did and said things that hurt the other. But when I moved back home, the next day he was at my parents' front door and it was like this fog finally lifted,” Nina takes a sip of water before continuing. “As hard as it was going from friends to more than friends, it’s also been so easy being with him. He challenges me in a way I never knew I could be challenged.”

“You are so in love it’s not even funny.”

“I am. We have our issues and working them out is never the issue. Because at the end of the day, we both have each other's heart. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true,” the far away look she gets on her face is envious, even for someone in a relationship. “Kamryn I wanted to say how sorry I am about Liam.”

I give her a soft smile, “Thank you. But really it should be telling you how sorry I am?”

“For what?” Her brows scrunch in confusement.

“When you reached out to me, I tossed you to the side.”

“That was on me.”

“No. In this phase of my life I’ve been taking accountability of the damage I did to the relationships that were important to me. Your friendship was one of those and I had no idea if you’d wave me off when I reached out. But I took a chance.”

She squeezes my hand, “I’m glad you reached out. Truly. What we’ve created has the potential to be huge. Two black, female fashion designers. That’s huge, Kamryn!”

Her excitement is contagious in a way I haven’t felt in a while. I’ve gotten stagnant in my work. The creativity I felt when I first started my company has dimmed. But with this line I just know my inspiration and creativity will be flowing.

“But enough about work. We still have time before our food arrives. I saw you and Mason are back together.”

“Seeing him at a dance club was not on my bingo sheet. We’ve been back together for almost a year, although it feels like more.”

“And you’re happy?” Nina asks me.

“Yeah. I am. I have days when I’m not. As I’m sure everyone does.”

“Good. I’m really happy for you Kam. This brand you’ve built is extraordinary.” She looks around my office and out into the main floor again.

“Thank you. Any plans for your own brand?”

We get lost in Nina’s hopeful plans. Her work plans and her romantic plans. We walk down memory lane and tearup with how far we’ve come along. Our lunch arrives during our memory lane stroll. And before I know it, it’s the end of the day. Meaning Nina has to hop back on a flight to get home.

“Should we tease our collaboration on social media?” I ask.

“I was hoping you would ask.”

I pop my head out of my office, “Olivia? Will you come take our picture?”

“Sure thing boss,” She says with a sly grin.

I pass her my digital camera and we pose in front of the door to the main floor of the office.

“On three. One, two, three,” the flash from the camera is the sign that she took the picture. “Beautiful.”

She passes me the camera on her way back to her desk, “Thanks, Olivia.”

“Welcome.”

Nina and I face each other. My cheeks hurt from how much smiling I’ve done today and my stomach feels toned from all of the laughter.