Page 42 of Crossing Lines

No more.

SIXTEEN

TheLa Monteshow has a larger turnout than in previous years, which I’m sure will gag cynics, along with the bold and classy couture causing photographers to snap away at all the ladies of various sizes.

I can barely contain my excitement at seeing the designs I collaborated on. It isn’t my first work to make it to a show, but my eyes still tear up. I can’t wait to launch my solo line in five months.

Reaching the finale, Chavonne walks out to cheers, dazzling in her silver unbuttoned pantsuit and swaying long black hair. I’m sure critics will have plenty to detail in the looming fashion coverage.

Afterward, the team heads to a fancy French restaurant for the celebration dinner.

“Thank you all for yet another wonderful show,” Chavonne toasts the long table. “I couldn’t have done it without an impeccable team.”

We raise our glasses and drink at the same time. As I’m about to converse, I feel my phone buzz in the clutch. It incites a sudden rush that makes me retrieve the device with haste. The dip of my shoulders from seeing Jamir’s name is quite sad.

Excusing myself, I hurry outside to answer. “Hey.”

“Hey, baby. Listen, I apologize for how I acted this weekend. I’m sorry for not prioritizing you and becoming angry when you expressed that. I should have assured you instead of leaving.”

“Hm.” I shake my head, noting how it took him all weekend and two days. “We’ll talk more when I’m home.”

“We will. Sorry I missed you yesterday too. I was tired after work, and the time difference is rough.”

It’s not that rough. “It’s fine. The show went well. We’re at dinner celebrating.”

“Oh, okay. I’m in the middle of paperwork. Have fun. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“Love you,” he says.

I experience a strange delay before replying, “Love you too.”

Hanging up, I ignore the brief glitch and veer into the restaurant. The celebration continues for another hour before everyone returns to the hotel.

“Okay,” Iree says, wrapping up the call with her brother. “I wish I could stay in Paris longer.”

“It’s a beautiful city. Let’s explore as much as possible tomorrow before attending the events.”

“Yeah.” She starts undressing. “Congrats again on your designs being in the show.”

“Thank you,” I giggle. “I’ll never get used to that.”

With a pat on my shoulder, she grabs a towel and walks into the bathroom.

My mind drifts to Kross while I’m sorting my outfits. Hearing the shower, I pluck my phone from the nightstand and call him on the way to the balcony.

“Sup, Davi?” His voice sounds uneasy.

“Hi. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Not at all. What you up to?”

“Winding down.” I lean against the wall while staring at the well-lit street. “How’s your day so far?”

“You first. How was the show? You looked amazing, by the way.”

His compliment surprises me. “Wait, how do—”

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