Page 34 of Simply Irresistible
“Why are you drinking hot tea at lunch?” I wondered, attempting to change the subject.
“Because I like it. Don’t change the subject. What’s going on?”
I sighed. “Nothing is going on. She’s just busy helping her boss get ready for Fashion Week.”
“And again, I say...you don’t sound happy about that.”
“How do you want me to sound? I work in the fashion industry,” I droned on. “It hasn’t been kind to me.” I said, knowing I was echoing my conversation with Melanie, but Hannah didn’t know that. “I’m sorry I can’t show the proper level of enthusiasm.”
“You’re being such a baby,” Hannah said, shaking her head.
“Excuse me?”
“Just because you’re not happy with your job doesn’t mean you can’t be happy for Melanie.”
That wasn’t what I was doing.
Was that what I was doing?
And how did Hannah know I wasn’t happy with my job?
Hannah continued. “And before you deny it, I know you hate working for the magazine. Or for Roger. Whatever. It’s written all over your face any time I ask you about work and you immediately change the subject. I catch glimpses of you at your desk from the elevator sometimes, too. Jesus, Ty. You look miserable. If you hate it so much, why don’t you quit? You won’t hurt Preston’s feelings. Maybe he can even-”
“Stop right there.” Hannah knew I wouldn’t take handouts from family. I’d already burdened them enough over the years, even though they’d never admit it.
She sighed. “I’m just worried about you.”
“Don’t be worried about me.”
“I’m your sister, it’s in the handbook. You’ve got a great thing with Mel, and I don’t want you to mess it up.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Tyler...I’ve known you a long time.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve seen you end relationships over petty things. I’d hate to see what happens when you’re faced with a real challenge.”
She wasn’t entirely wrong, but that wasn’t the case with me and Mel. We were good. Solid, even. Sure, Mel was spending more time with her boss than me these days, but I understood.Sheactually loved her job. No one was messing anything up, especially not me.
“Is that how you’re getting your exercise these days, sis?” She looked at me funny. “By jumping to conclusions?” It was her turn to roll her eyes. “There’s no issue with me and Mel. We’re good. No one is ending anything. And I am happy for her,” I continued. “She’s exactly where she wants to be, and I admire that about her.”
“Well, notexactlywhere she wants to be, I’d bet. I think she’d rather be one of the ones in the show, instead of behind the scenes.”
“Yeah, you’re right. She’s an amazing designer. Do you know she designs almost every outfit she wears? One day she’ll make it, I know she will, and she’ll have made all those contacts working for Brianna and already have two feet in the door of the industry.”
“What’s she waiting for?”
“I don’t know. Her best friend has been trying to get her to show her boss her designs, but I think she’s afraid.”
“She shouldn’t be. They really are amazing.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I’ve told her the same thing.”
“You should motivate her, Ty. That’s one of the many jobs of a significant other. We’re that ever-present driving force behind our spouses, driving them to be successful.”
“So you’re the reason Preston is a millionaire?”
“One of the many,” she winked. “But seriously, you should encourage her to share her designs with someone. She’s been working for Brianna for a while, surely she has already made the acquaintance ofsomeoneshe can share them with. Preston said Brianna spoke highly of her, I’d bet if she shared them with Brianna, she would take care of her.”
“Maybe.”
