Page 63 of Simply Irresistible
“You’re supposed to lean on me when things get rough, no matter what they are.”
“I know,” he said, his voice pained. “I’m sorry I turned away from you when I should have turned towards you.”
“If this is going to work, we need to communicate.”
“Baby, I’m going to communicate with you so much you’re going to get sick of me.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “You’re a dork, Tyler Winston Scott. But you’re my dork, and I’ll never get sick of you.”
“What did I do to deserve you?” he asked, looking at me like I’d hung the moon and all the stars.
“Nothing special, Ty. Just keep being you. That’s who I fell in love with. That’s who I want to be with. You don’t have to do anything fancy. Just be honest with me. And don’t get spooked,” I added that last part while stabbing him in the stomach with my finger.
“I won’t. Never again. I promise.”
“I love you,” I told him, losing myself in his baby blue eyes.
“I love you more,” he said, and then he pressed his lips against mine.
Epilogue
Melanie
Flashing lights.
People everywhere.
Applause, oohs, and aahs.
All the colors of the rainbow.
And it was all for me.
Athena by Melanie Katsaros was a hit. I had my own personal show at New York’s fashion week--albeit a small show--and I was standing at the end of the runway, flanked by models, being given a standing ovation. Front and center in the crowd were my people...Brianna, Heather, Hannah, Preston, Meredith, and Tyler. The only thing missing was my parents, but this so wasn’t their thing. I’d invited them, but knew they’d decline the invite.
Tears streamed down my face as I took it all in...as I absorbed what that moment meant. I had made it.
A sneak peek at my collection by some buyers from three of the major department stores and even more smaller boutiques already had offers flowing in. At this rate, I’d be able to pay off my investor in one lump sum, though he’d never accept it all at once. Preston was way too kind to accept anything more than our pre-arranged, no-interest, payment plan. And beforeIget accused of nepotism, Brianna arranged the investment without my knowledge. She hadn’t told Preston who he was investing in, just that she “had a designer.” She didn’t even know about me and Tyler, or about Tyler and Preston. Everything just sort of worked out.
My life was absolutely perfect.
Tyler was also perfect, and up on his luck. He finally accepted Preston’s help...well, as much as he would accept it. He pitched his column idea to the new editor-in-chief ofYou’re the Manand he loved it. “Urban Grilling” had been being published for almost a year now, and it got rave reviews from even the toughest critics. Celebrity chefs even tried Tyler’s techniques and requested to do guest pieces.
Everything was finally coming together.
Stepping behind the curtain of the runway, I stopped to take it all in once again. The dressing room was in complete disarray. Scraps of clothing were everywhere, and people were still bustling around, only slower now, without the preshow frenzy.
It was over, and I felt energized and relieved and elated and calm all at once. It was a heady feeling.
“It was amazing!” Meredith squealed as she appeared behind the curtain. My people had all-access VIP passes so they could calm me down before the show--and after-- if I needed it.
I squealed my happiness in return and the two of us bounced up and down, garnering attention from others in the room. People in fashion were so blasé, but I was not. I was so excited, and I just couldn’t hide it.
“You did great, Spice. It was amazing.” Tyler came over and kissed my forehead. “I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to get you home,” he’d whispered that last part. And yes, we’d finally moved in together. It was a smallish one-bedroom apartment, but it was on the upper east side of Manhattan and it had a balcony—bonus! So naturally we had a grill.
“We are proud of you, too,” Brianna said, speaking for her and Heather. “It was an absolute success.”
“Amazing first show,” Heather added. “I’ve already gotten several email inquiries.”
