Page 73 of Love Redesigned
Darius walked down the drive toward the car, his and Chase’s bags slung over his shoulder.
“I wish you didn’t have to leave,” I said, giving Chase another hug. “The week has gone by too fast.”
“Stupid adult responsibilities,” Chase said. “I’m glad we got most of that horrid dress made while I was here.”
I smiled. “All I need to do is sew the sequins on. Now I just hope something actually comes of it.”
“Trust Alex,” Chase said. “He’s working hard. I’m sure he’ll find what he’s looking for.”
Darius draped his arms around us both. “Let’s hope what he finds doesn’t putyouout of a job, too,” he said, looking pointedly at Chase.
I froze. “Oh my gosh. I hadn’t even thought of that. Do you think it could?”
Chase shot Darius a warning look. “I think it doesn’t matter even if it does. I’ll be fine. I’m resilient. And hello, have you seen me? New York fashion will never not love this.”
I smiled, but Chase’s reassurance did little to settle my uneasiness. There really was so much on the line.
“If Sasha really is a crook,” Chase said, clearly sensing I wasn’t convinced, “I don’t want to work with her either. You’re doing the right thing. Trust that. It’ll all work out.”
I nodded. “You guys are good to me.”
“Have you thought about what happens next?” Darius asked. “After the wedding? Will you come back to New York?”
“Of course she’ll go back to New York,” Paige said. “Fashion is in New York.”
I almost agreed with her, but somehow, the words wouldn’t come. It was as though in the back of my mind, without me even realizing it had happened, a new reality had coalesced into something that felt more likemethan New York ever had.
Spanish moss and cobblestone. Beach walks, shrimp and grits, open-air markets. Warm winters, hotter summers. Ocean breezes as I walked to work—a tiny design studio at the end of King Street with my name above the door.
Evenings hanging out with my brother.
Nightswith Alex.
A longing that I’d never felt before swelled within me, nearly bringing tears to my eyes. I was homesick for a life I’d never even lived. But I wanted it. It still felt fragile. Dangerously fragile. But it was there, and it was real. As quickly as I acknowledged the existence of possibility, fear swept in, clutching my insides with vigor. Staying in Charleston would be abandoning so much. I’d dreamed of LeFranc because I’d dreamed of being the best. Of being a designer that people talked about, knew about, aspired to work with. I’d dreamed of runway shows and pulsing stage lights, of recognition and acclaim. I’d dreamed of being the best and I’d always told myself I wouldn’t settle for anything less. I wasn’t sure I could let all of that go.
“I don’t know,” I finally said, meaning every word. “I guess we’ll wait and see.”
Paige pulled her keys out and glanced at her watch. “You ready? We’ve got a lot to accomplish today.”
I nodded but paused before getting in the car when Alex joined us on the street to say goodbye to Chase and Darius. He gave them each a hug, lingering a moment longer with Darius, almost like he was whispering something to him. Darius quickly nodded, confirming my suspicion, then gave him an encouraging pat on the back.
“Ohhh, secret somethings whispered between them,” Chase said to me. “Know what that was about?”
“I don’t have a clue,” I said. “You?”
“No, but Darius will tell me eventually. He always does.” Chase nudged my shoulder with his. “You’re going to be okay, Dani.”
I smiled. “I know. I’ll see you at the wedding?”
“God help us,” Chase said. “I hope you do.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Alex
2:43 a.m. I stared at my phone, bleary-eyed, and tried to figure out why my alarm was going off at such a stupid hour. But then I realized it wasn’t an alarm. My phone wasringing.I propped myself up on my elbow and answered the call.
“Hello?” I was impressed at hownot asleepI sounded.
