Page 57 of Ruthless Vengeance
Thank god for overnight shipping, because every single thing I ordered yesterday is already stacked neatly in one corner of the room, so at least I have some fabric to work with.
But I still have no idea what sort of angle I want to take with my designs. I need to make sure it’s something that shows off my skills as well as being something different that makes me stand out.
Maybe I could use some of the dresses I made for Zoe out of my old clothes. It could showcase how I prioritize sustainable fashion for my child as well as adding a personal touch.
But what if that’s not unique enough?
I look down at the piles of fabric and fight the urge to cry. I don’t even know where to start.
“Urgh, I can’t do this.”
A knock sounds at the door, and I have to swallow my words before I yell at whoever is on the other side.
I don’t have time to chat, or eat, or sleep, or do any of the things my body needs to function. All I have time to do is sew, and even then I’m cutting it close.
“Clara, it’s me,” Lila says when I don’t answer the door. “I’m here to help.”
When I still don’t answer, Lila takes it upon herself to come in regardless, and her eyes widen as she takes in the mess.
“Uh… Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
“Marco told me about the interview he got you, that’s incredible.” Lila crosses over to stand beside me. “You must be so excited.”
My throat is too thick with emotion to speak, so I just nod.
It’s already been an incredibly draining day, and I want nothing more than to crawl into bed beside Marco and sleep for the next twelve hours. But I can’t. Not when my entire future is potentially riding on this interview.
“What’s going on here?” Rosa peers around the door.
“Clara has an interview at the Institute of Fashion tomorrow.”
“Clara!” Rosa claps her hands together. “That’s huge!”
“Uh huh…” I wrap my arms around my body.
Rosa frowns. “Why aren’t you excited?”
“I have to present my portfolio as well as two completed looks, and as you can see, I have neither.” I look down at the piles of fabric samples all over the floor. “And I’m not sure I can get it all done in time.”
Lila squeezes my arm. “Rosa and I will help.”
Rosa nods. “Definitely! Put me to work.”
“You don’t need to do that.” I force a smile.
Lila folds her arms across her chest and gives me such a stern look that I know there’s no point in arguing with her.
I sigh. “Actually, that would be great, if you’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course, we don’t mind.” Lila puts an arm around my shoulders. “So, what’s the plan?”
I chew on my bottom lip as I scan the pile of supplies at my feet. I need to be strategic here because time isn’t on my side.
The looks can’t be overly complicated, but they can’t be boring either. They need to land somewhere in the middle.
I’m so lost in thought that I don’t notice Rosa rifling through one of the boxes and pulling out a familiar roll of fabric.
