Page 32 of Serving the Couturier

Vix raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a small smile. “I’ve always dreamed of acting. But why, may I ask, are you so interested?”

“I just got a call from my director this morning,” Spencer explained. “One of our ensemble actors had to drop out unexpectedly, and I think you could fit the part.”

Carson’s jaw tensed, and he crossed his arms over his chest. “Vix has a successful career as a model. Why change it?” he asked, a hint of possessiveness in his voice.

“Carson, I can make my own decisions,” Vix said, her tone firm but still friendly. “I appreciate the offer, Spencer. What would I have to do to audition?”

As Spencer shared with Vix everything auditioning would entail, Carson’s expression softened. Afterwards, he looked at Vix. “I just don’t want you to take on too much and spread yourself thin,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

Vix walked over to Carson and wrapped her arms around him. “I know, but I need to make my own choices,” she said, kissing his cheek.

Carson hugged her back and turned his attention to me.

“So, you’re sure this guy’s all right?” my brother asked, with a hint of concern in his eyes.

“Positive. He’s a good man,” I replied, trying to ease his worries.

When Carson looked like he was about to argue further, I handed him his birthday gift, hoping to change the subject. “Happy birthday.”

He opened the gift and looked at me, puzzled. “Thank you? It’s a lovely tape measure.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not just any tape measure, Carson. That’s the tape measure Irene Sharaff used when she designed Anna Leonowens’ ‘Shall We Dance’ dress for The King and I in 1951.”

Carson’s jaw dropped, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction.

“How did you... I mean... wow, London,” he said, giving me a hug. “Thank you.”

“Talk about setting the bar high,” Vix teased as she sat next to Carson.

“Where did you find that?” Spencer asked, looking intrigued.

“I know someone who collects and sells Broadway memorabilia, and when she found it, she called me.”

The look on Carson’s face was worth the trip to New Jersey to pick it up.

“I just had a brilliant idea,” Spencer said excitedly. “Have you ever considered delving into costume design?”

Carson appeared surprised. “Costumes? I’ve always thought of that as more of a Halloween thing, you know? Not something to take seriously.”

“Well, that’s where you’re mistaken,” Spencer said with a smile. “I’ve heard from London that your dress designs are stunning. And I need some special dresses designed for the play. I want something that truly embodies London’s essence and sets her apart on stage.”

Carson’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “I’ve designed clothing for London before,” he said, glancing at me.

“Would you be interested in giving it a go? I can provide some concepts and notes, and you can see if you can bring the character to life through her costumes.”

When they both looked at me for my input, I felt my heart swell with pride at my brother’s talent and I nodded encouragingly. “I think he’d be perfect for the job,” I said.

Carson smiled. “I love challenges. I’ll do my best.”

As the two men delved into the details of stage costumes, Vix and I discussed acting. Before we knew it, the conversation had turned into a dinner invitation, and I watched Spencer, considering the possibilities of a future between us. I felt a spark of something deep and intense, a connection that I couldn’t ignore. Could this be the start of something real and long-lasting? There was a part of me that wanted to hope.

EIGHTEEN

SPENCER

It had beentwo whirlwind weeks since London and I took the plunge and decided to explore a potential relationship. Despite some fun, casual dates, I was determined to take her somewhere truly unforgettable. So, I turned to my trusty business partner, Stan, for his expert recommendation on the best dining spot in the city.

To my delight, not only did he provide the name of a highly acclaimed restaurant, but he also went above and beyond to secure us coveted reservations. This was the type of place that was renowned for its extensive waitlist and typically required months of planning to secure a table. I couldn’t wait to sweep London off her feet and make this an evening she’d never forget.

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