Page 73 of Unforgettable

We sit on the sofa looking over the city. “So, why am I here?”

“I’m attending a charity event tonight. With everything going on, I forgot about it. I’d love for you to come with me. Do you think you can get a night off work or get someone to cover your shift? I know it’s last minute.”

“You’re in luck, I have the next two nights off.”

“Excellent. Juliette can fit you with a gown.”

“You want to go to a charity event after what happened at the Met Gala? The media will only hound you with questions about the duplicate gown.” Why would he want to be put through that?

“If I cancel, it will look like I’m guilty and in hiding. With you wearing one of Juliette’s creations, the media will see Matteo’s designs can’t hold a candle against Alessi. They’ll see who really stole the dress.”

“I’ll be happy to go with you.” If I can support Finn in any way, I’ll do it. “Do you have anything in mind you want me to wear?”

“I’ll leave that up to you and Juliette.”

We kiss goodbye, and I make my way to Juliette’s room, eager to see what’s waiting for me. This will be like playing dress-up with the most exquisite dresses. In her office, I see three gowns displayed on mannequins. All of them stunning. The one that catches my eye is the ice-blue, looks-like-a-cloud gown I tried on for Juliette for the photoshoot. I finger the soft fabric.

Juliette struts into the room, waving the folding fan in front of her face. She flicks it closed and tosses it onto the table. “I see you’ve chosen the gown you want to wear. Great choice. It looked amazing on you. Not that the others wouldn’t.”

“I felt amazing in it.”

We take the dress off the mannequin, and I duck behind the privacy screen to change.

Stepping out, the skirt swishes around my legs. “How do I look?”

Juliette claps her hands. “Magnifique! As beautiful as I remember. I can’t imagine anyone else wearing this gown now.” Juliette’s gaze travels over me from head to toe, examining the dress. She twirls her finger in the air, indicating for me to spin. “Perfect!”

Once I’m back in my jeans and t-shirt, I find Juliette studying a sketch on an easel.

She turns to me and says, “Darling, why on earth did you leave Alessi’s?”

“I had to move on.” It wasn’t an easy choice, but one I needed to make.

One manicured eyebrow rose. “To a strip club?”

“I’m sure Finn told you I’m not stripping. I’m working behind the bar.”

“What about going back to design school? If you did, I’m sure Finn would hire you as an intern.” Juliette moves from the easel and to a dress on a mannequin. She adjusts the thin straps and fluffs out the skirt.

“I’m thinking about enrolling in school again. I’d love to finish it this time and see where it takes me. But it won’t be here at Alessi’s. I need to make my own way. I can’t have my boyfriend plan out my future.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a little help. Most of the time, to get into this industry it’s ‘who you know’.”

“Yes, but I’ll always be wondering if I’m actually good enough or if it’s only because of Finn.”

Juliette nods. “I understand. When you decide what you want to do, let me know. I’ll be happy to put in a good word for you.” I open my mouth to protest, but Juliette holds up her hand, stopping me. “I’m not handing you a job. People need references when applying for positions. I’ll be happy to provide one.”

After Derek’s death, I never would have pictured things turning out like this. I have amazing people in my life. People who genuinely care for me. Finnlovesme. It all seems too good to be true. I’m afraid this euphoric bubble I’m living in will pop. I don’t want that to happen. Best to stay away from sharp edges.

The rest of the afternoon is a hive of activity. Not only do I get to wear one of Juliette’s creations, Finn also sent a style team to my apartment. I’ve been pampered with a manicure, pedicure, facial, and every other beauty treatment possible. The hairdresser created a work of art with my hair. Old school Hollywood waves cascade over my right shoulder, exposing the deep plunge at my back. My makeup is simple and elegant with neutral colors except for the pop of red lips. When the team leaves, I anxiously look in the mirror. I’m amazed at the transformation.

A few minutes later, a knock sounds at the door. I take a deep breath and open it. Finn’s gaze roams over me from my head to toes, a look of admiration on his face. “You look amazing!”

“You like?” I swish my skirt from side to side.

Finn’s eyes lock with mine. “Very much. You’re beautiful with or without the gown.” My heart does a backflip.

Finn’s wearing a black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bow tie. He slicked his hair back into a neat style. Gold cufflinks glint at his wrists. “You look beautiful too.”

---