2. Nadine
2
NADINE
N adine James stood at the edge of the dancefloor, her bright hazel eyes scanning the sparkling lights that danced overhead. The atmosphere of the after-party was electric, filled with laughter, chatter, and the soft thud of bass music pulsing through the air. With her short brown hair slightly tousled and her tight red dress hugging her figure perfectly, she felt vibrant and alive.
“Did you see the way Cassandra Wynter reacted when you called her out?” a voice chimed in beside her. It was Clara, one of Nadine’s closest friends and her marketing director, who had accompanied her to the fashion conference.
Nadine grinned, recalling the moment when she’d stood at the podium, bold and daring. “Absolutely! It was exhilarating! I kind of like her when she is all frosty ice queen. There is something about the glare of those icy blue eyes that… well, you know!” Nadine laughed. “The ancient ice queen spent so much time praising that dying social media platform. I couldn’t just let that go.”
Clara swirled her drink and laughed. “You were brilliant! I thought she was going storm into the audience and eat you alive!”
“I might have enjoyed that,” Nadine laughed again.
Something about Cassandra Wynter turned her on. Whether she liked it or not. And, she did like it, mostly. She liked the way Cassandra looked up and down her body in a predatory way when she didn’t think Nadine had noticed.
She glanced across the room and spotted Cassandra standing near the bar, her long blonde hair cascading elegantly down her back. At fifty-two, Cassandra personified sophistication, with those piercing blue eyes that seemed to command attention without even trying.
She was so frosty, so impossible to please, and Nadine enjoyed the flicker of doubt that had flashed in her eyes momentarily when challenged.
Cassandra had been the centerpiece of the conference, discussing the fundamentals of traditional marketing strategies, contrasting sharply with Nadine’s innovative approach at Pulse Media. While the audience had listened with rapt attention to Cassandra, Nadine recognized the opportunity to challenge her. The thrill of disrupting the status quo energized her, and seeing it reflected in the delighted whispers that surrounded her afterward only fueled her passion for the future of fashion.
“Do you think the Ice Queen took it personally?” Clara asked, drawing Nadine back to the present.
“Maybe,” Nadine replied, sipping her sparkling water. “But the industry is shifting. We can’t cling to outdated practices if we want to spearhead the next wave of fashion.”
Clara nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! Pulse Media is going to change the game. I just know it.”
Feeling buoyant, Nadine leaned back against the bar, taking a moment to soak everything in. The confidence she’d felt while interrupting Cassandra’s speech still ran through her veins, electrifying her thoughts. She had a vision for Pulse Media, something fresh and disruptive that could reshape the New York City fashion landscape. As she reveled in her thoughts, she watched Cassandra laughing with other industry leaders.
There was a part of Nadine that admired Cassandra—a part that acknowledged her success and status. Despite their rivalry, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something magnetic about the older woman. She was poised and composed, with an air of confidence that was hard to ignore.
“Hey Nadine, you should go talk to her!” Clara urged, elbowing her gently and breaking her reverie.
“What? I already did!” Nadine huffed, feeling her cheeks warm. Why would she want to approach her competition once again? But deep down, she couldn’t deny a flicker of curiosity about what the seasoned CEO might say.
With a deep breath, and a push from Clara’s nudging, Nadine took a step toward the bar where Cassandra stood with a glossy cocktail in hand. She felt a rush of nerves but reminded herself of her purpose. She wasn’t just a rising star; she was a force that would influence the fashion world.
“Oh, hey,” Nadine said, her voice steady as she tried to feign casualness. “You really did give a great presentation. I really appreciated your insights, especially on maintaining brand loyalty.”
Cassandra turned, surprised but smiling, her blue eyes glimmering. “Thank you, Nadine. I must admit, your approach surprised me today. It’s not often I see conventional methods challenged so openly.”
“I believe it’s time for a change,” Nadine replied, surprised at her own boldness.
For a moment, they stood there, two women at different points in their careers. The city life roared around them, but Nadine felt only the connection in their exchange. The respect that flickered between them was undeniable.
“I’ll be watching Pulse Media closely,” Cassandra said, her smile seemed almost genuine. “I have a feeling you have some exciting things planned.”
“Thanks, I really hope so,” Nadine replied, the thrill of potential sparking inside her as Cassandra stepped away.
Nadine had always dreamed of moments like this. She was finally at a fashion conference surrounded by experts and industry leaders. The energy buzzed around her as people mingled, exchanged ideas, and showcased the latest trends. Nadine felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she plotted her next move in the highbrow environment.
Her heart raced as she recalled how she’d interrupted Cassandra’s speech. She’d stood out from the usual uninterrupted flow, and her voice had quivered slightly as she’d made her point. To her surprise, Cassandra had smiled and engaged with her. It had been a brief moment, but it meant the world to Nadine. She knew the opportunity to talk to someone as important as Cassandra was rare.
As she wandered around the venue, Nadine couldn’t shake the feeling of admiration for Cassandra. And, maybe, something more. She was confident and commanding, and Nadine wanted to learn from her. She spotted Cassandra across the room, chatting with a group of industry elites. Nadine felt a tug in her chest, wishing she could engage with Cassandra again. But for now, she had to focus on networking with others.
Nadine approached a well-known Instagram fashion mogul named Bella. Bella was stunning, with her perfectly styled hair and a wardrobe that sparkled. Nadine had followed her online for years and admired her work. “Hi, Bella!” she exclaimed, trying to sound casual but feeling a bit nervous. “I love your posts! You’re such an inspiration!”
Bella turned to Nadine with a warm smile, but it quickly faded when she realized who Nadine was. “Thanks,” Bella said, glancing past Nadine as if searching for someone more important. “But I only work with top companies, you know?” Her tone was dismissive, and Nadine felt her heart sink. It felt like the air had been knocked out of her lungs. She watched as Bella turned away to talk to someone else, leaving Nadine standing alone.
Feeling rejected, Nadine made her way to another part of the conference. She had come here to network, to find allies in the fashion world, but so far, it did not seem to be going well. The laughter and chatter around her felt distant as her mind wandered back to Cassandra. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about the tall, blonde CEO? Perhaps it was the way Cassandra spoke so eloquently, or maybe it was the confidence that radiated from her. Or maybe the way Cassandra had looked at her with hunger, like she might devour Nadine there and then.
Nadine felt a warm tingle between her legs at the thought.
Nadine found herself gazing at Cassandra, who was now laughing with a group of executives.
Nadine couldn’t help but admire Cassandra’s commanding presence. Everything about her was captivating. Nadine wanted the chance to speak with her again, to ask her about running a fashion business and all the lessons she’d learned. She felt silly for being so affected by a short conversation, but this was a pivotal moment for her career—this could be the beginning of something big.
As Nadine walked farther into the event, she tried to find a way to forge a path back to Cassandra. She scanned the room, hoping to catch a moment where Cassandra was alone. Nadine knew she had to be brave. She had to put herself out there—even if others dismissed her. She felt determined. Maybe if she waited long enough, she’d find an opening.
As she approached the refreshment table, Nadine caught a glimpse of Cassandra again. The way she stood—tall and composed in an immaculate duck egg blue designer pantsuit that highlighted her svelte figure—encouraged Nadine. She took a deep breath, her heart racing with anticipation. This time, she wouldn’t let an opportunity slip through her fingers. Nadine grabbed a drink and glanced around for a moment, waiting for the right moment.
Just then, Cassandra stepped away from the group and walked toward the lounge area. Nadine’s heart leaped with hope. This was her chance. She quickly followed Cassandra, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. The lounge was quieter, and Nadine felt excitement building inside her. She approached carefully, hoping not to interrupt.
“Ms. Wynter?” Nadine said, her voice trembling slightly. Cassandra turned, her blue eyes meeting Nadine’s.
“Oh, hello again!” Cassandra said warmly, her smile genuine this time. Maybe she mellowed with more wine.
“What’s on your mind?”
Nadine felt a rush of relief. “I just wanted to say thank you for responding to me earlier. I admire your work and want to learn more about running a fashion business.”
Cassandra’s expression softened, and for a moment, Nadine felt like she could connect with someone extraordinary. They started to talk, and Nadine found herself sharing her passion and vision for her own startup. The confidence she’d lost earlier came back as she realized how important it was to seize the moment.
“Your business sounds like it has potential. Maybe I could share some experience and wisdom with you sometime?” Cassandra’s gaze was seductive. She took another sip from her red wine.
Nadine felt desire blooming hot inside of her.
“Want to step out for some fresh air?” Cassandra’s invitation was loaded and Nadine wanted to see what was next on her agenda.
Nadine nodded and they stepped outside into the cool night air on the terrace, the sounds of the party muffling behind them as they lingered in a quiet corner. The sky was a deep navy, studded with shimmering stars that felt almost as glamorous as the world they inhabited.
“What brought you to where you are now?” Cassandra asked, Nadine couldn’t stop looking at her in the faint light from the building.
Nadine felt the urge to share. “I had a pretty supportive family, you know. They always pushed me to be true to myself. I was rebellious in my youth, always wanting to challenge the rules, which wasn’t always easy for them to handle.”
Cassandra’s blue eyes narrowed slightly as she processed Nadine’s words. “Rebellion can be freeing,” she said softly. “My upbringing was quite different. My parents had very high expectations. I was expected to achieve, to excel in everything—but there was very little love or support. I was often left feeling cold, as if success was my only value.”
There was a strange silence after those words. Nadine, who often viewed Cassandra as an untouchable force, realized the weight of her burden. “That must have been tough,” Nadine replied, her voice compassionate. “It’s like they didn’t see you for who you really are.”
Cassandra tilted her head slightly, a hint of vulnerability shimmering in her gaze. “Yes, and that’s perhaps why I find rebellion so stimulating. When I find someone who’s everything they never wanted me to be—bold, outspoken, kind of exactly who you are—I have to test that way of life.”
Nadine felt a rush of warmth at the sincerity in Cassandra’s voice. The idea that someone like Cassandra could envy her free spirit was exhilarating. “And I think your approach has its merits too,” Nadine said. “You’re grounded and disciplined. We both want to change the fashion industry, but we come at it from different angles.”
Cassandra smiled, a rare, genuine expression that lit up her face. “Perhaps we’ll both get what we want then,” she said, her voice lighter now. “In our own ways.”
The moment felt transformative. Nadine had always felt confident that Pulse Media had ideas that would disrupt the fashion world, but now she also recognized another layer to the game: connection, understanding, and a hint of respect for the rival she’d thought she knew so well.
Cassandra’s words hung in the air. Nadine could feel the weight of them, understanding the tension they carried. Her own upbringing had been different. Her parents had encouraged her to chase her dreams, albeit sometimes in a way that made her rebellious enough to challenge their ideas, to see if they were placating her or truly believed in her goals.
“I get that,” Nadine replied, shifting her stance. “My parents were great, but sometimes I took their support for granted. I pushed boundaries just to see how far I could go.”
Cassandra’s smile was tight, almost wistful. “It seems like we came from different sides of the same coin.”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.” Nadine nodded. She found Cassandra’s coldness often stimulating, a challenge that made her heart race. It was thrilling to share this unique space with someone so structured yet formidable.
“So, tell me,” Nadine said casually, but with a twinkle of mischief in her eye, “is your partner supportive, at least?”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow, surprised at the sudden turn in conversation. “I’m single. Relationships have always felt more like a distraction than a priority.” Cassandra smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “But I have to ask—what about your partner? Is he supportive of your ambitions?”
Nadine laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Actually, I’m single. And my last partner was a woman.”
Cassandra side-eyed her. “Same here.”
“Oh!” Nadine exclaimed, her heart skipping. “I just assumed...I mean, I guess you’re just so sophisticated and formal, it didn’t occur to me that you’d be into women.”
Apart from the way you looked at me earlier and are looking at me now.
The warmth in her cheeks made her feel bashful, but it was exhilarating.
Cassandra’s smile deepened with a shared spark of revelation. “You’d be surprised by the sides of me you haven’t seen yet,” she teased, her voice tinged with a playful challenge.
Nadine couldn’t help the smile that blossomed on her face as she felt a rush of unexpected clarity. “Same here. Work has pretty much taken over my life. But maybe that’s how I like it?” She was struck with curiosity, wondering if their shared experience might lay the foundation for something new—if only for this moment.
They exchanged glances, both of them realizing they had something in common that transcended their rivalry: they were both single, driven women navigating the challenges and successes of life in the fashion world. Suddenly, the skyline didn’t seem as bright as the connection forming between them.
The two women stood a little closer together, enjoying the warmth of their connection. Nadine loved that they were moving away from business talk and getting to know each other on a personal level. In the world of fashion, so much revolved around appearances, but this felt refreshing…and real.
After a pause, Cassandra glanced up at the stars, her face contemplative. “You know, it’s funny. People often ask me why I prefer dating women. It’s like they think it’s a phase or something.”
Nadine tilted her head, intrigued. “What do you tell them?”
Cassandra smiled softly, the moonlight reflecting in her eyes. “I tell them it’s just who I am. I’ve always felt a deeper connection with women. There’s something about the vulnerability and strength we share. I think women understand each other in a way that men miss.”
Nadine nodded, feeling a shared understanding. “I feel the same way. It’s not just about attraction, but the connection. Women seem to inspire each other to reach for more, to chase after their dreams unapologetically. Women listen and communicate differently. When I dated men, I felt like I had to wear a mask, almost like a fashion accessory. But with other women, it feels like we’re both peeling back layers instead of throwing on extra makeup.”
“Exactly!” Cassandra paused then and her eyes grew dark.
Nadine felt like she could lose herself in them.
“And, well, then there is the sex,” Cassandra said, her voice sexier than anything Nadine had ever heard. “Two women can pleasure each other in ways men will never understand or know. Sex that goes on all night. Orgasms that never end. Lesbian sex is a magical thing that once discovered, nothing will ever be the same again.”
Nadine felt her eyes widen. Never a truer word had been spoken.
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
Cassandra smiled like a tiger about to pounce on her prey, before she turned elegantly and headed back into the building her striking designer heels clicking as she went.