12. Nadine
12
NADINE
N adine stood by the window of her office, gazing at the city below. It was a bright afternoon, and the sunlight cast a warm glow on her short, dark brown hair. With her striking green eyes, she surveyed the world she’d built as a successful fashion and media conglomerate. But of course, her mind was still heavy with thoughts about her collaboration with Wynter Fashion and haunted by her loss of Cassandra. She felt heartbroken without her.
Nadine had always been a straightforward person, and now it was time to make an official decision. She’d talked about ending her partnership with Wynter Fashion last week, and now she was ready to follow through. Frustration bubbled inside her as she thought about Cassandra, who seemed like she was lost or overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a business. Nadine couldn’t help but chuckle at the state of Wynter’s branding. It was a mess. Their attempts to grab attention on social media had flopped miserably, and it looked like they were trying too hard to catch up to the trends instead of setting them.
What a disaster , Nadine thought, shaking her head. Cassandra had acted as if Nadine’s association with Wynter was a threat. It puzzled Nadine how Cassandra could be so defensive. In reality, all Nadine wanted was to create meaningful connections, but Cassandra had seemed to think she was stealing something from her.
It was all quite ironic. Wynter Fashion had become so inconsistent that people were now referring to it as Wynter Media, even though it had started as a fashion company. It seemed they were both benefiting from the collaboration. Was she so high on her white horse that her success made her blind to that?
As she continued to stare outside, Nadine admitted to herself that no matter how chaotic things seemed, Wynter Fashion was on its way to becoming a billion-dollar company. The pressure of that looming success might have added a lot of stress to Cassandra’s life, but that wasn’t Nadine’s problem. Nadine had her own business to run, and she couldn’t let herself become involved in someone else’s turmoil.
Nadine sighed. It was hard to think about ending the collaboration, especially because she had feelings for Cassandra. She recalled all the moments when she’d tried to express her emotions, but Cassandra never seemed to respond positively. All her romantic advances had been met with silence or rejection, and it was painful to acknowledge that. Nadine knew she needed to move on, but it was challenging when her heart was still stuck in the past.
“Enough is enough,” she whispered to herself.
She needed to talk to Elara Silver and tell her that one of them would have to continue the next stage of the project alone. Nadine had decided that it was time to put an end to the collaboration.
She made her way over to Silver Resorts and Residences headquarters for a surprise visit. She knew it wasn’t preferred, but would express the seriousness of this change to Elara. Nadine spoke to the receptionist and was told it could be a while before Elara was free to talk.
“How long are we talking?” Nadine smiled, trying to not seem impatient.
“Erm, thirty minutes? An hour. There’s really no saying and I don’t want to let you down, Ms. James. How about I let Elara kn?—”
“I’m fine waiting, thank you!” Nadine insisted as she walked across the luxurious lobby and plopped into a chair. “However long, that’s really fine.”
Nadine replayed her talking points in her mind. She would tell Elara how she felt about ending the partnership, and she’d explain why it was necessary without going too much into detail. The last thing Nadine wanted to do was hold onto a partnership that no longer felt right.
Nadine sat in the waiting room of Silver Resorts and Residences, her heart racing a little faster than usual. She glanced around the modern space, taking in its sleek furniture and bright lights. The decor was beautiful, just as its five-star rating boasted. But she wasn’t here to admire it. She was here to cancel her fashion collaboration for their upcoming launch with Wynter Fashion.
Nadine nervously ran her fingers through her short hair. She spotted the receptionist, who’d been giving her odd looks. The young woman raised an eyebrow, curiosity and concern on her face.
“Are you sure you want to wait?” the receptionist asked, her tone slightly uneasy.
Nadine forced a smile, doing her best to remain professional. “Oh, yes. I can wait,” she replied, hoping to lighten the mood. She didn’t want to seem weird or overly dramatic about her decision.
The receptionist tapped her pencil on the desk but then sighed. “Well, it’ll be at least another half hour. There’s a meeting starting in five minutes.”
A wave of frustration washed over her. She’d been preparing for this moment, rehearsing what she would say to the CEO. Why did it have to take so long? Maybe she should have just made an appointment or a phone call so she wouldn’t have to wait and grow anxious.
As she tried to distract herself, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar face. Cassandra walked in, looking polished as always. Nadine’s heart dropped. Just the sight of Cassandra made her feel a mix of anger and anxiety.
“Hi!” Cassandra looked at her and her eyes widened just the slightest.
Most people not clued into their drama wouldn’t notice her faltering confidence, but Nadine did. Cassandra greeted the receptionist with a bright smile. Nadine felt her stomach twist. Was she here to talk badly about her and try to end the collaboration first? What if she accused Nadine of stalking her again?
Nadine’s heart raced and she turned her eyes away, pretending to study a particularly interesting painting on the wall. But she couldn’t help but listen closely to their conversation.
“Is it alright if I chat with Nadine for a moment?” Cassandra asked, her voice casual but firm.
The receptionist looked back at Nadine, curiosity mixed with uncertainty in her eyes. So many thoughts raced through Nadine’s mind as she wondered why Cassandra would want to talk after everything that had happened between them.
“Sure,” the receptionist answered hesitantly.
Cassandra beckoned Nadine to follow her into one of the spare rooms just off the lobby. Nadine felt a mix of emotions bubbling inside her. They switched rapidly between anger, confusion, and irritation. Once inside the small room, Nadine crossed her arms and shot Cassandra a cautious look. “I’m not letting you have sex with me in public again, after everything that’s happened,” she blurted out, her voice carrying a mix of anger and hurt.
Cassandra’s expression didn’t change. “Shh, jeez. That’s not what this is about, Nadine,” she said, her tone even. “I’m here for a meeting and I didn’t expect to see you.”
Nadine rolled her eyes, feeling cornered. “I’m canceling the collaboration.” She tried to push around her to get to the door.
Cassandra sighed, blocking her way. “I didn’t mean for things to get so messy. But you’re canceling our collaboration? Why? We’re doing something great together.”
Nadine shook her head. “Like you aren’t here to do the same? I can’t work with you anymore, Cassandra. It’s too hard. I thought we could keep things professional, but I see now that was na?ve. We just…we just can’t.”
“Is it really just about work, though?” Cassandra challenged. Nadine saw a spark of something unfamiliar in Cassandra’s eyes…pain, maybe? She couldn’t be sure.
Nadine took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Yes, it is. No more personal feelings. We can’t mix business and…whatever this is between us. Like you said. I’m f-fucking done.” Tears spilled over and she gasped once, pointlessly turning to the side to hide her face.
Cassandra looked down for a moment, and in that silence, Nadine felt a flicker of regret. She remembered the good times, the laughter, and even the passion that had made everything so confusing. But that feeling was quickly overshadowed by her need to protect herself.
“You were…right. Running away won’t fix things,” Cassandra said softly, her gaze locked on Nadine’s tortured pose, crumpled up and turned away.
Nadine felt the weight of Cassandra’s words. Maybe she wasn’t just running away. Maybe it was about learning when to step back. “I’m not running. I need to think about what’s best for me right now,” Nadine replied firmly.
Cassandra stared at her, and the silence between them grew heavy. Nadine held her breath, waiting for Cassandra’s response, but all she felt was the tension that hung in the air.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m really so very sorry, Nadine. I’m the one who has things to work on here, and I admit it.”
Nadine was shocked by the admission. It contrasted their previous conversation starkly. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Cassandra was still angry with her, still thinking of her as a user.
She felt a surge of frustration. “I’m not letting you treat me like that again,” she said. She remembered the last time they’d been together in public, the excitement mixed with the confusion, and how it had all gone terribly wrong. Now, sitting in this small room, Nadine wasn’t sure how they could move forward.
Cassandra sighed, breaking Nadine’s train of thought. “I’m really sorry about everything,” she said, her voice low but steady. “I know I’ve been impulsive, not really thinking things through.” She looked down at her hands for a moment, then back at Nadine. “Sometimes, I feel like I struggle with being flexible in my thinking. But you help me see things differently. You make me less of a black-and-white thinker.”
Nadine blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected this kind of honesty from Cassandra. “Really?” she said, her heart racing. “You feel that way?”
Cassandra continued, her eyes searching Nadine’s face. “I reflected on our relationship and everything you said. Maybe I kept wanting to have sex in public because it made me feel in control. It was easier than admitting that you make me feel something real, something more than just fun.” She paused, biting her lip. “I think working together has changed me for the better.”
Nadine felt her body relax a little, the anger starting to fade. She’d been ready for a fight, for accusations and more rejection, but here was Cassandra, being open and vulnerable. It was disarming.
Cassandra took a deep breath. “I wasn’t lying at the restaurant when I said I feel lonely. I feel dumb for opening up and then sliding back into old habits. Sometimes it feels like I’m taking one step forward and two steps back.” She looked up at Nadine, her blue eyes filled with sincerity. “I want a personal life now. I think it would help me be better…not just for me, but for my business, too.”
Nadine felt a boost of happiness mixed with hesitation. She’d always wanted to know what was going through Cassandra’s mind. Discovering that Cassandra actually wanted something more than just a casual fling was a surprise. “You really want that?” she asked softly, her heart pounding. “You want a personal life…with me?”
Cassandra nodded, looking serious. “Yes, I have feelings for you, Nadine, but I know I have to work on myself first. I can’t keep making the same mistakes.”
Nadine smiled slightly, a flicker of hope lighting up her chest. “I’m glad you’re recognizing that. It makes me feel hopeful about us.” She took a moment to gather her thoughts, still feeling somewhat wary. “But if we’re going to work on things, I think we need to go to therapy. I want to help you, but I can’t do it alone.”
Cassandra’s face brightened. “Really? You’d support me in that?”
“Of course,” Nadine said, feeling warmth spread through her heart. “I want you to be happy and healthy. I want us to find a way to make this work, but it’s so important that we deal with our issues first.”
Nadine could tell that Cassandra was thinking deeply. After a moment, Cassandra replied, “Okay. I think therapy is a good idea. I want to get better, for myself and for us.”
Relief washed over her. It seemed they had turned a corner. “Thank you for being honest with me,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting you to open up like this.”
Cassandra gave her a small smile, her eyes glistening. “I didn’t think I could.”
For the first time in a while, the tension in the air began to lift. Nadine moved a little closer to Cassandra, feeling a warmth she thought had been lost. It would take time and effort from both of them, but they were both ready to try.
Nadine gently took Cassandra’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s do this together,” she said, determined and hopeful. “We can figure it out.” In that moment, they both knew they were starting to heal, beginning a journey that would lead them to a stronger relationship.
“Can I join your meeting?” Nadine asked, peering up at Cassandra.
“Of course. But first…” Cassandra fixed a smudge in Nadine’s makeup with the sleeve of her blouse.
Nadine sniffled. “Thanks. Can I have a hug?”
The older woman’s eyes softened as she agreed, letting the younger woman fall into her arms, her face pressing lightly against her neck. The hug lingered for a moment, both women feeling an electric tingle from all of the pent-up emotions they were finally setting free. Nadine’s hand traveled up, brushing Cassandra’s chin and wrapping around her neck for a moment before she pulled away. They took a moment to compose themselves before making their way to Elara. They weren’t quite a power couple yet, but they weren’t enemies either. For now, that was more than enough.