23. Nina
Nina
“ G et ready,” Evren says, my head on his arm, both of us naked and still in bed even if it’s eight a.m. I didn’t think it was possible for him to sleep in, but apparently it is. “I have somewhere special I want to take you today.”
“But shouldn’t we be working on the line and all the issues with Mick and Ben?”
“No,” Evren says, “leaving them to stew and not responding quickly is a good tactic to use. As for the line itself, we still have time; one day won’t hurt.”
“Never thought you, Mr. Workaholic, would willingly take a day off.”
He laughs before kissing me quickly. “Don’t you get it? You’re more important than work.”
His words pierce my heart like a needle and thread,creating a new pattern, one where I’m starting to believe that he’s telling the truth. That I am important, that I deserve to be taken care of. That’s something I’ve never felt before.
I grab the back of his head and pull him down for another kiss, my way of saying I agree, of thanking him, of just showing him that I’m falling for him even if I’m not ready to say those three little words yet.
“Should I dress for comfort or to wow?” I ask.
“Both? But we’re going somewhere where you’ll want to wear one of your fabulous designs.”
That’s the thing with Evren. He keeps complimenting me and the words are starting to penetrate. Each time he praises my designs, whether it’s my clothes or how I decorate Stella’s house, I believe him.
“Go get ready,” he says, “because if you stay in bed with me, we’re going to be late.”
“I don’t mind being late.”
“You will when you see what the surprise is.” He slaps my ass. “Go.”
Excited, not used to happy surprises, I rush to the bathroom to get ready.
When I’m done, my hair is in perfectly loose curls, and I’m wearing one of my favorite jumpsuits.
The bottom is a mix between sky-blue, neon-pink, and canary-yellow stripes and the top is emerald green with polka dots in the same blue, pink, and yellow as the bottom half.
My emerald-green heels go perfectly with it.
It’s fun, bold, and comfortable. Basically, the trifecta when it comes to my style.
When Evren sees me, he immediately takes my hands in his and stares at me so intently, it’s like he’s able to pierce through skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and straight into my soul.
“I don’t know what I did in my life to deserve you,” Evren says, “but I’ll thank every star in every universe for the rest of my life.
I thought I knew what beauty was, but then you walked in, and everything I thought before was wrong.
Nothing and no one will ever be as beautiful as you. You look breathtaking .”
His words wrap around me like the most expensive and lush fabric in the world, cocooning around me and repairing all the cracks that have formed over the years.
“That’s the best compliment I’ve ever received,” I say quietly.
“Don’t worry, I have more where that came from.”
I swat his shoulder. “And then you ruined it.”
He grins and slides his hand to my waist. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“In sexual favors?”
“That can be arranged.”
I grin before kissing his cheek. “I hope you know that you’re so handsome, I can’t even think.”
“That just means I’ll do the thinking for the both of us since you’re so impressed with and mesmerized by my looks.”
“I take it back,” I grumble. “I’m never going to compliment you again.”
“You’re a cruel, cruel woman.”
I laugh. “Are you now just figuring this out?”
“Your big surprise is brunch?” I ask, just to fuck with Evren. The restaurant is a vibe with dark gray walls, plants everywhere to give some semblance of privacy, and the scent of bacon and pastries in the air. We’re seated at a table next to the windows that overlooks Skyrise, and it’s beautiful.
“And what if it is?”
“Then it’s perfect,” I say. “I love breakfast food.”
“Could’ve fooled me when all you eat is cereal.”
“I don’t want to spend the time or money on something more.”
Evren frowns. “If that’s the reason you don’t eat something else, I’m going to hire a private chef to make you whatever you want every morning.”
“Please don’t.” I cringe. “That sounds like torture.”
“Then I’m definitely going to do it.”
“Then you’re definitely not going to have any more orgasms.”
He snorts and then a voice interrupts us and says, “Evren.”
Evren turns and looks at the older man next to him.
“Harold,” Evren says, “nice to see you.”
I remember him from the charity event Elodie brought me to. The old owner.
“We never did get that drink,” Harold says. “I was beginning to think you didn’t want to meet.”
“It’s been a busy time, as I’m sure you’re aware. ”
“Hmm, yes, I’ve heard the rumors.”
Evren stiffens before pasting on a strained smile.
“Which rumors particularly?” I ask.
“Nothing worth repeating,” Harold says, brushing me off.
There’s something about him that rubs me the wrong way. I stare at him, trying to piece it together.
“How about we make an appointment for next week?” Evren asks.
“Fine,” Harold says stiffly. “See you then.”
Once he walks away, I turn to Evren and say, “That man is off. There’s something about him that gives me a bad feeling.”
“He’s just old school. A lot of the owners are like him.”
“I’m serious. Harold doesn’t seem like the type of person to try to help someone.”
“I know, but it’ll be fine. I’m used to dealing with people like him. I’ll meet him to keep the peace, but I don’t want advice from him. He ruined the business and is clearly not good at managing a team.”
“Okay,” I say, letting it go.
The conversation moves on to more neutral topics, like our favorite movies or music, as I enjoy my waffles, eggs, and bacon.
When we’re almost finished, my phone rings and I glance at the screen. Mom, again. I silence the call and then put my phone on do not disturb. She wants an update on the nonexistent lawyer that I haven’t called, and I’m hoping to keep her at bay by delaying the meeting with said fictional lawyer.
“Is she why you don’t like to have your phone on you?” Evren asks.
“I…maybe?” I never thought of it like that before, but it tracks. I hate getting her calls. I hate being responsible for her. I hate feeling so used when it comes to her.
“What kind of relationship do you want with her?”
“I don’t know…”
“You do,” Evren insists.
I sigh. “I really don’t know. Some days, I wish she’d get clean, and that we could start over. I’m not sure how much her addiction is influencing her personality, and I’d like to get to know the real her. But on other days, I don’t want to ever see or talk to her again.”
“And today? How do you feel?”
“The latter. She’s calling about the jacket or to ask for more money, or both.”
“And do you give her more money?” he asks. It’s his nonjudgmental and curious tone that keeps me talking. Every time Rose brings up Mom, it’s with an undercurrent of judgment like I should know better.
I nod, hating to admit that. “I send it to her because I feel guilty that she’s had such a hard life because she had me.”
“Why do you feel guilty?” he asks, surprise coloring his tone. “She’s the one who got pregnant, not you. She’s the one who signed away her rights to Mick’s support, not you. Sounds to me like she’s been using you as a scapegoat for her actions.”
“I… You’re right. I get that, I do. But I don’t know how to change how I feel towards her.”
“It’ll take time, and probably some therapy.”
Therapy is something that was never on my radar due to my lack of funds.
But it’s also something I could realistically budget for now that Evren is paying me a salary.
It’s strange to think that I could pay for it, but I’m not used to spending money on myself, except for the basic necessities. Maybe it’s time to change that?
“I’ll think about it,” I say. For the first time, talking about Mom isn’t a one-way street that leads to sadness and helplessness. Instead, there’s another way I can take when it comes to her, one that involves me healing and perhaps there might be some healing for her too.
And it’s all because of Evren.
The elevator doors slide open, revealing a world of vibrant colors and eclectic decor. The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of perfume and leather, and the hum of conversations. Lila Lark’s headquarters are nothing short of a fashionista’s dream.
After brunch, we hopped on to Evren’s jet to New York City.
Evren somehow knows that Lila is my favorite designer, and I have no idea how.
When I was a kid, I’d flip through every magazine in the grocery store, looking for the photos of celebrities wearing her designs.
There’s only one person who knows about my obsession with her.
Taking out my phone, I snap a picture and send it to the girls.
Me: Way to tell Evren all my secrets, Elodie.
Elodie: Boo hoo, you’re at your idol’s fashion house. Send more pics!
Aria: I take it you two made up?
Me: We did and we’re officially together.
Stella: OMG! YAY! I’m so happy for you.
Elodie: Same! Eek, I knew you two were meant to be.
Aria: Agreed! You guys have undeniable chemistry.
I heart their messages and stuff my phone back into my purse as a pretty, stylish woman around my age greets us. She has an auburn bob and is wearing a pair of floral, wide-leg pants and a jungle-pattern crop top.
“Evren, nice to meet you.” She air-kisses him.
“Nice to meet you, too, Jade.” Evren takes a step toward me and says, “This is Nina, the woman I was telling you about. ”
“I love your outfit!” Jade air-kisses me, too, and says, “Welcome to Lila Lark. My name is Jade, and I’m going to be your guide for the day.”
Evren places his hand on my lower back as Jade guides us through the bustling showroom.Mannequins stand tall,dressed in the latest creations full of lush fabrics and bold designs. The showroom is like stepping into a living, breathing piece of art.