Chapter 12
12
E mma
“Interesting,” Anna Armand says after taking a careful look at my portfolio.
She’s a stylish woman in her thirties, straightforward and inquisitive. She carries the experience on her narrow shoulders and wisdom in her blue eyes.
Each time she turns a page of the portfolio I brought, my heart skips a beat. I don’t have any on-the-job experience and doubt my sketches can hold a candle to the magic she makes with the stroke of a pencil.
I shift in my chair. I’m in Anna’s office in Los Angeles, on the second floor of a swanky wedding shop. I never imagined I could be in a place like this. Malcolm and I arrived yesterday and stayed in a luxurious hotel nearby.
I love it.
I’ve never been to California before. It’s a short trip, but Los Angeles is amazing with the absence of bugs and the cool air, even though it’s August. I feel like I’m on a movie set. And the beach… Last night, Malcolm took me to a restaurant in Malibu, which was stunning: the food and the view.
That excitement pales compared to my current state of nerves.
“What do you think?” I ask, my eyes searching hers. I should probably wait until she says something, but my anxiety speaks louder than common sense.
Anna closes the portfolio and lifts an eyebrow. “Have you ever had formal training?”
Is it that obvious that I haven’t? “No. I mean… I took art and drawing classes in high school, then enrolled in an art college that was discredited and shut down soon after. I’ve taken a few courses online since, but nothing official.”
“That’s remarkable. I can see where you could improve your lines, but you have a unique style.” She opens the page where I sketched a long gown with an attractive cut and sparkly details on the side. “It has a timeless feel and many of the current elements brides look for.”
Hope burns inside me like kindling in a bonfire. “Thank you,” I say, managing to sound casual and not like she just offered me a professional lifeline.
Anna tilts her head to the side, regarding me carefully. “Have you considered relocating?”
“I have,” I lie.
Even in my wildest dreams, I never expected to have an opportunity that would compel me to move out of state. The idea doesn’t scare me, though. I can see how living in a place like Los Angeles would be beneficial in fostering ambitions in fashion.
“Relocating would be advisable. If you move to Los Angeles, you can work for me in one of my newer lines. And we can take it from there.”
“Really?” I squeal, unable to contain my excitement.
“Yes. You have a lot of potential, but you need to network, shake some hands, and gain on-the-job experience to get you to where you want to be.”
“I agree.”
She smiles. “So take a day or two and think it over.”
I grin. “I will.”
So many scenarios pop into my head. What did I expect from this trip here? Of course, my life would change. I just didn’t know how much and how quickly.
Is it feasible for me to move? Financially, no. Although Anna hasn’t touched on remuneration yet, the cost of living will be many times higher than in Texas. No doubt about it. And it means putting my relationship with Malcolm on the back burner.
Would he be okay with a long-distance relationship? I doubt it. He didn’t want me to move in with someone else, let alone to another state. But as a businessman, he should know this was a possibility.
My heart shrinks.
I’d hate to move away from him. Isn’t that a red flag that I’m already too deep into this new relationship? He’s older and accomplished. I’m not. Will he have the patience and understanding I need? I’d say so, but in his last relationship, he wanted more than his ex could give. Will he feel the same way about me?
Bile rises in my throat. If he does, am I ready to let go of the most amazing man I’ve ever met?