22. NICK
Dan’s opening song concluded with thunderous applause, and I found myself clapping harder than I expected, caught up in the infectious energy of the crowd. Glancing at Izzy beside me, I noticed her enthusiastic applause matched mine, her eyes lit up with admiration for my brother”s musical prowess.
“That was awesome,” she breathed.
“I have to agree,” I noted, nodding with approval. “It was one of his best performances.”
As the cheers echoed through the garden, I felt a surge of pride for Dan’s performance. He thrived in the spotlight, and tonight’s gala had become his stage to shine.
I dismissed any lingering jealousy. After all, Dan was the charismatic one, reveling in the attention, while Izzy seemed to appreciate his talent without any romantic interest. I relaxed into my seat, soaking in the celebratory atmosphere of the evening.
The crowd’s applause gradually subsided, leaving behind a sense of accomplishment and excitement in the air. Dan, with a beaming smile, acknowledged the audience and took a gracious bow, signaling the end of his musical spectacle.
“He really knows how to work the crowd,” Izzy commented, her eyes gleaming.
“Is that why you used to be crazy about him?” I teased. But deep inside, my chest was filled with apprehension and worry.
Izzy laughed and gave me a strange smile. “Crazy? Who told you that?”
“Well, your best friend Tanya. Who else?”
She laughed again, the melody of her laughter seemingly eliciting a gentle dance in my heart. “Well, okay. That’s true. But not anymore. I’ve come to know Dan and… he’s just a friend to me now.”
I was glad and relieved to hear that. She appeared to be waiting for a response from me. And honestly, I wanted to tell her what I was feeling at that very moment. But something was holding me back.
Fear.
This was all new to me. Izzy was bringing out a different version of me, including feelings that I had never felt before.
The music faded, transitioning into the buzzing hum of conversations and the tinkling of glasses. A sophisticated middle-aged woman came on next, and I immediately recognized her as a famous socialite who was also the wife of a prominent politician. She gave a quick speech while Izzy hung on to her every word. Meanwhile, I wasn’t really paying attention. I was too distracted by my confusing feelings.
As the evening progressed, I noticed Izzy catching the attention of a couple of influential figures in the fashion industry.
“Miss Isabelle Turner?” To my surprise, it was that socialite.
Izzy looked shocked, but she quickly composed herself. “Yes, hi! Just call me Izzy, please.”
“Izzy, my name is Desiree Gardner. I’m so glad to see you here. I’m a fan of your striking designs.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you so much!” Izzy was blushing, but she carried on well. “Coming from someone of your reputation, that’s really flattering. I’m glad to hear that. Thanks so much for your support.”
“You’re welcome, dear. It’s my pleasure.” Then, turning to me, she smiled widely, too. “Mr. Nick Hale, I can’t believe I’m finally seeing you in the flesh! I’ve heard so much about you. You must be proud to have made this new discovery of talent in Izzy here.”
“Of course,” I answered delightfully. “One of the best business decisions I’ve made so far. EcoChic Couture is bound to be one to rise even more in the next coming months.”
“I’m sure,” she agreed. She then gave both of us a quick hug. “Izzy, my assistant will get in touch with you soon. I’ve been meaning to do a collaboration with a young fashion designer with fresh ideas that could do the world some good, you know? Well, I think you fit that description. Perhaps a new collection in my name?”
Izzy’s eyes widened. We exchanged glances.
“That sounds absolutely wonderful!” Izzy gushed.
“We’ll surely consider it,” I added. “Looking forward to your assistant’s call then.
She smiled again and waved a little goodbye as she was whisked away by her husband.
Izzy was a magnet for attention. Soon, another influential figure, a renowned fashion editor, came to chat too. She remarked, “Izzy, your approach to sustainable fashion is truly inspiring. We”ve been looking for innovative designers to feature in our next issue, and I believe your story would resonate with our readers.”
Izzy graciously acknowledged the praise. “Thank you so much. EcoChic Couture is more than just a brand; it”s a commitment to a sustainable future. I’m grateful for the support from key partners like Nick, who shares our vision.”
I joined the conversation, expressing my enthusiasm. “Absolutely. Izzy’s designs are not just environmentally conscious. They’re also groundbreaking in the fashion world.”
Another influential figure, a fashion blogger, chimed in, “Your designs are sooo avant-garde! I can already see a collab in the making for my next style editorial. What do you think?”
Izzy, ever the visionary, smiled. “I’m thrilled at the idea. Let’s explore how we can make a statement together.”
The conversations continued, each exchange elevating Izzy’s status in the fashion world. I couldn’t help but marvel at her ability to seamlessly navigate the industry, her passion radiating with each word. As the night unfolded, it became evident that EcoChic Couture was gaining the recognition it deserved, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in both Izzy’s professional achievements and the woman she was becoming.
After some more mingling with the guests, Izzy and I began walking toward a quieter area of the garden venue. There was a quartet playing in the background, which suddenly gave me the urge to hold her in my arms. But I didn’t. I stood there, feeling torn, overwhelmed by a growing desire to take care of this beautiful woman. It puzzled and rattled me that I had such strong feelings for her.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked, looking concerned.
I wanted to lean forward and kiss her. But I just nodded and smiled. “I think we should discuss our upcoming launch for your new collection…” Those were the next words that came out of my mouth. Perhaps it’s because my work had always given me comfort.
“Oh!” she exclaimed in surprise, looking a bit disappointed. “Sure. We’re all set for next week, right?”
“Yes, everything except for your speech. Have you started working on it?”
“Yeah, it’s in my laptop. I’ll finalize it tomorrow and send it to your email.”
“Alright. Thanks.”
An awkward silence followed. Honestly, this wasn’t what I wanted to talk to her about. Far from it. And I could tell that she knew it.
“We should make sure to invite those people we talked to earlier, plus more,” I added.
“Yes, of course. I’ll tell my assistant to do that.”
“Great.”
Another few seconds of silence came.
God, you’re an amazing woman, Izzy. I’m beginning to care for you like I’ve never done with anyone yet in my whole life.
Those were the real words in my head that I had yet to say out loud.
But then, two reporters came along. “Mr. Hale, Miss Turner, we’ve heard about the spectacular launch of EcoChic Couture next week. Can you share some insights into what we can expect from the new collection?”
“Oh, sure,” Izzy replied at once with enthusiasm. “Our new collection is a celebration of nature and elegance. We’ve incorporated sustainable fabrics, intricate designs, and a touch of organic elements to redefine eco-friendly fashion.”
“What organic elements?”
“Some leafy motifs and natural dyes.”
They looked quite excited. But then, the questions shifted focus as one of them asked, “It seems like you two make a great team together. And you’ve been seen spending a lot of time together. Is there more than just a professional partnership between San Francisco’s youngest billionaire and EcoChic”s talented designer and entrepreneur?”
Caught slightly off guard, I exchanged a glance with Izzy. “Well,” I began, choosing my words carefully, “Izzy and I have indeed had a lot to do together to get this business going to where it’s headed now. And yes, we do share a deep connection in many ways, I guess. Not just in business.”
It was vague, but I could feel Izzy stiffen a little bit beside me.
“Mr. Hale, many have noticed that you’ve spent more time on this than on your other business investments. Is it because there’s romance brewing between the two of you?”
I gave a nervous smile. “Before I met Izzy, I’d already decided to get myself more involved in my investments. That’s better for business in the long run, after all.”
I did not give a straight answer, but the reports were insistent. They continued to press further. “But is there a romantic involvement between you two?”
Izzy, her cheeks slightly flushed, interjected, “We’re partners in business, and our personal lives are our own. The focus is on EcoChic’s upcoming collection, and we’re excited to showcase our commitment to sustainable fashion.”
She was trying to shift the focus, but the reporters seemed adamant to stay on their path.
“We can’t give you a final answer about that now,” I finally said. “But definitely, we’re getting along well, and we’re open to being more than friends and business partners in the future. So, let’s see where it leads.”
My heart was pounding hard. I couldn’t believe the words that had come out of my mouth. The reporters seemed quite satisfied, though, and were more than eager to finally let us go.
Meanwhile, Izzy seemed to be turning a little pale. Indeed, the unexpected scrutiny had inadvertently added a layer of intrigue to our connection, leaving me pondering the unspoken dynamics that seemed to be evolving between us.