Zoe was lucky to have a company like Guava behind her. Yes, she was very lucky. However, there were times when she wondered how things would have turned out if she had stayed at RHD.
A soft sigh escaped her lips. There was no way she could have stayed. Things were too intense between Kyle and her, and she did not like the woman she had become during that period in her life. Pining over a man who had rejected her—she had no choice but to seek employment elsewhere. She and Kyle had grown pretty close while working together, but after they’d shared a kiss, things had changed abruptly between them.
Now, looking back, she realized that leaving Kyle and RHD was probably the best decision she had ever made. It was hard working with the one man she desired but would never have. She had definitely made the right decision.
So why do I feel so sad?
* * *
“We are meeting with Cameron Childs and his event planner this afternoon,” Kyle announced while going through his calendar. He and Nelson were in his office synchronizing their scheduled appointments. “After that, we will come back here. My dad wants to meet with everyone regarding the show.”
Nelson made notes on his iPhone as Kyle talked. “I met Cameron last year in Philly. He was attending a charity function hosted by Aunt Jeanette.”
“He’s cohosting the RHD party,” Kyle announced. “We need to go by Lincoln Center so I can check out our backdrops. The tents are already up, so we need to make sure the set is completed correctly.”
Nelson finished his notes. “I am going to check on the shipment of colognes that just came in. They’re going into the gift bags, right?”
Kyle nodded. “You can give the cologne to the receptionist. She’s going to put the bags together.”
As Nelson left the office, Kyle picked up the telephone. “Mom, it’s me.”
“How are things going?” Lila inquired. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“We’ve got everything under control. I’m calling to see if you’d like to have lunch with your son tomorrow.”
“Honey, I’d love to have lunch with you.”
He smiled. “Great. I’ll call you later with the details after my meeting with Cameron.”
“Oh, please tell him that I said hello,” Lila requested.
“I will,” Kyle promised. “Love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too.”
He ended the call and Nelson strolled back into his office. “Ready to leave?”
Kyle nodded and they headed out.
“Marissa sent me a picture of the baby,” Nelson said, looking at his phone.
Marissa was the youngest child of Jacob and Jeanette Hamilton, and one of Kyle’s favorite cousins. “Yeah, I got one, too. I can’t believe she’s married and a mother. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Marissa always wanted to be a wife. Remember? It’s all she used to talk about when she was little.”
Nelson laughed. “Her dolls were always getting married. I think they had more wedding dresses than anything else. My mother even designed a couple for her.”
“What about you? Have you thought about settling down?”
“Not really,” Nelson said. “Right now I want to see if I can make it as an actor. I know my dad would have liked it if I had studied law, and my mother would have been happy if I’d become a designer. But I have no interest in doing either.”
“You made the right decision to follow your heart, cousin.”
“I believe I did.”
They walked outside to a waiting town car. Nelson and Kyle got inside.
“Did you tell Aunt Vanessa that you’re my assistant?”
“I did,” Nelson said. “She’s fine with it. I think my mom is hoping that I’ll end up working in this industry full-time.”
“It might not be a bad idea—at least until you can support yourself with acting.”
“I’ll give it some thought.” Nelson stared out of the window at a billboard advertising Fashion Week. “It looks like the whole city is poised to become fashion’s playground for the week.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said.
“My mom loves this hive of activity,” Nelson said. “She thrives on events like this—fashion buyers, editors, paparazzi. This is her thing.”
The car pulled into the driveway of the Childs Hotel and they got out.
They were met in the lobby by Roberta Dallard, the hotel event planner, who escorted them up to the restaurant.
Cameron Childs was already seated at a table near the front. He stood up as they neared the table. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
He shook Kyle’s hand first and then Nelson’s. “I saw your mother last week,” Cameron told him. “She’s a very talented lady.”
Nelson nodded in agreement. “Yes, she is.”
They waited until Roberta took her seat before sitting down.
“I’ll be seeing Harper in a couple of weeks.”
“Is he coming to New York?” Nelson asked.
“I’m actually traveling to Philadelphia,” Cameron said. “I have some business meetings lined up.”
“I was wondering if my brother had planned to come to the city without letting me know.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Kyle interjected as he scanned the menu. “Harper never comes to New York without seeing the family.”
“Roberta, can you give us an update on the preparations?” Cameron took a long sip of iced tea.
“Sure,” she responded with a smile. “The tablecloths are here. I inspected each and every one personally. They are exactly as you ordered.”
Kyle noted that Cameron appeared somewhat distracted, which was strange for the man who was a company sponsor and deeply involved with RHD’s future. He silently wondered at the cause.
“Sounds like everything is on schedule,” Kyle said after Roberta had finished and a waiter had taken their order. “My mom can relax now.”
Cameron broke into a smile. “Lila’s called me twice this week already.”
“I’m not surprised,” Kyle said. “She’s a perfectionist—especially when it comes to stuff like this.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Nelson interjected. “Kyle is also a perfectionist.”
Kyle
