Melting the Ice (32 page)

She found Tierra. “Get Gerard into hair and makeup and prep him for Drew’s outfits.”

Tierra nodded and ran off.

Though Carolina had a million things to do, her thoughts drifted to Drew.

He’d let her down.

Again.

But there was nothing she could do about that. She checked on her models, who were mostly prepped and getting into their outfits. The stage manager gave her instructions, and she sidestepped security to finish up last-minute details. With her mother in the audience, security was extra tight today, Secret Service being doubled because of the expected crowd. Even she and Gray had Secret Service protection today, though she mostly ignored them. It was enough to know they were there, extra bodies in an already tight space.

When there was a rush of crowd noise, she turned around to see Drew running toward her. Sweat poured down his red face.

“I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?”

“Goddamned taxi rear-ended the car in front of us three blocks away. Traffic is a fucking nightmare. I finally got out and just ran the whole way.”

“Oh, Drew. I’m sorry. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Sure I did. I promised I’d be here, didn’t I?” He looked around at the models getting dressed around him. “Am I too late?”

He was sweaty, his hair wet from his run. Actually, he looked perfect. “No.” She grabbed his arm and took him into hair and makeup. “Gel his hair, give him a rough edge. He doesn’t need much in the way of makeup other than to tone down the redness from running. Otherwise, he’s good to go.”

“Probably a little deodorant would help, too,” he said with a smile.

She laughed. “Whatever. I’ll see you on the runway.”

He’d made it. He hadn’t blown this off. Her heart swelled with joy. One less thing to worry about.

In short order the models were lined up, Drew was in that fantastic outfit, and everyone was ready.

Carolina took in a deep cleansing breath, let it out, and when given her cue, stepped onto the runway.

“Good evening. My name is Carolina Preston, and I’m so thrilled to be here today to showcase Carolina Designs. This has been a long-held dream of mine, and I’m happy to set it free today. I hope you enjoy the show.”

She turned and headed back behind the curtains, listening to the polite applause. She knew it wouldn’t be wild clapping. She hadn’t earned that yet. But she hoped her fashions would show that she was a capable designer.

The music queued up, and she sent her first model down the runway. As she watched them on the monitor, it felt a lot like giving birth.

The men were going first, and they looked spectacular from casual slacks and button-up shirts to Drew taking the runway in a weekend outfit of drawstring pants and a fitted Henley. He grinned at the end of the runway, turned, and oh, God, the way he walked. Confident arrogance. No one could have done that outfit justice better than Drew. And Gray in a suit was something to behold.

The guys dashed back and changed, then went out again, everyone moving with precision. So far, so good. Gray came out next in a weekend casual piece, still very elegant, but oh, he looked so good. And Drew in jeans and a button-down shirt made her salivate. Every piece of her men’s line had turned out perfectly. She could tell the audience was captivated. She hoped it was the same when it came time for the women, who were up next.

First down the runway was her camel leather jacket and beaded mini. She felt such a sense of pride seeing something she’d created walk the runway at Lincoln Center. Then came the flirty dark print skirt and body-hugging sweater, followed by the low-slung pants and matching knee-length coat.

Outfit after outfit walked, and with each one Carolina wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes shimmering with tears. She hoped—oh, she hoped so much they were well received.

And when Esme walked out in her gown, she heard the collective gasps, and knew she had the audience by the throat. The applause as Esme disappeared was loud, and as the men came back out, followed by the women, people were on their feet, the applause deafening.

She’d done it. It was over. And it had been damn good, so she no longer cared what anyone thought.

“This is your moment,” Edward said, squeezing her arms. “Go take it.”

She nodded, turned to her assistants who had been right there by her side since the beginning. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Go,” Tierra said, laughing.

She walked out behind Esme. All the models clapped for Carolina. When she reached the end of the runway, she took a bow, then clasped Esme’s hand and mouthed “thank you” to her. Esme grinned and they walked hand in hand down the runway toward the curtain.

After, her staff surprised her with champagne. It was nonstop media and interviews and her mother and Evelyn came backstage, too.

“Oh, Carolina. You took my breath away,” Evelyn said.

“It was more than even I hoped for you,” her mother said, pulling her in for a tight hug. “Your designs are stunning. I’m so very proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She did a few interviews and talked to some fashion editors, who gave her very favorable reviews. One, a very prominent editor with one of her favorite magazines, said she’d love to do an interview and article about her. She had to keep from squealing, so she did it on the inside.

“So . . . you did good.”

She turned to her brother and Evelyn. “Thank you for doing this. You looked amazing today.”

Evelyn laid her hand on Gray’s chest. “He did, didn’t he? You know I’m going to want a suit like that for him.”

“And I’ll be happy to make one for him. On the house, of course.”

“Now how are you going to make money for Carolina Designs when you do it gratis.”

“Only for my fantastic brother.”

“I’m really proud of you, Carolina. I think you’re fantastic.”

That was high praise coming from Gray.

“Thank you.”

“I have to agree with Gray. You are a top-notch designer.”

Drew came to stand beside her.

“Thanks,” Carolina said. “And thank you for running three blocks to get here in time. You didn’t have to do that.”

He shrugged. “I’m sorry I was late.”

Gray frowned. “What happened?”

“Taxi rammed the car in front of us and then I got stuck in traffic, couldn’t find another taxi. It’s ridiculous out there. Who knew clothes were so popular?”

Evelyn laughed as she looked over at Carolina. “Men. They know nothing.”

“Nothing about Fashion Week, anyway. But I do appreciate it. Were you hurt?”

“Nah. I’m fine. Just pissed off at the taxi driver, who was mad at me for wanting to leave. And he wanted me to pay him the fare.”

“Seriously?” Evelyn asked, her eyes wide.

“Yeah. I cussed him out and told him he could chase after me if he wanted to, but I was already late and if he hadn’t been zigzagging in and out of traffic, he wouldn’t have clipped the car in front of him. Asshole.”

“Man, you need a drink,” Gray said.

Drew laughed. “In the worst way.”

“Come on. Let’s go get one. Carolina, can you get out of here yet?”

She looked around. The place was still filled with media, her assistants, and models. “I’m sorry. I can’t. But you go on.”

“Okay. We’ll catch up later. Maybe for dinner?”

“Definitely. I’ll text you when I’m free.”

They left, with her mother and Drew and the Secret Service, which gave her a little breathing room. She and her crew wrapped up the clothing and took care of clearing everything out. Tierra and Edward were going to follow the truck back to the studio with the clothes.

“I’ll finish up here and then I’ll meet you back at the studio,” she told them.

“No, you won’t. Go take some time off,” Tierra said. “You’ve earned it. Today is a day to celebrate. We’ll take care of the inventory.”

“And then Tierra and I are going to go pop a bottle of champagne and have a very expensive dinner. On you.”

Carolina laughed. “You two both deserve it. Enjoy. And thank you again.”

After she finished up, she texted Gray, who informed her they were all still at the restaurant. She managed to finagle a taxi despite the crowd and made her way over.

She was instantly handed a glass of champagne by Evelyn.

“I wish I could drink with you, but unfortunately, it’s sparkling water for me today.”

“Raise your glasses everyone,” her mother said. “To Carolina Designs. May today be only the beginning of many wonderful years of beautiful clothes.”

Carolina blushed as glasses were lifted toward her. “Thank you, Mom.” She took a sip of the wonderful champagne, and for the first time that day, sighed in relief.

“Glad it’s over?” Drew asked.

“Absolutely, deliriously glad it’s over.”

“But it’s just beginning, honey,” her mother said. “Now the real work begins.”

Judging from the texts and emails she skimmed on her way over, that could be true. She had requests for interviews and orders from some very prominent celebrities who wanted to wear her designs, including an Oscar-nominated actress or two who insisted they come by to discuss wearing her for the awards. One wanted to wear the dress Esme had worn today.

Holy. Shit.

“I’m going to be busy, I think. Which is a wonderful, incredible, mind-blowing thing.”

“I think the first thing you should do is call that former designer you worked for and tell him to suck it,” Drew said.

Carolina laughed. “That would be very unprofessional.” But she grinned just thinking about it.

“Drew is right about that, though of course you shouldn’t call him. He didn’t appreciate your talent. And look at you now.” Her mother was beaming.

“Thank you. All of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“You did it on your talent, Carolina. Nothing more.”

Her gaze shifted to Drew. “Thank you.”

They had all eaten already, and her mother had a plane to catch.

“We have to get going, too, unfortunately,” Evelyn said. “Some race car business something-or-other that my fiancé claims to need to do in Florida.” She rolled her eyes, then winked.

“Thank you all so much for being here today. It meant everything to me.”

She hugged her mother and brother and Evelyn, and they left, Secret Service making a path for them.

“A lot quieter now,” Drew said.

“Yes.”

He signaled for their waiter. “And you should eat something. Have you even eaten today?”

“I don’t remember.”

“That probably means no.”

The waiter stood by while Carolina perused the menu. She was suddenly starving, so she chose a baked chicken breast with asparagus and rice.

“You don’t have to sit here with me while I eat.”

He cocked a brow. “Trying to get rid of me?”

“Not at all. I just know you’ve all eaten already. I’m sure you’re busy, too.”

“No game today. I’m all yours.”

She leveled a smile at him. “Thank you.”

“About that. I have to apologize to you.”

“For what?”

“For bailing on you.”

Confused, she frowned at him. “You showed up today. Even with a car accident. My God, Drew, you ran three blocks.”

“Not that. The advertising campaign.”

“Oh.”

“I was in my own head about the road games, trying to figure out what was going on and looking for something, anything—anyone—to blame.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I blamed you.”

“Me? Why?”

He shrugged. “Because you were as convenient an excuse as anything else. Sometimes, in sports, they say dating a woman during the season is bad luck.”

“Oh. And you think I’m your bad luck charm.”

“Something like that.”

“Okay.” So this was his breakup conversation. At least she was getting honesty from him, a reason behind his recent behavior. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to her, but it was better than a disappearing act with no explanation.

“The problem was, it wasn’t you. It was all me.” He pointed to his temple. “It was all in my head. Still is. Whatever problem the team is having winning road games, it isn’t you causing it.”

“Good to know.”

He grasped her hand. “I’m sorry I let you down, Lina. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I acted like a selfish jackass and I hope you can forgive me.”

Oh. So it wasn’t a breakup conversation. It was an apology, and one she hadn’t expected from Drew.

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

“I know you had to scramble to find someone else to do the photo shoot.”

“Drew, I—”

“I know it came in the middle of you preparing for the biggest debut of your life.”

“Drew, really, I—”

“And that makes me the shittiest boyfriend in the world.”

Boyfriend? He’d called himself her boyfriend? They’d never once defined their relationship.

“You’re my boyfriend?”

“I don’t know. Lover? The guy who’s in love with you. Whatever you want to call me, I suck at it.”

She shuddered in a breath. He loved her? “You love me?”

“Shit. I told you I suck at this.” He took her hand. “Yes. I love you. I should have told you sooner, Lina. Not that I deserve to have your love after what I did to you. I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. And I promised you I wouldn’t let you down again. I’m not a guy who goes back on his promises. Can you ever forgive me for that?”

She was so overcome by his words that all she could do was stare at him.

“This isn’t going like I thought it would. You could say something. Kick me to the curb, tell me to go fuck myself. Or tell me you forgive me. Something.”

She laughed. “I’m sorry. I was just stunned there for a moment. Of course I forgive you. We all go through things that are tough and emotional, and sometimes we take them out on the people we care about the most. First, I haven’t done the photo shoot yet.”

“You haven’t?”

“No. I decided to delay it until after Fashion Week. I did find someone else to do the shoot, but Drew, no one could replace you. Not in my head. I could only see you in those shots. You’re my perfect model for the print ad. I kept hoping you’d come around and maybe that’s why I delayed it until after the show. I kept hoping you’d change your mind.”