Chapter 19 Designers And Distractions Don't Go Together
“This morning, I made sure to bring a few things with me.” Winter began handing out the snacks she had picked up on her way to the office with a smile. Ezra grew impatient with the driver during the ride because she kept stopping at every grocery store to find the perfect wine for Emma. "This is for you." She left a bottle of wine for Emma, which was different from what she gave to the others.
Emma noticed the expressions on people's faces as they glanced at her. "I don't think getting me something different is the best idea."
"Oh. I had no clue it would mean something else. Since you're making my dress, I just wanted to give you that."
Emma paused her drawing and looked at Winter, who had taken a seat across from her. "Do you know that my boss, your brother, is paying me for my work?"
Winter laughed. "I know. I just really like you."
Emma chuckled. "Well..." She took a breath. "I like you as well. And I appreciate the wine. When I drink it, I'll definitely think of you."
She finished her drawing and looked it over before showing it to Winter. Then she continued the conversation. "What do you think of this hand? I think we should leave it with a flair. Just like the princess you are."
"Aww." Winter kept looking at it. She instantly had some exciting ideas. She lifted her gaze and looked at Emma. "But I have to say, I'm curious."
"About?"
"What kind of outfit are you planning to wear to the event? You never know what kind of prince charming you might meet there, so make sure to dress to impress."
Prince charming? If only she realized it would actually be her brother. "I haven't figured out a dress yet. But I do have a question."
"Go ahead."
"What kind of event is this? What’s it all about?"
"Oh, I’m so sorry for not mentioning it earlier. I just really wanted you to come. It’s my grandmother’s birthday—Jada Queen. That’s why I want to stand out among my friends. I love the gold color you picked. It looks so classy." Leaning in, she whispered, "If they like my dress at the party, my brother will officially name you his favorite designer."
"Seriously?"
Winter nodded. "He’s never had any before, so this Saturday is a big test for the designers. Only the best designs will win."
"And how did you find out about this?"
"I overheard him talking on the phone with Scott, his best friend. If my brother finds out I know about it or that I told you, he’ll be furious. He’s not a bad guy, trust me. I think he’s just been shaped by someone who hurt him before. At least two people have hurt him. Honestly, I’m not sure."
Emma quickly stood up. She wasn't sure if she could keep discussing Ezra. "I'll begin with your dress immediately. You should go out and have some fun."
Winter stood up. "There's no fun in this company. What if I join you? I hope that's alright with you."
"Oh." Naturally, it was not alright. More conversation about Ezra. She definitely didn't need that right now. "I don't believe that's a good idea. I mean, I truly want you here, but we'll just end up talking, and I won’t finish your dress on time. I assume you don’t want that, right?"
"Of course. I'll head out and try to have fun—or maybe just annoy my brother—because I really want the outfit to turn out great." She slung her purse over her shoulder after picking it up from the table. "See you, Emma."
"See you." As Winter walked out, Emma sighed.
"I think she really likes you," Gia remarked. Emma glanced at both Floria and Gia. "When are we going to open that?" Gia asked, gesturing at the wine that sat on the table.
"It's not meant to be shared. She bought it as a present for me." She held the wine close to her chest. She reached for her design book and turned.
"Yes. I'll definitely let her know." He put his phone down and turned to his sad sister on the couch. "Hey." Winter looked his way. So much for having a good time. "Mom just called. She wants you to come home to help with the arrangements."
"There are plenty of maids around. Seriously, she doesn't need my help." Winter let out a sigh. It was strange to Ezra that she wasn't on her phone either.
"Are you okay? Ever since you left the Level One office, you've just been sitting there. What's going on? I want you to talk to me."
Winter sighed again. "I just don't get it. I really like her, but I don’t think she feels the same way."
"Is this about Miss Facer?"
Winter rolled her eyes. "When it's just us, you can call her by her first name. No one's going to hit you with a cane."
"Look. It's actually a good thing that not everyone will like you."
"You wouldn't get it. You weren't the one who went to boarding school. You've always been their 'golden child,'" Winter replied. "And I understand that."
"Is that really the main problem?"
"In boarding school, I didn't have any real friends. And now that I'm in college, the people I know just want to compete over dresses, fashion, and—"
"But you love those things."
"...And I liked Emma when I first saw her. No, not in that way." She said after noticing her brother's expression. "I think she gets me. She shows her emotions through the clothes she designs, just like Taylor Swift does with her music. That makes me admire her even more. She understands what it's like to be surrounded by things you love but still feel out of place. With the whole world at your feet, it can be hard for you to understand what I feel."
Ezra got up and moved closer to his sister. He settled next to her on the couch. "That's not true." He looked at her. "What if I told you that even though we say we're best friends, Scott actually hurt me? He caused me so much pain that I sometimes wonder why I keep him around. I guess it's because some people just don't like me. Do you even know what nickname they gave me?"
"Oh, I heard that one." Winter burst out laughing.
"Ezra," he said.
Winter playfully nudged him. "Quit with the dad jokes. They don't impress anyone." She couldn't help but giggle. "It's really dull."
"At least you laughed." Ezra sighed. "Not everyone will like you. Maybe Emma is just too focused on your clothes to talk. I can tell you that a designer needs to concentrate to make their ideas come to life. Distractions can mess with the clothes and create problems." By distractions, he meant people who ruin clothes.
Milan had identified the wrongdoer and terminated her employment after learning who was responsible for ruining the clothes. He knew who she was. He understood her motives—she was a Level Three designer driven by jealousy. He decided to let her go because he preferred not to lodge a complaint or ruin her further.
"Okay. I’ll take your word that she’s quite busy. Still, she’s a very attractive woman. Women like her are rare to come by."
He groaned lowly. "What are you trying to say?"
"Don’t act like you don’t know. Emma is a wonderful person, and I am fond of her."
Ezra rolled his eyes. "I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can fulfill that request. Usually, I would do anything for you, but not this time. This one is off-limits."
"Why is that?"
"I can’t engage in a relationship with someone I employ. It could ruin both her and me. What do you think people will say? They’ll claim I’m showing her favoritism, which could harm her reputation. Besides, I don’t have any feelings for Miss Facer." He stood up and checked the time. "How about we go grab some ice cream?" He assisted her in getting up.
"What about your meeting?"
“It will have to wait. You first.”