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There came a knock on the door and Sophia’s husband led the way in, followed by Margo’s and then Gracie’s husbands. As the group talked about their night ahead, Sophia waved them out the door before she turned back to Rylan.

Sophia reached up and squeezed Rylan’s bicep. “Are you okay, Rylan? Are you in danger?”

“No, I’m safe. I live with Cameron after I moved out of my father and brother’s house. Why?”

She blew out a breath. “I received a call this morning from a man named Tristan. He said he wanted to give me a heads up you were stealing from me and that tonight you planned a robbery to happen while we were at our party.”

Rylan choked on his surprise. His thoughts seized and his body froze at the accusation. It wasn’t until Sophia shook him he snapped out of his panic.

“I don’t believe him. I know you, Rylan, and you won’t even take a tip from me or my friends even though you deserve it. You needed to know so you can protect yourself. Who’s Tristan?”

“He’s my brother’s friend, and he’s always hated me.”

Sophia shook her head. “It sounds like there’s more to that, but if you need help, let me know and we’ll get the police involved.”

“Okay. I’ll tell Cameron and if we feel we need to get the police involved, I will do that.” Rylan’s voice sounded so strained, he wondered if Sophia could hear it.

Sophia smiled and pulled him in for a hug until he relaxed into her arms.

“Good, now on to better news. My friends and I want to put on a fashion show for charity and we would love to feature your creations. What do you think?”

All thoughts of Tristan scattered as he realized how big this show could be, spotlighting his designs. Without thinking about it, he nodded. “Yes, I would love to.”

Sophia laughed. “You deserve all the success your talent will bring you, sweetheart. I’ll call you next week and talk details. Tonight, I’ll show off your dress and let the compliments flow over me.”

“Thank you, for all your support and the work you’ve given me over the last several months.”

“You have an eye for design, but your career will take off because of your hard work, and I know you’ll thrive. And I get to say I discovered you first.”

Rylan chuckled. “That you do.”

Sophia waved at him when her husband cleared his throat.

After he watched them leave with a smile for the couple, Rylan went to gather his supplies. He organized his make-up, hair accessories, and packed them all away before he grabbed one last dress draped over the chair. He made his way downstairs and smiled as Maria opened the front door for him.

“I have something for you.”

Maria’s eyes widened. “No, señor, I need nothing.”

“Well, it’s more for your granddaughter. Sophia was telling me about her quinceañera and her favorite colors and well… here you go.”

The dress was a simple white lace with a princess style train, but since Lucia’s favorite color was pink, he’d placed a pink flower design along the train and around the bodice of the capped sleeve dress.

“It’s… too much. Beautiful,” Maria said.

“I hope you and her have a wonderful time.”

“How much?”

“It’s my gift to her. Just take pictures. Take care, Maria.”

Maria was always quick with a smile and when she found out he loved chocolate chip cookies, she always had them on hand when he arrived. Making a dress after Sophia brought it up in conversation, was the least he could do.

“Thank you,” Maria breathed. She gave him a quick hug, taking him by surprise.

“You are welcome.” Rylan gave her a quick smile and a nod before he headed out the door.

He inhaled a deep breath before he took off down the block to the coffee shop Cameron picked when they arrived in Denver. Rylan would have called Cameron, but he shut his phone off when he arrived at Sophia’s and with the news she’d given him about Tristan, figured he needed time to process before he joined Cameron.