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“Fabulous indeed! You have talent, Nova. You always have. Do you know how many compliments I got on the night I wore it? Everyone wanted to know who the famous designer was.”
“No way. Who’d you say?”
“You, of course.” She smiles fondly. “I’m certain I texted you about it because I had inquiries about other dresses you designed.”
“When did you wear it?”
“Let me think.” She taps her chin. “It was about eight months ago.”
“Oh.” I slump. “You might have texted me. I lost my phone a few times while I was on tour with Justice. If you texted me then, I wouldn’t have gotten it.”
Sometimes I didn’t read texts from my mom or Gigi back then. They both, in their unique ways, wanted to know how I was doing, and I didn’t want to answer them, knowing it would lead to unwanted advice.
Gigi cups my cheeks with her gentle hands. “This heartache will pass. I promise.”
I could cry. Mom tells me I’m better off without Justice but her concern is more about how he made me look publicly and how that made her look as my mother. She never liked him and thinks him dumping me was the best thing that ever happened. Not once has she asked how I’m doing or showed sympathy toward my feelings.
“Thank you, Gigi. I needed to hear that.”
“Well, grandmothers are good for some things.” She lowers her hands. “Do you want it?”
“Want what?”
“The dress?”
“That you had made?”
“Of course that one.”
I think about it. The dress is my masterpiece in design, but I didn’t bring it to life. Gigi did—or rather, her seamstress. Besides, it’s nothing I’d ever wear. “You keep it. But thanks for offering.”
Gigi studies me. “If you change your mind, it’s yours. In the meantime, if you have any new sketches you want brought to life, I can have the outfits made so you can see them in person. It’s always fun to see creations brought to life. It might help keep your mind occupied, which is always helpful when mending a broken heart.”
“You’re right. Sketching will keep my mind occupied.” And my hands busy versus using my fingers to troll the internet for information about Justice and his new bride.
Ugh.The thought churns my stomach.
“I’m having a dinner party tonight with some old friends. You remember them, I’m sure. Judy, Kirsten, Jack and Mia, Kate and Ansel.”
“Kate and Ansel as in Ansel from Ash and Roses?” The band was huge in the eighties and has become famous again on T-shirts, totes, and coffee mugs, along with other eighties bands. I’ve heard a few of their songs. They were good.
“You were listening. I thought for sure I lost your attention at ‘dinner party.’”
“I was listening.” Sorta. “How do you know Ansel?” Last I remember, he isn’t an old friend like the others.
“Kate, Ansel’s wife, is Kirsten’s daughter.”
“Oh.”
“Does this interest mean you’ll join us? We’re having Pasta Buffet Night.”
“Tempting.” I love Pasta Buffet Night. Inez has a spread of choices and customizes the dish to whatever you’d like—from vegan to gluten-free to vegetarian or traditional type dishes. “Any other time, I’d say yes, but I’m not feeling very social and I’m sleepy from traveling,” I add, to soften my rejection.
Gigi gives me a look that says she’s not buying my excuses. “Everyone will be heartbroken.”
“What if I’m sketching?” That might get her to give me a pass.
“You can take a break for an hour to eat. What if Riley comes? It would be nice for him to have someone his age to talk to.”