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“Thank you,” Claudette said, conservatively.

“Claudette’s in charge of operations for Bertrand. They’re basedout of Paris.”

Spencer nodded, allowing him to relay information she already knewand using the time to gather her thoughts.

“She heard rumblings about you from Trudy Day’s circle and askedfor an introduction. What she didn’t realize was that I was already looking fora way to put the two of you together in the same room.”

“I know Bertrand well. I own several of their pieces.” Spencerdidn’t supply that she’d had to save up for months, and that one of thosepieces had been a lavish Christmas present from Kendra. “I’m also an admirer ofyour work. Bertrand’s work. The whole label. I watch the shows on YouTube assoon as they’re made available.”

“It seems we have a common eye,” Claudette said, with a smile.Where was this all going? Spencer wasn’t sure, but she was eager to find out.

They ordered and Spencer shot Dez another look. He smiledconfidently back. He always seemed to have a plan and stayed two steps ahead ofher. It’s why she took him on as a partner. She was the creative to hisstrategic, and that balance had worked wonders for the brand in the past. Sheowed him a kidney for this caliber of introduction, however.

“Why don’t we get started talking about how you two might worktogether?” Dez suggested.

“Us?” Spencer swallowed. Work together? “I’d love that.”

“I would, too.” Claudette said, folding her napkin onto the table.“I’ve known Trudy for years, and she has a keen eye. But perhaps, in thisinstance, she should have held her cards closer to her vest. Desmond is anotherfriend who knows me and what I like. He showed me your spring line earlier thisweek when I asked.”

Spencer nodded, words failing.

“It’s very good. Unique. It made me go back and look at your pastwork. Also quite good.”

“Thank you,” she managed. “I’m proud of my designs, but I thinkthis year might be my best yet.”

“You should be more than proud. You should come to Paris.” Shesipped from her wine glass.

Spencer looked from Dez, who raised his eyebrows at her subtly, toClaudette, who maintained her mildly interested, calm demeanor. “I love Paris.”

“Everyone loves Paris,” Claudette said, with a wave. “It’s Paris.But I’m not speaking about a visit. I’m speaking about a job. With Bertrand.Are you interested?”

She took a sip of water to calm her nerves. Dez smiled knowingly.“I don’t understand. What kind of job?” she asked.

“We’d like to absorb Spencer Adair and feature it as a smallercollection under the Bertrand label. But you are young and quite green when itcomes to large-scale design. I’d want you in Paris with us so we can work withyou, develop your talent.”

“I’d still be designing?” It was like her brain couldn’t keep upwith the words that were spoken at the table.

“Yes, of course, my darling. You are a designer. That’s what youwere born to do. It’s my preference that you design for us. In Paris.”

“What about my line? I already have a major order from Trudy.”

Dez leaned across the table. “Not a problem. We cancel the order.Fine print in the contract protects you. I made sure before you signed. TrudyDay will find her next top designer somewhere else.”

But this wasn’t about Trudy Day, whom she couldn’t care lessabout. This would affect Hadley. No, no, no. This was all happening too fast.It felt like she couldn’t make her feet touch the floor, no matter how fast sheran to catch up. She needed clarification, and time, and air. She took anothersip of ice water, resisting the urge to crunch a big piece of that ice andrelieve the nervous tension that billowed and bunched. “When would you want mein Paris?”

“Can you be there next week?” Claudette asked. “We’d be happy tohelp with all of the arrangements. I know it’s short notice, but the fashionworld moves fast, as you know.”

Another sip of water as images of the Eiffel Tower, Parisiancafés, and the most fantastic runway shows dazzled. “I don’t know. Can I havesome time to think on this? Make sure it’s the right move for me professionally?”She was crazy not to instantly leap, but there was a bigger picture toconsider.

Claudette sat back in her chair and smiled as if what Spencer hadsaid was cute and should be humored. “Of course, my dear heart. Let me knowsoon. I think we can do a lot for each other, Spencer. You’re a diamond in therough.”

“I have to agree. I think it’s a fantastic match,” Dez said. “Butit’s a big change and would require some renegotiation of the business and theway it’s set up.”

“In other words, our partnership,” Spencer said.

“Among other things, yes.”

“There’ll be plenty of time for negotiating,” Claudette said, witha wave of her fork, indicating that Spencer would be taken care of.