Page 76

Taylor took Muffy into the house and removed her leash. “There you go, girl, all free now.”

Muffy turned around in circles, ten times at least, and then bounded into the kitchen for her meal. At least someone knew what they wanted.

She took a seat on the sofa, her mouth still tingling from Coop’s kiss. She touched a finger to her upper lip and her eyes closed, remembering the glorious sensations. Not ten seconds later, her cell phone rang and she picked up immediately, wondering who’d be calling at this hour. It was Simone.

“Hi, hon. Is everything okay? It’s almost midnight in New York.”

“Yes, everything’s okay. More than okay. Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you. I left you five voice mails.”

“You did? Sorry, I didn’t see them. I was at dinner with friends.”

“Well, hold on to your hat, I have something to confess and I hope you won’t be too mad at me. Pretty, pretty please don’t be mad.” Her voice squeaked.

Taylor had never heard such a high-pitched plea coming out of Simone’s mouth before. “Simone? What’s going on?”

“Well, remember how you sent me your résumé to edit? Well, that sucker was in great shape and I…I sent it in under your name to Swivel Bridal along with your latest designs. And before you say anything, they loved, loved, loved your designs. They just got back to me…I mean you…today. And I thought I’d better tell you, before you saw it in your email.”

“Simone, are you telling me you went behind my back, used my email account and sent in my résumé?”

“I did. I’m sorry. Is that horrible of me? I mean, I love your work and I knew this would be a perfect fit. Oh, please, forgive me. They want to do an interview with you ASAP.”

“Simone, I can’t just hop on a plane back to New York. I have obligations here.”

“That’s the best part, they love you so much, they’re willing to interview you over the phone first. It’s good news, right? I mean, it’s what you’ve been hoping for. You’ll be working for a company that appreciates you and your designs.”

“I guess. I don’t know. I, uh, I still can’t believe you did this.”

“But you’ll forgive me. Please.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Simone. I know your heart was in the right place. But now I’m going to have to think about this. How long do I have to get back to them?”

“I think ASAP does mean as soon as possible.”

“Do me a favor? Don’t respond for me again. I’ll take it from here. I’ll have to contact them tomorrow, I suppose.”

“Are you angry with me?”

“I’m…neutral. But I can be pushed, so don’t press your luck. And, Simone…thanks for believing in me.”

“I always have.”

They ended the call and Taylor sank into the sofa, stunned. Muffy picked up on her mood and jumped up, curling her body next to Taylor, all fluff and fur. She didn’t have to ask herself why she wasn’t jumping for joy right now. She should be on cloud nine. This was what she was hoping for. This was what she’d promised her mother. To have her dreams come true.

But was it what she truly wanted?

Dreams can change.

The image of Coop and Cassie at dinner tonight came to mind. If she landed this job, she wouldn’t be any part of their lives anymore. It hurt to think it. But she knew the drill, all work and no play, if she wanted to further her career.

“I guess I have to see what this job is all about,” she told Muffy. And with unusual reluctance, she opened her computer and read the Swivel email glowing with praise for her work.

*

On Friday, Cassieshowed up a bit early to play with Muffy. She’d had a half day of school and no homework. It worked out perfectly for Nicole’s preliminary fitting. Muffy wouldn’t get underfoot with Cassie keeping the dog busy.

“Nicole, what do you think?” Taylor asked as they both looked in the foyer mirror. “How does the material feel?”

“Oh, my gosh, this feels like heaven already. It’s soft and the perfect color of rose.”