Page 11 of Aquarius Awakening (BLP Signs of Love #20)

Back on the Grind

Bright and early Monday morning, I was back at the office.

After every show, I fought the urge to check my work email.

With the distraction of the divorce, I hadn’t even checked the fashion blogs for feedback on the show.

My head was all over the place until Jacob came over.

Yesterday, I spent the day relaxing in the pool at the gym in my building.

Now, I felt refreshed and ready for whatever my day had to offer.

I sat down at my desk and opened my email. Just as I got comfortable, Milani walked into my office.

“Please tell me you have seen the blogs. Everyone loved the show, and the phone has been ringing off the hook all morning,” she excitedly shared.

“I haven’t seen anything,” I replied as I opened the internet to look at the blogs.

One by one, I scanned everyone who praised the resort line. I was so excited that I jumped up and down as Milani joined me.

“I can’t believe it. The Times fashion editor called the line timeless. Whew, let me catch my breath.” I panted through labored breaths.

“The purchasing directors from a number of department stores have called. My email inbox is packed with stylists looking for pieces for their clients. You did it, girl! Love Faith is on its way to being a household name!” Milani exclaimed.

I allowed her words to sink in. After seven years of building this brand, I’d done it.

The designs I was so afraid to sketch were all the blogs talked about, along with the bathing suits Louisa designed.

I needed to share this moment with her. With my phone in hand, I sent her a text to come to my office.

Milani’s phone kept ringing, so she left my office to handle the influx of calls.

As Milani left, Louisa entered the office with a nervous look on her face.

“Come on in and close the door, please,” I instructed.

Louisa closed the door and then took a seat.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the blogs by now. I wanted to congratulate you on getting your pieces recognized during your first fashion show,” I complimented her.

“Thank you. I’ve never been called to your office before, so I thought I was getting fired,” she confessed.

“It’s partly my fault that you’re so nervous around me.

After working closely with you on this project, I see I made a mistake by not being more invested in the design process.

Leon’s leaving gave me the opportunity to see your work for myself, and I would like to mentor you.

This show was only the beginning for you,” I offered.

Louisa gasped at the offer. “Yes, I would love that. Can we start today? I have some ideas for our fall line,” she informed me.

I let out a light chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“Yes, we can. Also, I want you to relax around me. You actually remind me a lot of myself when I first started out. It would be my pleasure to show you the ropes. Let me see what Milani has on my calendar for the day. I’ll have her coordinate some time for us later today,” I responded.

“Sounds good. Thank you again. I can’t wait to hear your feedback on my designs.” Louisa expressed her excitement. The newfound excitement replaced that nervous energy she initially walked in with.

Once Louisa left, I went back to my emails.

Milani had placed a number of appointments on my calendar.

As I scrolled, one email stood out from the rest. It was from Mason, so I double-clicked on it to open it.

It was a link to one of the fashion articles about the show.

Underneath the link, he wrote a message that irritated my spirit.

Glad to see our business is doing well. I can’t wait to take my place as the co-owner.

He was really starting to piss me off. I hadn’t heard from Mason since he called me a whore, yet now he was going to taunt me with empty threats.

I was two seconds away from breaking character and giving him the reaction he wanted.

Before I left Ms. Lisa’s office, she told me to limit all contact with him.

As bad as I wanted to reply back and tell him to kiss my ass, I kept my composure.

Instead, I moved the message into another folder.

Mason had taken up too much of my thoughts, and I wouldn’t allow him to consume me.

I shifted gears and focused on generating an email to my team.

It was important to thank everyone for their efforts.

Leon’s abrupt exit left me unsure of how the show would go, but my team didn’t miss a beat.

The rave reviews were proof of everyone’s efforts.

If it hadn’t been for Milani, there probably wouldn’t have been a show.

After I sent out the email, I did some online shopping to find Milani a nice gift.

She loved vintage pieces just like me, so I went to my favorite vintage site.

After some searching, I found a purse I thought she would love.

It was a bucket bag that was popular in the early nineties.

Months ago, we discussed how bags were getting smaller and smaller, so this bag would be perfect for her to use daily.

I would have it delivered to her home. She wouldn’t be able to refuse it if I weren’t in her face when it arrived.

My cell phone rang just as I completed the order. It was Jacob calling.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Just making sure you would answer when I called,” he teased.

“Whatever. If you missed my pretty face and good conversation, just say that,” I joked.

“Fine. I miss your beautiful face and good conversation. How is your day going so far?”

I blushed at the admission. “Great, actually. I walked into some amazing press from the fashion show. We have several people looking to place orders,” I shared.

“Wow, love! That’s amazing. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. We need to celebrate. When I finish filming, we have to do something big,” he suggested.

“Are you working on a new project? Is it a secret?” I inquired.

Jacob let out a light chuckle. “I’m filming the next season of Flow . No, it’s not a secret. The schedule is a little unpredictable. I try not to make any plans during filming. If anything changes, I’ll let you know, though,” he stated.

Before I could answer Jacob, Milani buzzed through on my desk phone. I needed to hop on a call.

“Okay, I’ll let you go. Give me a call when your schedule frees up. I have to hop on this call,” I said.

We said our goodbyes as I picked up line one on my work phone.

I tried to listen intently as the department head gave the fashion show a rave review.

Unfortunately, all I could think about was Jacob.

The more I spoke with him, the more I wondered if we had a future.

My subconscious quickly reminded me that it wasn’t possible.

Not right now, at least. My divorce from Mason loomed over me like a dark cloud.

After the call wrapped up, Milani made her way into my office.

“I saw you flashing your pearly whites on the phone before you took that call. Please tell me that fine man from the fashion show was on the other end of the call,” she teased.

“Are you in my business?” I asked.

“Duh. There’s no one else in the room with us. Spill it, sis. What’s going on with you and actor bae?” she inquired.

“Nothing. We’re reconnecting. That’s all. You know? Like old friends do when they run into each other after a long period of time,” I replied.

Milani rolled her eyes at me. “So, the wide grin I saw on your face was just friendly? I’m your best friend, and you have never looked at me that way,” she teased.

“Oh my God. Girl, I love you, but you aren’t my type. Have you seen that man?” I asked.

“I’m right. You like him, huh? You can admit it. There’s no one here but you and me,” she coached.

“Fine. I like him. Are you happy now?” I inquired.

Milani had a dumb grin on her face. “Yes, friend. Let’s get your groove back. He must be really stimulating that Aquarian mind of yours. That wide grin said it all, girl. I love that for you.” Milani gushed.

After a few more questions, Milani finally left me alone. I couldn’t believe I admitted to having feelings for Jacob. When I said I wanted us to be friends, I meant it. However, the chemistry between us the other night couldn’t be ignored.

It was just bad timing for anything other than friendship.

I also wanted to be sure my feelings for Jacob weren’t just a distraction from Mason.

Being a relationship girl, I didn’t believe in situationships or short-term commitments.

With any man I was involved with, I built a real connection with, and this situation wouldn’t be any different.