My heart sinks. I failed. I don’t hear anything else she says. All I can hear are the words repeating in my head. I failed.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. With only one week until everything is set to go to manufacturers, I think we’re going to have to stick with the designs that our team created. But, please, don’t let this discourage you. There are plenty of other opportunities here that I think you would be amazing at. In fact, we’re relaunching a new design for the spring water line this fall. We’ve just brought in some new hires, and I’d love to have you join them.”
My head nods as a reaction with no thought behind it. “That would be great,” I say, not even sure if the words coming out of my mouth are my own.
Layla pushes her chair back and stands, extending the folder to me. “It really was a lovely presentation.”
I smile kindly as I pick up the fractured pieces of my heart. I take the folder from her. “Thank you for your time, Layla.”
Walking out of the office feels a lot like taking a walk of shame. Only, I’m not missing any clothes, every strand of my hair is still perfectly curled, my lipstick remains intact, but my soul feels empty. I put myself out there, put so much heart into these designs and the presentation that I thought for sure she’d consider using at least part of it.
Walking by the trash can at the elevators, I drop the folder inside without hesitation. I don’t feel like I could be beaten down more than I am at this moment. That is, until the elevator doors slide open and I’m face to face with my strikingly handsome one-night stand. “Sawyer,” I spit out, glancing left and right to make sure no one who knows me comes walking up.
As risky as it is running into Sawyer all the time, I’m starting to like it. That rush of adrenaline. The fear of getting exposed. Not to mention, how my body reacts to him. Heart pounding, palms sweating, thighs clenching.
“Hey, Mia. What are you doing over in this neck of the woods?” He steps out and I fumble with my hands, unsure of what to say. My brain is toast. All I can think about is, what do I do now that my plans are shot?
“I uhh. Had to drop something off to the design team for my...for Mr. Glasson.” I snap out of my trance and pull myself together. “What about you? Aren’t you still in training?”
“Yeah. I’m just making a run for my new boss. He asked me to bring this up to Layla Ames.” Sawyer holds up a folder.
“Hmm.” I nod. “Well, she’s in her office. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” He learns close, his breath hitting my earlobe. “Maybe I can convince her to listen to some of my ideas.” He snorts, which leads me to believe it’s wishful thinking.
“Oh yeah? And what ideas are those?” My arms cross over my chest and I look at him, curious what ideas he has for the company.
“For starters, biodegradable bottles. Glasson is a tad behind. All the other big companies are already sniffing out ways to use them. A few have already begun production and distribution.”
Hmm. That’s not bad. “What else?”
“Biodegradable, non-toxic labels. And of course, a logo that vibes with our generation. Glasson has the same, basic palette of neutral colors. They need something bright and loud.”
He’s right. Why didn’t I think of this?
I just nod with a fake smile plastered on my face as I press the elevator button again.
I’m completely out of my league here. I need to get the hell out of here before I completely lose my shit.
I need a drink.
The elevator doors open and I step inside. My disappointment is written all over my face as Sawyer looks at me with confusion. “You ok?” he asks.
“Good luck, Sawyer.” The doors close and I collapse into a puddle of pitiful misery.
Robby is already perched on a stool at the bar when I walk in. I know it’s my third time coming here this week. I’m also well aware that Sawyer is still living eight floors directly above me, but this was my place before he inhabited it. I’m not completely discouraged by the fact that I could run into him, though. I’d love to hear how his appointment with Layla went. Then again, it’ll probably only make me feel like more of a washout.
“Hey,” I say sullenly as I fall onto the stool next to him. I drop my small handbag on the bar and pout. “I blew it.”
“You blew it? As in... a job? A man?”
“It,” I emphasize. “As in the design for my dad’s new launch. I thought maybe I’d try and help out. It seems my help isn’t needed. Layla, the head of design, shot my ideas down.” I shrug my shoulders before rubbing aggressively at my temples. Robby opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off with a raised voice. “You know. I poured a lot of time and heart into that design. I came back here because I wanted to support my dad and his business. I didn’t want to just be a beneficiary to this fortune, I wanted a part in it keeping it alive.” My hands drop and my voice becomes just short of a whisper. “Maybe I should just go back to Provence.”
I turn to look at Robby, who is sipping slowly through the straw of his daiquiri, taking everything in that I’m throwing at him. He swallows down a gulp and sets his drink on the paper coaster on the bar. “Well, that doesn’t sound like you one bit.”
“Sure it does. When have I not run when I wasn’t wanted? The whole reason I went to Provence was because of the affair.”
Robby looks at me somberly and places a hand over mine. “That’s true, but it wasn’t for yourself. You left to protect your family. Look at you.” He beams, switching tones. “You have done a complete one-eighty since you left. The old Mira would have been doing laps on this bar by now. You would have never sat down at a desk and attempted to work on anything. That Layla bitch is smoking something not to take you on. You’re the best damn artist I’ve ever known.” He clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth and sweeps his invisible hair over his shoulder. I can’t help but laugh.
Man, I’ve missed him. Robby is such a good friend. I was a bitch for not keeping in touch with him more while I was gone. I was just so ashamed of myself. Some days, I’m still not sure I’m ready to face the people who know—Lance being at the top of that list. We haven’t talked about it since the affair was exposed. He basically told me that I’m a disgrace to the family.
It’s time for a mini-confession, knowing that Robby won’t judge me. I take down my shot of tequila in one gulp, building up some liquid courage. Once I set the shot glass down, I release a drawn-out exhale. “I may have done something that makes me the villain in my own story.”
“Oh, shit. Whose husband did you snatch up this time?” He’s teasing and I know it, so I slap a playful hand to his shoulder.
“Jerk.” I tease back. “Remember the last time we were here and I left while you were in the bathroom?” He nods, sucking more of his drink through his straw, so I continue, “I didn’t leave. At least, not then. I left the next morning.”
Wide eyes stare back at me and he waves his hand, needing details while he continues to drink.
“I ended up going upstairs with the guy who was watching me across the bar.”
His eyebrows shoot to his forehead and he continues to suck until his drink is gone and the only sound is the slurping of his straw against the bottom of the glass.