AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We have Yin Xao, design lead at Magnum Studios in Hollywood. Did you see the Oscars for the movie Bohemian Nights? That was him. We have Dionne Brown, who is the director of design at Dior. Xander, who no longer uses his last name, has accessories everywhere.” She showed a slide of Xander, with empty shops in Paris, Milan, and West Village.
“He sold out before even having an official shop. And we have a first year working at Givenchy Paris, Nadia Crane. I used to make fun of her knitting, but look at what she has done.”
The screen changed to the knit collection online at Givenchy. Under Tomas’s mentoring, my design grew.
“But that’s not all she’s doing. Nadia’s copper dress won her first year, and if you look at Givenchy, you will see her collaborative work there.”
The screen changed to one of the recent couture collections on a runway in Milan. It had been one of my favorites. Givenchy had the best; every day, I was in awe to be a part of their team.
“She must continue with couture because she has what it takes to be one of the greats.”
I knew that the last line was specifically for me. I was both shocked and extremely grateful. Her belief in me…had transformed me, and I was truly in her debt.
The orientation ended, and students rushed up to meet Professor Elan. She was a big name for the college. She waved away the students trying to get her attention. “Sign up to speak with me during my office hours. I have no time now.”
I walked down the aisle and waited as she packed up, then she turned to me with a warm smile. “Now, here is a woman who loves design,” she said to the students who were still there, and I basked in her top praise. “So, you’re staying in Paris?”
“Yes, I am.”
“But you’re here with me?”
“Because I want to talk to you about a sponsorship exchange program—a new foundation I want to set up with the school.”
She scoffed. “You think I have time to do more work?”
“I won’t ask more of you than you ask of us students.” We laughed.
“Okay, Nadia, but don’t we have a program?”
“Yes, but not with someone on the ground willing to help the students. I will be in Paris; I can help your program do whatever it’s missing. We can make it even better.”
The program had been cut in funding and resources because of recent cuts to the arts and education. It was unlikely anyone could afford to stay in Paris. I couldn’t if it hadn’t been for Paul. Thankfully, after the civil lawsuit settlement with Landon’s business and the liquidation of his assets, I personally had millions for the project, and he wouldn’t be needing it.
Professor Elan smiled at me. “Now I want a hug from you.”
I hugged her tightly, then waved my eyes. “I’m feeling emotional.” Her belief in me lifted my confidence to take more risks in my designs. She saw something I hadn’t seen or known I could do back then.
I left some information with her and left the room with Ben at my side. I always went with security—it had become a part of my life. The good thing was Ben had become a good friend and a great uncle to our boy, Miles. We walked down the corridor, and I glanced toward Xander’s old dorm building, and my heart panged. I missed him, even though I saw him often in Paris. My phone vibrated in my purse.
Xander: So what did Professor Elan say?
Nadia: She was reluctant, but I think she will do it.
Xander: She will. Wife, mom, designer, and now philanthropist. Who are you?
Nadia: A happy woman. She showed your work too.
Xander: I know. I sent her the pictures.
I laughed. Of course, Xander did. He never stopped promoting.
Xander: Wyatt says bonjour.
Nadia: Bonjour to you both. See you soon.
Xander: We miss you.
Nadia: Miss you and love you both. SYS.
