Page 43 of A Perfect Fit

Isabelle pauses what she’s doing. “I get that, but you’re not someone who would take crap from a person like that. So, why let him walk over you?”

Her tone isn’t judgmental, but the words repeat in my head, the implication ringing loudly in my ears.

You’re too weak to say no, Jackson. It’s always been like this, hasn’t it? First to your dad and now to clients at work.

Something bitter and ugly coats my tongue, and without thinking through my words, I say, “Well, maybe not all of us get to clock out on time.”

My heart pounds loudly against my chest, regret coiling around my body like a thick rope, as soon as the words leave my mouth—and even more so when Isabelle blinks, taken aback, hurt splattering across her face.

“I’m so sorry,” I immediately say. “That was a shitty comment to make.”

Regardless of intention, there are no excuses for saying something that would have a hurtful impact.

“No, you’re right.” Sarcasm fuels Isabelle’s voice. “I’m just a silly little barista who gets to leave work on time while you do overtime at your big-boy corporate job.”

“No, that’s definitely not how I think about you,” I breathe. “I was pissed at myself, but I shouldn’t have projected my feelings on to you.”

Isabelle places my order on the pickup counter, avoiding eye contact with me. “It’s fine. Your coffee’s ready.” The ice-cold tone in her voice is a direct blow to my chest. “Don’t burn yourself.”

My gaze desperately searches for hers. “Isabelle, I⁠—”

“Next waiting!” she calls out.

My shoulders slumping, I take my coffee and reluctantly head toward the exit.

Last night seemed like a turning point for us, but we’ve taken two steps forward and another step back. All because of a stupid comment I made.

By the time I return to my office, I’m feeling no better.

Once might be a fluke. But this is the second time I’m caring about Isabelle’s feelings or about Isabelle. Twice is the start of a pattern.

Rubbing my temples, I open up my emails. My inbox has piled up again during the time I left my desk, but instead of checking my emails or reviewing the files Andrew gave me earlier, all I want to do is crawl onto a couch and take a nap.

Taking a few large gulps of my coffee, I force myself to get to work and block out thoughts of Isabelle. I’ll take a nap during lunchtime later. Right now, my team is depending on me to get things done, not sit back and procrastinate.

Chapter Thirteen

ISABELLE

Sometimes, all I want to do is lie in bed and stare blankly at the ceiling.

Despite my marketing efforts on social media and at my flea market booth, ticket sales for my fashion show have been slow. The venue capacity is around a hundred people, and I’ve only sold seven tickets so far. Seven.

I’m telling myself that there’s still time, but deep down, I can feel the discouragement chipping away at me. Maybe I should’ve waited a few more years until my business was more established before trying to pull off an event like this.

I glance at the vision board on my bedroom wall, focusing on the photo of a fashion show in the center of the board.

This is supposed to be my highlight of the year—no way am I giving up so easily.

Pushing my shoulders back, I take a few deep breaths, focusing on the progress I’ve made with other aspects of the event.

I have my venue, models, photographer, videographer, and playlist. I’m doing my best, and I’m trying, and maybe I’m not there yet with the marketing, but I’m taking it step by step.

Focus on what’s within your control. You’re doing great.

After my little pep talk, I open my Instagram business account and scroll through my feed. Social media’s a great marketing tool, but maybe instead of simply promoting my event, I need to focus more on building a personal connection with my followers.

An idea forming in my head, I take photos of the two outfits I’m debating between for the Summerhurst High reunion tonight—a black bodycon dress and a yellow maxi dress, both of which I sell at Designed by Isabelle. I post the photos on my Instagram story with the text, Help me pick an outfit for my high school reunion tonight!