Page 95 of A Perfect Fit

“You and Aaron would say you saw this coming. Speaking of which, how are things between you two?”

She bites her lip. “We’re just friends at the moment.”

“At the moment,” I tease. “Meaning things could change.”

Jen’s cheeks turn crimson. “We’ll see.” She reaches for a blue dress. “Anyway, enough talk about boys. After all, my amazing best friend is going to be interviewed by Sparkes Magazine tomorrow.”

Excitement flutters through me at the reminder. “I still can’t believe it’s happening.”

She beams. “I’m so excited for you, and I can’t wait to read it when it’s out.”

“I can’t wait for you to see it, too,” I say, reaching for a floral top. “And speaking of reading, you have to check out this new romance book I picked up yesterday …”

The next afternoon, I’m sitting on a plush pink armchair in one of the studio rooms at Sparkes Magazine’s New York office in Midtown Manhattan, ready for my interview.

Rays of sunlight shine through the room, and framed photographs of fashion models in different decades are placed on the walls.

Sitting opposite me is my interviewer, Michelle, a woman in her forties with a bob hairdo.

Michelle adjusts her papers. “How are you feeling, Isabelle?”

I fiddle with my fingers. “It’s my first time doing an interview like this, so I’m a little nervous. But everyone here’s been so welcoming, which has definitely helped calm my nerves.”

Meeting Liz and being featured in Sparkes Magazine still feel like some kind of crazy fever dream. However, I’m telling myself that I deserve the opportunity, that Liz saw something in my business, and I shouldn’t doubt myself. Of course, I’m hoping my interview will be a good marketing boost for my fashion show, but beyond that, if I can inspire just one reader out there to chase after their dreams, then I’ll be so incredibly happy.

I’m grateful for the opportunity. And grateful for Jackson for making it all possible.

I wonder what he’s doing right now. He’s probably busy at work.

“Don’t worry; it’ll be over before you know it,” Michelle says. “You’ll be amazing.” She takes out a pen. “Why don’t you start by telling me a little about yourself?”

“I’m twenty-four years old, and I run my online fashion business, called Designed by Isabelle,” I say, folding my hands in my lap. “It’s a women’s clothing label aimed at creating timeless, sustainable, and chic pieces for your wardrobe. Aside from running my business, I also work as a barista at my favorite coffee shop in New York.”

An encouraging smile permeates Michelle’s face. “How did you first discover your passion for fashion?”

“Well, one reason for that was because I was reading Sparkes Magazine,” I say with a chuckle.

Michelle winks. “Now that’s what we love to hear!”

I laugh. “But also, as a kid, I loved sketching, and I constantly found myself doodling outfit ideas in my notebook, but I never thought I’d be able to pursue fashion design as a career. I always thought I’d have to follow my family’s footsteps …”

For the next thirty minutes, Michelle and I talk about my experience going to fashion school, how I launched my business, the highlights and lowlights, and finally the planning process for my fashion show.

When I’m done, I’m grinning, pride swelling in my chest.

Michelle beams. “That was wonderful. Well done!”

“Thank you for making the process so seamless, Michelle,” I say.

“You’re welcome.”

There’s a knock at the door.

“Great timing.” Michelle winks at me. “We also have a small surprise for you.” Turning to the door, she calls out, “Come in!”

I frown. Small surprise?

The door opens, revealing a familiar face.