Chapter 24
ASHLEY
"It was lovely having dinner with your family again." Nicola says. I am down by her feet, trying to figure out the best length for the new bodycon line I am launching. I can't decide if it looks better sprawling behind her or barely skimming her ankles. There's a high slit by the side to give the wearer room to show off a leg and their high heels. I spring to my feet and have Nicola strike a pose for me. This decision on the length wouldn't be so hard if I didn't already have my mind cluttered with other thoughts.
"Ash, are you listening?"
"Give me a sec, Nicci" Three minutes later, I give up and return to my sketching board. Nicola sashays after me and places a hand seductively on my shoulders, kneading the kinks in them.
"Would it really hurt to ask my opinion? There was a time when we bounced ideas off each other as designer and model, a time when my opinions mattered greatly to you." She turns me around to face her and clasps her hands behind my neck. God, she is so damn beautiful. "Let me help you, Ash. It doesn't have to mean anything."
I sigh in resignation and face my board again. "It always means something to you, Nicci. However, for old times' sake, let's hear it. Ankle length or floor length?" I wheel around when Nicola fails to respond only to find her back at the center of the room in a perfect red carpet pose under the glow of the light. She pretends to be swarmed by photographers and executes different beautiful poses in under a minute. My brain jogs back to life as I take in the functionality of the dress vis a vis the style. This type of outfit will mostly be a good pick for a red or green carpet event and comfort is just as important as glamor.
"Personally, I think a little sweeping tail behind would be great since it's in vogue right now." I nod in agreement with Nicola's perspective. She's right. We make such a great team. Like she is able to read my mind, Nicola struts up to me and plants a sweet kiss on my lips.
"She doesn't love you. Anyone can see that."
I know she's talking about Demi. Smiling, I turn to finish the sketch.
"Who says I married her for love?"
"So, it's a forced marriage because of her pathetic claim?" She scoffs beside me. "I don't care what the circumstances are, Ash. I just hate to see you so unhappy. I miss you." My hand freezes on the board. "I miss us." She adds.