Brown-Eyed Girl (Travis Family #4)(71)

“They don’t need to fly me to New York, if they can wait a few days,” I said. “I’m coming up next Wednesday for a dress fitting with one of my brides.”

“You were coming here and you didn’t mention it?”

“I’ve been busy,” I protested.

“I’m sure you have. How are things with Joe Travis, by the way?”

I had told her recently about my relationship with Joe, but I hadn’t explained how I really felt about him… the deep tenderness and happiness and fear, and the painful ambivalence I felt about becoming ever more dependent on him. Jasmine wouldn’t have understood. When it came to her own love life, she chose relationships that were convenient and ultimately disposable. Falling in love was something she didn’t allow herself. “Love doesn’t care if you get your work done,” she had once told me.

In response to her question, I said, “He’s divine in bed.”

I heard her familiar husky laugh. “Enjoy that hot Texas stud while you can. You’ll be moving back to New York soon.”

“I wouldn’t count on that just yet,” I said. “Trevor and his people will probably end up deciding not to cast me. Also… there’s a lot for me to think about.”

“Avery, if this works out, you’ll be a celebrity. Everyone will know you. You can get the best table at any restaurant, the best tickets, a penthouse apartment… what is there to think about?”

“My sister is here.”

“She can move up here too. They’ll find something for her to do.”

“I don’t know if that’s what she would want. Sofia and I have worked hard to build this business. It wouldn’t be easy for either of us to abandon it.”

“All right. Do your thinking. In the meantime, I’m giving Lois your info. And I’ll see you next week.”

“I can’t wait,” I said. “Jazz… I don’t know how to thank you for this.”

“Don’t be afraid of this chance. It’s the right thing for you. New York is where you belong, and you know it. Things are happening up here. Bye, sweetie.” She ended the call.

Sighing, I plugged my phone back into its charger. “Things are happening here too,” I said.

Twenty

“I’ve always known you were meant for something like this,” Sofia said after I’d told her about Jazz’s call. Her reaction to the news had been similar to mine: She seemed a little shaken but excited. She understood the potential of such an opportunity, what it could mean. Shaking her head slowly, she looked at me with wide eyes. “You’re going to be working with Trevor Stearns.”

“It’s just a possibility.”

“It will happen. I can feel it.”

“I would have to move back to New York,” I said.

Her smile dimmed a little. “If you do, we’ll make it work.”

“Would you want to come with me?”

“You mean… move to New York with you?”

“I don’t think I could ever be happy living away from you,” I said.

Sofia reached out and took my hand. “We’re sisters,” she said simply. “We’re together even when we’re not, do you understand, mi corazón? But New York is not the place for me.”

“I’m not going to leave you by yourself here.”

“I won’t be alone. I have the business, and our friends, and…” She paused and colored.

“Steven,” I said.

Sofia nodded, her eyes sparkling.

“What is it?” I demanded. “What?”

“He loves me. He told me.”

“And you said it back?”

“I did.”

“Did you say it back because you didn’t want to hurt his feelings or because he’s the first man you’ve ever experienced foreplay with, or because you really love him?”

Sofia smiled. “I said it back because I love him for his heart, his soul, and his interesting, complicated brain.” She paused. “The foreplay doesn’t hurt.”

I gave a wondering laugh. “When was the moment you realized you loved him?”

“There wasn’t a moment. It was like uncovering something that was there all along.”

“It’s serious, then? Living-together serious?”

“Talking-about-marriage serious.” Sofia hesitated. “Do we have your approval?”

“Of course you do. No one’s good enough for you, but Steven’s as close as you’re going to get.” I braced my elbows on the table and pressed my fingertips against my temples. “The two of you could handle the business,” I mused aloud. “Steven can do what I do. You’re the only truly indispensable person around here – you’re the creative engine. All you need are people to make your ideas happen.”

“What would it be like for you,” Sofia asked, “hosting a show like Rock the Wedding? Would you have to come up with ideas?”

I shook my head. “I imagine most of it will be preplanned and staged. My role will be to flail around like Lucy Ricardo and then pull everything together at the end. There’ll be pratfalls and manufactured crises, and countless views of my cleavage and my weird dog.”