Broken(16)

She forked a couple bites of beef into her mouth and realized to her regret her appetite was long gone. Jocelyn saw Kyla had given up all pretense of eating and moved her food across her plate. Aunt Earlene looked around the table, bewilderment knitting her brows.

“Jocelyn,” Ridge broke the uncomfortable silence swarming around everyone, “tell us what it’s like becoming a famous designer and living in the big city.”

She shrugged, all her enthusiasm over seeing everyone again gone. “It’s actually not as thrilling as it sounds. Admittedly, if you’re new to New York it’s fun and there’s lot to do and it’s scary and exciting all at once. It’s truly the city that never sleeps. I can’t think of anywhere in the world where I can get a slice of cheesecake at three in the morning on the way to a club that doesn’t close until well into the morning. But after a while, the novelty wears off and all the glitz and glamour fades and it’s just another city. Like I said, I spent most of my days working and most nights doing the same. My workload has only increased since I broke away from The House of Buccini to start my own label. I’m one of the lucky ones though. I’ve had a surprising amount of success, but for every success story, there are thousands of would-be designers who’d give their eyeteeth to be in my position. So it motivates me to work that much harder to get to a point where I can spread my wings a bit and try out other venues.”

“Like what?” Decker asked, seeming genuinely interested.

“I’ve been asked by a major department retailer to go into partnerships with them to design an affordable line for the everyday working woman. The idea is really appealing. I like doing high fashion, but not everyone can afford my designs. But with this new line, more women will be able to wear my stuff. I’m also branching out to menswear and household products.”

“Whew!” Aunt Earlene chuckled. “How ever do you find the time, child? I bet you’re awful proud of our Jossy, aren’t you, Jack?”

Her father nodded. “Sure am.” Jocelyn wondered at that because he hadn’t mentioned it since she’d been home but she decided not to dwell on it.

“We all knew you’d make it. You have way too much talent not to,” Stone added.

A faint smile touched the corners of Jocelyn’s lips, but just as quickly as it came, it left the second her gaze collided with Cade’s again. She lowered her head, concentrating on the contents of her plate, even though the sight of the food that had tempted her only minutes before was beginning to make her stomach turn. Not because it looked unappetizing, but her nerves were getting the better of her. She glanced away from it and attempted to inject some enthusiasm in her voice. “The project I’m looking forward to most is designing Lavern’s wedding dress.”

Lavern blushed. “Who would have thought I’d be wearing a wedding gown designed by a famous fashion designer. The ladies at church are going to be pea green with envy.”

Jack gave his fiancée a fond smile. “You’ll look beautiful in whatever you wear, my dear.”

The obvious affection her father felt toward his future bride touched Jocelyn. He deserved some happiness in his life.

Aunt Earlene shook her head in apparent wonder. “My word, child, I remember when you used to make clothes for your dolls on my old sewing machine, and they were good, too. And you have a fancy name to go with all that success. Did you choose your pseudonym for your mother?”

Jocelyn nodded. “I wanted to honor her memory.”

Aunt Earlene smiled, her head bobbing up and down in her apparent approval. “You always were such a thoughtful girl. Mei would have been so proud. I’m sure she’s in heaven watching over you. I’m so glad you realized your dream. “