Page 113 of Isabella

ISABELLA

“Hey, Liana, can you take a look at this sketch I made?” I ask.

Even though the sample bridal gowns for the spring and summer seasons are already in production, I’ve been working on some fall and winter designs.

“Absolutely,” Liana says, pushing up from her desk and walking over to mine. I spin my iPad so she can see the screen.

Liana’s eyes widen, and she snatches it out of my hand. “Holy crap! This is amazing, Izzy.”

“You think?” I rest my elbow on my desk, set my chin in my hand, and look up at her inquisitively. “I feel like it’s missing something. I just have the spaghetti strap sleeve right now because the design doesn’t scream long sleeves to me, but that’s not exactly appropriate for the season. Apparently, my head is stuck in spring and summer.”

The A-line dress has a sweetheart neckline with a corset top and tulle skirt with floral appliqués on it. Long sleeves wouldn’t look right.

“Nope, this can definitely work for the fall and winter line,” Liana says, holding out her hand. “Do you mind if I try something?” she asks, looking at the stylus I’m holding.

“Not at all. Please help,” I say, handing her the pen.

I sit at my desk while Liana gets to work on my iPad. Her eyes narrow every so often as she sketches, and it makes me giddy with excitement to see what she’s creating with my design.

After a few minutes, Liana says, “There” and turns my iPad around to face me. “What do you think about this?” she asks. “I agree with you that a full-length sleeve doesn’t fit the style, but what about these flutter sleeves? We can have them made with the same floral detailing you have for the appliqué.”

Flutter sleeves. Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?

“And we can make both the spaghetti straps and the flutter sleeves detachable, so really this design could be worn any season,” she adds.

Taking my iPad back to admire the design closer, I say, “Damn, Liana. I don’t know why I didn’t think about detachable flutter sleeves. I feel like that should’ve been obvious.” Setting the iPad down on my desk, I sit back in my seat. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m not so great at this design stuff.”

Liana sits down in the seat across from me and looks at me with a crinkle in her brow. “Are you kidding, Izzy? Your design is amazing. All I did was add flutter sleeves. It’s a perfect boho-chic dress that will be killer in our fall collection.”

“Yeah, but… I don’t know.” I let out a sigh. “How did you do all of this by yourself? You have so many collections going on right now, and I can’t even manage to make one dress without help.”

“First of all, I barely did anything. I added flutter sleeves, which I know you would’ve thought of eventually. But sometimes, we have to take a step back from our work. It helps with inspiration. Secondly, I’ve gone to you for your opinion on designs before. It’s completely normal.”

Liana studies me for a moment before saying, “What’s going on? Why’re you being so hard on yourself?” Her eyes widen as if something has dawned on her. “Did something happen with Nicco? I’ll kill him, Izzy, just say the word.”

“No, no,” I rush out. “It’s just…” I bite the inside of my lip and let out a long sigh before saying, “It’s just this stuff with his dad. I know Nicco and my brothers are planning on setting him up so Teo can take him out, but I’m still worried. I’m worried it won’t be that simple.”

“Nicco and your brothers are smart. Plus, the numbers are on their side. From the sounds of it, Giuseppe only has Mauricio left as a loyal follower now. Everyone else has already given their support to Nicco.”

“I know, and I’m sure it’s ridiculous that I’m thinking of the absolute worst outcomes, but I can’t help it. It’s consuming me. What if we justthinkMauricio is his only loyal follower? What if he ends up catching them off guard and shoots them?”

My spiraling thoughts increase the more we talk about it, heightening my anxiety. I can’t have anything happen to Nicco or my brothers.

“Don’t think like that,” Liana says. “You and I both know those guys have been through worse shit than this.”

“I know, I know. I’m being ridiculous. Teo and Enzo are the best at what they do, and I know they’ll have backup just in case, but… I don’t know, I’m just worried.”

“It’s only natural to be worried, but I know everything will work out just the way it’s supposed to.”

“Thanks, Liana,” I say before letting out my best version of a calming breath. “Everything will be fine. It has to be.”

“Exactly,” she says with a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get your mind off that and talk about this design you drew. What color are you thinking for the runway?”

“Definitely ivory. The style and material don’t scream white to me.”

A proud smile forms on Liana’s face as she beams at me. “I absolutely agree. This is freaking amazing, Izzy. We’re going to take over the bridal industry together. You just wait.”

“I still have a lot to learn, but I have to admit, I haven’t been this excited with… well, my life in a really long time. Everything feels like it’s finally falling into place.”

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