Page 23 of Always Meant for You
“Wait—the Blaine Agency meeting isnow?” Lily exclaims. “I thought it was later.”
“They moved it up. It starts in less than an hour.”
The Blaine Agency represents top media influencers in the industry, and if this meeting goes well, I’ll be joining their roster.
Lily squeals, vibrating with excitement. “Are you sure you have time for me?”
I look into her big brown eyes. “Always.”
“Okay, what should I do?” she asks, striking a pose.
I go into full stylist mode. This is good. It’ll help me relax.
“First, we’ve got to market your look. We’ll show the world your best version. Even if it’s a little smoke and mirrors.”
I choose a vintage Pierre Balmain leather biker jacket and slide it over her skinny shoulders.
“This jacket says you’re edgy and ready for fun. But this vintage French couture piece demands that the adventure ends at the Four Seasons.”
“In Paris?” Lily asks, breathless.
“Mais oui! Le Four Seasons George Cinq, bien sûr,” I answer in terrible French.
She doesn’t care. She giggles, eating it up.
“Okay, back to work,” I say, in a mock schoolmarm tone. “Now, chin up. Make a face like the patisserie ran out of your favorite chocolate croissant.”
She huffs the perfect pout in front of the green screen, and I snap a shot on my phone.
“Now watch the magic.” I open my laptop, call up the image, then drag a Paris skyline into the background.
“Can I have the Eiffel Tower?” she begs.
I smile.
“A timeless choice. Let’s do it.”
A few clicks. A few filters. Some light tweaking. And . . .
“Voilà.” I turn the screen toward her. “Bienvenue à Paris.Welcome to Paris.”
“Oh my gosh, I look like I’m there.”
I take in my work. Not bad for thirty seconds. “That’s the goal.”
But Lily’s smile fades. “I probably won’t ever get there.” She doesn’t say it with self-pity. Just quiet resignation.
“Hey,” I say, holding her gaze, “we’ll both make it there. You’ll see.”
But the knot in my stomach tells a different story. I force myself to breathe. I can’t let my nerves get the best of me.
“Now, help me pick an outfit. Bella Mae’s got to knock their socks off.”
We head to my trio of racks, and Lily’s mood lifts.
“You must wear Chloé,” Lily insists. “Your Chloé posts always go viral. And I think Chloé is your favorite brand.”
I look at the racks. “I love all my babies, but you’re right, I have a soft spot for my Chloé pieces.”
