Page 26 of Always Meant for You
I’m fighting for a place in an industry that too many people dismiss as shallow, when I know fashion can be art, history, and even rebellion—all stitched into a single garment.
But standing here, under the weight of Reba’s disappointment, none of that will matter to her.
She’s spent her life counting dollars, not chasing dreams.
I nod. “I’ll have an update later today on the rent.”
I try for a smile that probably looks worse than no smile at all, then turn to leave.
“The landlord’s serious, Mae,” Reba calls after me. “If you can’t pay by tomorrow, he’s changing the locks and putting your things in storage.”
The words follow me like a shove between the shoulder blades.
I make it down the last few steps, then stumble onto the sidewalk, my heart pounding so hard it blurs my vision.
I take a deep breath.
If I don’t close this deal, I lose everything.
And then what?
I already know the answer.
And I refuse to let it happen.
I reach for my M charm and push forward.
“Jamie,” I whisper. “I need your help. Let this be the day everything turns. Show me the way.”
Chapter Six
MABEL
I didn’t come this far to fail.
My heels click against the pavement as the city thrums around me. Horns blare. Street vendors call out.
I spot the café—the one the Blaine team picked for our meeting—and make my way toward the door. A hand lands on my shoulder before I reach it.
“Bella Mae?”
I freeze.
My pulse thunders. I turn.
A woman stands poised in high-waisted ivory trousers that sweep the concrete, a sleeveless chamomile-toned blouse tucked neatly into the waistband. A vintage Hermès belt cinches her waist. Black Saint Laurent glasses frame her face. Her silver hair is twisted into a sculptural knot. It looks effortless, though every strand is clearly placed with care.
I recognize her from the agency’s website.
Chelsea Blaine.
“You’re Bella Mae, right?” she repeats, her voice warm but precise.
My breath catches. Chelsea shouldn’t know who I am.
I never post my face.
She gestures to my necklace. “TheM. It’s in every post.”
