Page 82 of What Happens This Christmas
“Nick?” Candy turned to me, her doe eyes searching mine. “What is all of this?”
I leaned in and spoke in a whisper, my lips hovering far too close to the soft skin just below her ear that I would’ve easily devoured if we weren’t in public. “This is you entering your playground. It’s all yours for the next two hours, and there might just be someone special waiting for you inside.”
* * *
CANDY
As soon as I had set foot in the store, I was met by the great designer Rina Levana and her team, all standing at the ready, waiting for me. Talk about someone special. And to think, she was here for me. The feeling was unimaginable. A volcano erupted in my stomach, but instead of sending out hot lava, a million butterflies went wild.
I turned to peer at my husband. “Nick,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “You did all this for me?”
He nodded and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Go on. I’ll be right behind you.”
Rina Levana. In the flesh.
She walked up to me and smiled, her chic red bob the picture of perfection, just as the clothes on her body were. But they were her own designs, so that fact wasn’t all that surprising. Everything about her in person was better than I could’ve ever imagined.
“Candy, it’s so nice to meet you,” she said, her voice soft and angelic. If it was possible, I was pretty sure I was experiencing a girl crush on this woman. She’d been responsible for so many of the beautiful clothes that hung in my closet, so it was little wonder.
I had no idea how Nick pulled this off, but I was immensely glad that he had. “Likewise,” I responded, holding back my desire to shriek with giddiness like a little girl. “I just adore your designs. You’re one of my favorite designers. Thank you for bringing back pinstripes.”
She brushed hair behind her ear. “You’re too kind. I do love pinstripes, and I’m so pleased to hear you do too,” she admitted, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. “In fact, I hope that our mutual preference means you’ll enjoy what we have in store for you today. Won’t you follow me?” she asked, making a sweeping gesture with her hand to her team, indicating that they should follow too.
I nodded and fell in step beside her, not needing to be asked twice.
We went up the escalator and walked the distance to the section of the store that I knew well. It was where Rina Levana originals usually hung. I could’ve walked here in my sleep. Today, though, a large white curtain and a love seat were set up.
Rina peeked behind the curtain, and I desperately wanted to rush over and stand at her side. I was perhaps a little too eager to see what was hidden back there. Not that anyone should have expected anything less from me. This was my fantasy come to life, after all.
When she finally nodded to someone back there, she drew it closed again, holding the edge of the curtain tight in her hand behind her back as she spun around to face me. “Are you ready for a preview of my new collection, Candy?”
Hyperventilating would’ve been tacky, so instead I concentrated hard on my breathing to avoid such a fate. Managing a nod, I tried to be as sophisticated as possible. “I would be honored.” I turned around and blew a kiss to Nick who was, as he had promised he would be, behind me.
She pulled back the curtain and revealed two racks of clothes that I was itching to see, maybe try on. No, no. That was presumptuous of me. No one said I’d be trying anything on. I just loved her designs so much. But I could wait until they released next season. I’d have to.
Slowly, Rina started moving some of the pieces, like she was searching for one in particular. Then her hand locked around a hanger, and I couldn’t stop myself from wishing it was my hand that would be touching the luxurious fabric.
My eyes peeled and locked on the hanger, I didn’t flinch as she withdrew the dress and smiled. “Let’s start with the pièce de résistance, no? Candy, meet Candy, one of my newest designs.”
Candy?
Could it be that she named the gown after me?
Impossible. It had to be nothing more than a mere coincidence.
But the sleeveless navy-blue drop-waist taffeta bustier gown with a portrait neckline was one of the most elegant things I hadever seen. I only hoped to be as elegant as that gown. It was perfect for a fall collection.
With my mouth agape, I couldn’t stop staring, and I think Rina saw that.
“I’d love for you to try it on. It appears it was made for you, my dear.”
“Its name…” I had to know.
“Was never appropriate. After talking to your sweet husband”—she made eye contact with Nick and nodded—“I see now that Candy is the perfect name for this design. Will you try it on?” With an outstretched hand, she waited for me to accept her offer.
Was she serious? Of course I would. This was the second most amazing, most spectacular thing to ever happen in my life. Second only to Nick and me reconnecting like we had last Christmas.
The End
