Page 2 of Beauty
While Cat is a go-getter and an incredible businesswoman, I’m a dreamer. An artist. The art comes easy, but actually turning it into a business is a challenge. Though, with a last name like Langfield nothing has ever been too difficult. My family’s reputation alone opens more doors than most people find, but monetizing my passion has been the trickier part.
“The people want you. Remember that,” Cat says, her features softening a little. “Your story is inspiring. People want to know how the Langfield princess who grew up surrounded by pro athletes ended up one of the top fashion designers of our generation.”
I snort. “First of all, not a princess.”
She lets out a scoff.
“Second, I’m just starting out. No one is declaring me a top designer.”
“Hello.” She leans closer to the screen. “I’m Catherine Bouvier. If I say Sienna Langfield is one of the top fashion designers of our generation, then it’s fact.”
Lips pursed, I look away, letting out an uncomfortable breath through my nose. Because she’s right. As editor ofJolie, she decides what’s in style each season. Their winter list is every influencer’s dream. Even scoring an item on that list can make a person a legend. To be seen in it, an icon. And for some reason, a year ago, she saw something in me. So now here I am, a terrified twenty-four-year-old about to embark on the wildest year of my life.
“Fine, Your Majesty.” I huff. “Thank you for believing in me.”
With a raspy laugh, she spins in her office chair. Behind her, the Boston skyline is visible. If I squint, I can pick out LangField and Bolts Arena, the sports facilities that house my family’s teams.
My brothers and I originally planned to spend the weekend at my family’s compound in the Keys. One last hurrah before I leave for Paris. Unfortunately, my father summoned them all at the last minute, apparently calling in reinforcements to charm Cortney Miller into signing with our family’s baseball team, the Boston Revs. Miller plays catcher for the New York Metros, and my brother Beckett has been trying to get him to agree to a trade. Miller’s family is well-known in the highest echelons of society in New York, so it’s been a challenge, but the trade would be huge for the Revs.
Gavin made me promise I’d fly to the Keys anyway, insisting that I deserve a few days in the sun to celebrate and swearing they’d all fly to Paris to visit next month.
I won’t hold my breath.
My brothers are incredible. I couldn’t ask for better siblings, but they’re all ridiculously busy. Aiden, who is two years older than me, is the Bolts’ center and well-known throughout the NHL as the guy to be watched. He’s incredible. Brooks is too. He’s two years older than Aiden and the team’s goalie. Gavin is the Bolts’ general manager. Though our dad owns both teams, he turned over the Revs reins to Beckett.
The MLB and NHL seasons are both ridiculously long, and between the two, they span the entire year, so when my brothers aren’t attending a hockey game, they’re supporting the baseball team.
I grew up doing both, though I was normally doodling designs on any scrap of paper I could find.
“Have fun in the Keys,” Cat says. “I’ll see you next week. No working until then.”
I burst into laughter, and she follows suit. The notion that either of us could go a week without working is absurd.
“Thanks, Cat, and seriously, thanks for believing in me.” I click out of the call and set my phone on the armrest. Then I finally take a sip of my champagne.
I haven’t flown commercial more than a couple of times in my life, and if my brothers were with me, we’d definitely be on one of our family’s jets. But since I’m alone, I’m more than happy in first class.
After my brothers bailed, I scrapped my plans to stay at our place in the Keys. Rather than sitting on our private beach all alone, I’ll spend this weekend at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas.
My brothers would lose their minds if they knew about my change in plans.
All my life, I’ve been sheltered, and it’s come at a cost.
It’s cliché, I suppose. Here I am, a wealthy girl complaining about how she has all kinds of money but no love. The love part isn’t true, really. Though I’ve never been in love, Iknowlove. My brothers show it to me all the time. Being raised by nannies meant that the five of us always banded together because our parents were always too busy. My brothers have been my best friends all my life. Leaving them will be difficult, even though they’re all so busy that we don’t see each other much anymore.
I drop my head back against the seat and close my eyes. Why am I doing this? Why am I reflecting on my life like it’s suddenly going to end?
Maybe in a sense it is. Leaving Boston, leaving my family and the only home I’ve ever known, is a big deal. And honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready for it. Or that I even deserve the opportunity.
The masses believe I’m only given these opportunities because of my name. And they wouldn’t be completely wrong. Cat never would have heard of me if her über-wealthy husband didn’t run in the same circles as my brothers.
But I’m also a twenty-four-year-old that’s been completely sheltered for most of her life. I’ve never been in love. Never even come close to it. I’ve never had a chance to make really bad decisions, like having a one-night stand or fucking a stranger.
Maybe hot sex with a stranger is exactly what I need for this trip.
I settle back into my seat, and with another sip of champagne, I promise myself that I’ll say yes to every opportunity the universe gives me this weekend.
The instant after I make that promise to myself, a man steps into the aisle, and my heart stutters just a little. He’s tall, with the body of an athlete. His black T-shirt hugs his broad shoulders, muscular chest, and impressive arms like it was tailor made for him. His thick, sandy brown hair is perfectly messy, adding to his natural swagger. His cheekbones belong on a fashion model, and his irises are the exact color of a tropical wave. The color is only emphasized by the thick black frames of his glasses.
