Page 92 of Racking Up Penalties
Tristan sets me down and washes my hair and body gently, holding me with reverence.
“I love you,” Tristan whispers against my ear.
“I love you too.”
Chapter 40
The guys and I are sitting around Tristan’s house studying but I am completely distracted by the new line I’m working on. The guys are taking a break and playing a video game so it’s not very productive around here.
“I want to show you something,” I say softly but it grabs all their attention.
They pause their video game.
With a deep breath, I grab the topmost sketch and hold it up for them to see. The drawing shows a sleek, modern dress - lines bold yet fluid, an embodiment of strength and grace.
“This is the cornerstone of my new line, ‘Empowered Elegance.’ Each piece is inspired by the powerful women in history who’ve changed the world.” My voice grows thick with passion as I lay bare the foundation of my inspiration. “They’ve fought battles, both literal and metaphorical, and I want my designs to capture their courage, their resilience.”
Liam whistles softly, admiration clear in his tone. “That’s pretty deep, Tessa.”
Ethan’s brown eyes soften, and the corner of his mouth lifts in a proud smile. “It’s more than just clothes for you, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely,” I affirm, feeling the weight of my own convictions. “These aren’t just fabrics and threads. They’re wearable declarations, armor for modern-day warriors. I want people to put these on and feel unstoppable.”
“That’s amazing. Have you heard back from any investors?” Tristan asks.
I bite my lip. “I’ve been meaning to check but I’m nervous.”
Ethan leans forward and grabs my hand. “Then check now while we are here to support you.”
I take a deep breath. “Fine but don’t watch me while I do it. Pretend you don’t know what I’m doing.”
They laugh but agree.
My palms are slick with nerves as I flip open the sleek lid of my laptop, its familiar hum a soft promise in the quiet of our shared space. My heart races, hammering like it’s trying to escape. The glow from the screen bathes my face in a pale light, and I squint for a moment, allowing my eyes to adjust.
“Come on, Tessa,” I murmur to myself, a personal pep talk to muster the courage. “This is it.”
I navigate to my inbox, the cursor a mocking blink on the screen, and I can’t help but wonder if this will be another disappointment. But no, I’ve worked too hard for that. I’ve poured every ounce of passion into my fashion designs and spent countless nights sketching and sewing when I should have been sleeping or studying.
I look and the subject line that stands out like a beacon among mundane college emails and newsletters: ‘Investor Confirmation.’ For a breathless second, everything stills—the room, the world, my heartbeat. My finger hovers over the mousepad, almost afraid to click and shatter the fragile bubble of hope encasing me.
But I do click.
As the contents of the email spill across the screen, confirming that an investor—no, not just any investor, but the one I wanted—is willing to bet on my dream, a gasp escapes my lips, unbidden and sharp. It’s a sound of pure, unrestrained delight, a symphony of all the emotions I’ve held at bay: fear, hope, desperation, and now, triumph.
It’s more than money, more than business. It’s validation, it’s belief, it’s tangible proof that someone out there sees the value in what I want to bring to the world. It’s a chance to make those sketches and late nights seen by the world.
I read the email again, letting each word sear itself into my memory. Investor. Partnership. Future. They’re not just words; they’re doors swinging wide open to possibilities I’ve only ever dreamed of.
“Finally,” I breathe out, a laugh bubbling up from someplace deep inside. And just like that, the weight of uncertainty lifts, replaced by a buoyant joy that begs to be shared.
They do just what I wanted and pretend they don’t know what this is about.
“Whoa, Tessa, what’s up?” Ethan’s voice breaks through my little world of wonder, his question like an anchor tossed into my ocean of excitement.
“Did you win the lottery or something?” Liam adds, humor lacing his tone, a smile in his voice even though I haven’t turned to look at him yet.
I twirl around, cheeks flushed, and find three pairs of eyes on me - Ethan’s curious and bright, Liam’s amused crinkle around the edges, Tristan’s thoughtful gaze softening as he takes in my elation.
