Billionaire Romance Boxed Set 1(184)

But why didn’t he call? He found out my name somehow, surely if he wanted my number he would’ve gotten that too. I was greedy and wanted more than just the work visits, but every time he showed up I’d forget to slip him my number anyway.

While I drove myself crazy with questions, I focused on my creations. Not only did they keep me going, but I knew Will would show up eventually. I just never knew when.

Between working on my collection and waiting for Will, the month flew by and the day of my sample viewing arrived. I considered asking a friend to model my showstopper, the ocean and Tim Ross inspired chiffon gown, but in the last minute changed my mind.

None of the other designers were using models and I wanted to be sure if I won it was a level playing field. I didn’t want anything I could point to for winning other than the strength of my collection.

Wearing the mid-calf circle skirt I created out of the silk-wool fabric with watercolor-style purple flowers on it, a purple silk camisole to match the flowers in the skirt, and a black shrug, I rode the elevator up to the corporate level once again, but this time I had my small rack of clothes.

I took a couple of deep breaths and waved my moist palms in the air as if that would take care of them. With my nerves on full speed I was grateful for the slow elevator and glad I wore the cami to keep me cool.

Whenever I felt anxious I tended to sweat. Someone once told me women don’t sweat, as if just hearing that I would stop. She said women glisten and glow. That certainly wasn’t me. If women didn’t sweat, then I was something other than a woman.

The last thing I needed was to sweat grossly during my presentation. I was confident my line would be the fashion forward, yet wearable collection they were looking for, but my nerves always got the best of me.

As the doors opened, I pushed the rolling rack down the hall to Kylie’s desk. She smiled widely when she saw me, like we were old friends.

“I’ve been looking forward to seeing your collection,” she said. “Oooh that’s an amazing skirt! Did you make that too?”

“Yes, thank you. I made everything I’m wearing. I try to only wear what I’ve designed.”

I tried to peek at the list of candidates on her desk, but it was useless. While Kylie obviously liked gossiping, she also knew when it benefitted her to keep something secret.

“Are you trying to look?” She asked grinning.

“Yes, I’m sorry, I was curious how many other designers made it this far.”

“I’m sorry,” she said as she wiggled four fingers in the air, “I really can’t say.”

I mouthed ‘thank you’ to her and looked over my designs one last time as Kylie disappeared into the conference room then popped her head out and waved me in.

Pushing the wheeled rack into the the conference room, I suddenly felt calm. The samples were some of the best work I ever did, not only design-wise but craftsmanship too. Everything I worked for led to this moment and I silently wished my grandma was still around to share it with me.

Amanda, Tim, and Claudine sat in the same seats as last time with notepads in front of each of them. They smiled at me warmly as I centered the rack ready for any questions they might have.

“Good day, Miss Hansen,” Tim said. “I have to say I’ve been looking forward to seeing your work all week.”

“Thank you, I’m excited to share it with you. I’ve dreamt about having my own fashion line since I was little. You’ll notice elements from vintage styles, which I absolutely love, mixed with modern. All of my designs are made for real women, like myself, but can be designed for a smaller girl and still be flattering.”

As I spoke I pointed to the different design elements I mentioned within each garment. They continued to smile and nod occasionally. None of them took many notes, but I did see Tim do a quick sketch of a dress with a similar style to one of my garments which thrilled me. I couldn’t believe something I created might have inspired him.

“How complete are these samples?” Amanda asked. “Your skill level seems very high. Can I get a closer look at that ruching?”

“All the samples are ready for fittings,” I said as I laid the ocean blue gown on the table in front of them. “I did all the hand-ruching myself.”

“Impressive,” said Tim as the others nodded.

“So you’d be able to pack your samples and take them to…lets say hypothetically Paris next week and then fit them on models?” Amanda asked.

“Hypothetically? Yes,” I said.

“And in reality?”

“Unfortunately no, in reality I need to work.”

“And what if this was your work?”