Melting the Ice(138)

            “I’ll finish up here and then I’ll meet you back at the studio,” she told them.

            “No, you won’t. Go take some time off,” Tierra said. “You’ve earned it. Today is a day to celebrate. We’ll take care of the inventory.”

            “And then Tierra and I are going to go pop a bottle of champagne and have a very expensive dinner. On you.”

            Carolina laughed. “You two both deserve it. Enjoy. And thank you again.”

            After she finished up, she texted Gray, who informed her they were all still at the restaurant. She managed to finagle a taxi despite the crowd and made her way over.

            She was instantly handed a glass of champagne by Evelyn.

            “I wish I could drink with you, but unfortunately, it’s sparkling water for me today.”

            “Raise your glasses everyone,” her mother said. “To Carolina Designs. May today be only the beginning of many wonderful years of beautiful clothes.”

            Carolina blushed as glasses were lifted toward her. “Thank you, Mom.” She took a sip of the wonderful champagne, and for the first time that day, sighed in relief.

            “Glad it’s over?” Drew asked.

            “Absolutely, deliriously glad it’s over.”

            “But it’s just beginning, honey,” her mother said. “Now the real work begins.”

            Judging from the texts and emails she skimmed on her way over, that could be true. She had requests for interviews and orders from some very prominent celebrities who wanted to wear her designs, including an Oscar-nominated actress or two who insisted they come by to discuss wearing her for the awards. One wanted to wear the dress Esme had worn today.

            Holy. Shit.

            “I’m going to be busy, I think. Which is a wonderful, incredible, mind-blowing thing.”

            “I think the first thing you should do is call that former designer you worked for and tell him to suck it,” Drew said.

            Carolina laughed. “That would be very unprofessional.” But she grinned just thinking about it.

            “Drew is right about that, though of course you shouldn’t call him. He didn’t appreciate your talent. And look at you now.” Her mother was beaming.

            “Thank you. All of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

            “You did it on your talent, Carolina. Nothing more.”

            Her gaze shifted to Drew. “Thank you.”

            They had all eaten already, and her mother had a plane to catch.

            “We have to get going, too, unfortunately,” Evelyn said. “Some race car business something-or-other that my fiancé claims to need to do in Florida.” She rolled her eyes, then winked.

            “Thank you all so much for being here today. It meant everything to me.”

            She hugged her mother and brother and Evelyn, and they left, Secret Service making a path for them.

            “A lot quieter now,” Drew said.

            “Yes.”

            He signaled for their waiter. “And you should eat something. Have you even eaten today?”

            “I don’t remember.”

            “That probably means no.”

            The waiter stood by while Carolina perused the menu. She was suddenly starving, so she chose a baked chicken breast with asparagus and rice.