Between Deadlines and Desires

lion against the chaos in her mind. Her body still moved like it belonged

d as she stepped inside. The scent of lilies and

," Lily called from behind a jungle of peonies. "Did they finally

e first time that day. "Neither

s in one hand and a stem in her t

said, dropping her bag on the fron

y best friends can-like she saw straight t

k in your eye again. Like your boss just

it didn't reach her eyes. "He doe

know a lot of things. Like how to smile witho

sinking onto the stool behind the

d a mug of peppermint tea in front of her, an

her hands around the warm ceramic. "I was sketching. I w

ce dropped

ers. The thrill of it. And then I opened my eyes and re

tween them like fabr

han. For stability. And I don't regret it. But-" h

r and took her hand. "Then may

quit. I owe th

t. And your best self isn't drowning in spread

fast. "He offered me a rais

Distract you with gold when

oken only by the soft hum of

ou're going to blow the fashion world sideways one

ook that was part g

e to run over Clinton Reign with a

. It felt like exha

you,"

course you do.

Lily's flower shop felt like a distant echo. The warmth of petals and possibility clu

cal. As if joy had been filtere

ture perfect, her expression composed. But the ai

ton

he kind of presence that si

e felt it: that flicker of attention, like a

smooth but clipped. "Your brea

ight confirmations are on your desk, and I moved the Bloombe

a beat o

finally

uthorize th

e new projections came in late. You'll w

. Tighter this

s expression-like surpris

slow nod.

he walk

nly when she heard the

ice in her head. A whisper behind her every thought. And Clinton Reign-unmovi

ng had

done being the one w