Chapter 2
“But not so much distracting.” Shifting away from him, I glanced around to make sure no one had noticed him being too familiar in public. We’d kept our relationship discrete over the years to avoid becoming the focus of lewd tabloids. Giving the bottom-feeding journalists anything tonight that would take the focus off Judy and Alexander was unacceptable.
Luther straightened, letting his hand fall to his side with a slight nod. “Shall we take our seats and enjoy the show? This is my last night with you for the next few weeks, and I didn’t want to spend it here, but I know how important this is to you both.”
“It is. And I’m glad you came.” I moved with him, taking my reserved seat next to the raised runway, the glasslike surface under-lit with lights that would shift from pure white to rainbow hues. From this position, Alexander could see me at a glance from behind the curtains if he needed moral support. He’d been content to remain in the background, letting the designers and Judy steal the show—along with the outfits, of course—but none of this would be happening if not for him. Which was why I’d had a new logo created for the line.
The stylized A to represent him, along with my signature to show I stood behind him, win or lose.
With how well he connected with people, I wasn’t surprised that he’d excelled at schmoozing with all the most important buyers, but once the lights in the room dimmed and the spotlight hit the stage, my pulse sped up and I couldn’t watch the models. I kept my eyes on the heavy black curtains. Willed him to look out. To catch my eye so I could reinforce all I’d said to him before.
“You’ve got this, Alexander.” I curved my hand around the back of his neck, drawing him close and brushing his hands away from where he fidgeted with his tie. “Don’t be nervous. Look at me. Now and when you’re up there. One look and you’ll see how much faith I have in you. You know I wouldn’t take a risk with the company just because I love you. You believe in the team I’ve given you. And you made me believe in them too.”
“That’s the problem.” Alexander pressed his eyes shut and drew in a shaky breath. “If I was wrong, I lose nothing. And they lose everything.”
“That’s not a problem.” I kissed his forehead. “It’s motivation.”
Relaxing back into my seat, my lips curved as the last model came out, wearing the piece that had frightened Alexander the most. Soft murmurs rose from the crowd, a hint of the excitement and admiration I’d expected.
The design was bold. Extravagant. Art in motion.
Alexander didn’t have the experience to predict whether the dress would be a hit or a flop, but I’d done my best to assure him. Perhaps laughing at him hadn’t helped, but he’d accused me of ‘Just being nice.’
Nice, was not a word used to describe me. It was cute that he tried to see me that way—maybe I should try harder to leave him with his illusions.
A small part in the side stage curtain drew my attention, too dark beyond to make out his face, but I could sense him there. From having been there myself, I knew he could see me. Pressing my hand to my chest, I inclined my head slightly as the pièce de résistance reached the end of the catwalk. The off-shoulder gown in black silk and torn rainbow tulle wasn’t an everyday look, but it would be perfect for high school proms and fancy events. Just this morning I’d received calls from two starlets attending award ceremonies who’d gotten a sneak peek and commissioned custom versions of the gowns to wear.
Alexander still didn’t fully understand that what walked across the catwalk represented artwork that would be imitated and reflected on in ways that would make the company millions. What we did here decided what would be trendy tomorrow. What would be created from the most exclusive brands, down to the cheapest knockoffs.
From the whispers around me I’d no doubt he’d hit a homerun, simply by listening better than I could. By passing the message in a way I was willing to hear. He was my ambassador. My eyes and ears within a company I’d founded which had become so overwhelmingly immense I had to filter out the noise. Delegate to people I trusted.
People like him.
Thundering applause followed the presentation of the last piece. Judy took the stage and thanked everyone for coming, then invited Alexander to join her.
He strode up to her side with so much confidence, I had to fight to sit still and not cheer for him simply taking those few steps into the public eye.
My pulse pounded when Judy handed him the mic.
This wasn’t the plan. He should have been able to smile at a brief mention, give a little bow, then walk away while Judy welcomed everyone to come to her with inquiries.
I fisted my hand on my thigh as Alexander stared out at the crowd.
Luther put his hand over mine and squeezed.
“Uh…I…” Alexander cleared his throat. Red blotches formed on his cheeks. “Thank you, Judy. And thank you all for coming. I know I’m new at this, but I’d have to be bli—” He cut himself off, as though realizing his next words could be a PR nightmare. He cleared his throat again and I winced. “The talent in these designs is obvious. I’m grateful to be part of this.”
He handed the mic back to Judy, spun around, and dashed behind the curtain.
I moved to stand, but Luther tightened his grip on my knee and leaned close. “Judy will distract them, but if you get up now, it will draw more attention to how awkward he was. Wait until everyone is spread out, enjoying refreshments. Then we can both go see him.”
Grinding my teeth, I inclined my head. Luther was right, but I couldn’t help glare at Judy as she glided around the room in her peach silk gown, composed and at ease with the focus from the buyers. Exactly what I expected from her, but Alexander should be there as well. This was his moment.
He’d disagree.
True. Judy had worked on this line before Alexander joined the company. But I’d been ready to let her go because she’d never convinced me the junior line was worth my time. She was young, an amazing designer, but far too timid.
Maybe I’d done something to make her afraid to approach me, but I doubted it. Her gender certainly wasn’t an issue, the majority of the management here was made up of women. None of them hesitated to present their ideas, though Alexander had bridged the gap between me and some talented young designers and interns who wouldn’t dare meet my eyes on an elevator.
Because of Alexander, the company benefited from innovation that had been lacking before. I’d accept the blame for being so out of touch with my employees, but how could any of them be grateful for his intervention, yet still put him in a position he wasn’t ready for?
As I made my way out of the rows of seats with Luther, I spotted Judy with a fashion editor from a prestigious magazine. As she spoke she turned toward me, then motioned for me to join them.
My jaw ticked at the delay, but I still had a job to do.
“Mr. Ashburne, I was hoping I’d get to speak to you tonight.” The skinny blonde—who’d likely tried to be a model before exploring editorials—offered her hand. “My name is Mindy MacKinnon. I’d love to know your thoughts on this newest line.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Mindy.” I shook her hand, then gave her my most professional smile. “I’m proud of every line under the Ashburne name, but Judy is the artist and the master behind everything you’ve seen tonight. You’re already speaking to the right person.”
“But what about Alexander Tremaine? Why is he suddenly so important?”
I stared at her. Then glanced over at Judy whose lightly tanned skin paled. The truth would ruin the night for her and she was Alexander’s friend. That I didn’t like her much right now didn’t matter. “He’s an important part of the team, but the models owned the stage. Once you’re finished interviewing Judy, please feel free to speak to a few of them. They’re very excited to represent the junior line.”
“They really are!” Judy patted her sleek brown hair in its intricate up-do, shot me an uncertain look, then drew the editor away, still gushing. “I was honored to work with such a diverse cast. You’ve never seen anything like this.”
Heading backstage, I carefully checked my irritation with Judy against my protectiveness of Alexander. She hadn’t overstepped. If he’d been anyone else with his title, expecting him to say a few words would be nothing.
But Alexander had been off the streets for less than six months. He hadn’t developed the ‘thick skin’ expected in this industry. No one besides me and Luther knew where he came from. The trauma of his past. He wanted everyone working for me to treat him as an equal. And Judy had.
The fear he’d shown on that stage wasn’t on her. Wasn’t on any of us. But as a man who loved him, I’d hide him away until he was ready to face the spotlight again. Remind him how strong he was. Comfort him. Not something I was good at, but I wouldn’t be alone. Luther would be with me.
Until tomorrow, at least.