Chapter 32
James cleared his throat. Well then, we should celebrate once the divorce is final. Let ma..
I turned to study his profile, my expression sharpening. What exactly did Astrid tell your when she asked for this favor?
He hesitated, caught off guard by my directness. “Just that she was swamped at work, needed someone to help…”
‘It’s the middle of a workday, James. Don’t you have your own responsibilities?‘
Taking a deep breath, I pushed forward. “Look, I appreciate your concern, but we were just senior and junior at Parsons. That doesn’t warrant dropping everything to rescue me. My marriage, my divorce those ate my battles to fight.
‘I don’t need commentary from the sidelines.”
4
Silence filled the car. James sat frozen, looking like I’d slapped him.
“When the divorce is final,‘ I added, softer now, “I’m taking at least six months. No dating, no relationships, no complications.”
“We need to keep our distance. For both our sakes.”
I’d tried being subtle before, not wanting to hurt him when his feelings seemed genuine But his earlier comments had crossed a line I couldn’t ignore.
The color drained from his face, but after a long moment, he just nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry, Audrey.”
Something shifted in James’s expression – not quite hurt, but a sort of resigned understanding.
After a moment, he reached into his briefcase and retrieved a sleek leather portfolio. “Actually, meeting you today isn’t just a favor for Astrid – it’s actually my job.
I raised an eyebrow, confused, “What?”
“Remember those jewelry designs you submitted through Astrid?” He tapped the portfolio. “They landed on my boss’s desk this morning. The firm’s interested, but they need some market–oriented adjustments.” His smile widened slightly. “Imagine my surprise when I realized who the designer was.”
The portfolio felt heavy in my hands as I flipped it open. These were definitely my sketches the ones I’d asked Astrid to help distribute through her industry connections. After my marriage to Blake, I’d lost touch with the jewelry world, too focused on being the decent Parker wife. Astrid, with her extensive modeling network, understood the current market far better than I did.
I almost laughed at the irony. All this time, I’d been assuming James had some ulterior motive in picking me up, when really…
“Just business,” James said, reading my expression. “The review board was impressed, and that’s why I’m here.”
Heat crept into my cheeks as I remembered my earlier assumptions. “James, I –
‘Don’t apologize,” he cut in smoothly. “Did I have my own hopes in offering to pick you up? Sure. But you’ve made your position clear, and I respect that.” His tone turned purely professional. “Let’s not let personal history get in the way of what could be a solid professional partnership.”
His candor made me feel small. I bit my lip, studying the portfolio’s contents more closely.
“We’re a design studio,” James continued after a moment. “Pure creative work, no production. Would that interest you?”
“It’s perfect, actually.” I nodded. A design studio meant connections, expertise – everything I needed to get my work to market quickly. With my limited time…
James pulled out another document. “Good, here’s to a successful partnership. And here’s your compensation package Take a look, let me know if
‘I accept,” I said, barely glancing at the numbers. “Just one condition.”
1/2
Chapter 32
Three months. I met his questioning look. I need my designs on the market within three months.
This timeline… James frowned. “It’s not impossible, but it won’t be easy. Jewelry production and refinement takes considerabile time, especiale with a end pieces.
The board might need some convincing, but…
“Wait!” He widened his eyes. “Three months? Is that all the time you have left?
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