Season for Love

by Velvet Carter

  “Your instincts are spot-on, Darcy. Lark is extremely important to me. I know you two are close, and your approval means a lot.”

  “I have one more thing to say on the subject of your relationship, and that is...don’t hurt my girl,” Darcy said with a stern expression on her face.

  Dash hugged Lark to his side. “She’s my girl, too, and I wouldn’t dream of causing her any undue stress.”

  “You two are the best. Now, let’s get to the reason why we’re here.” Lark filled Dash in on Sebastian’s latest sabotage.

  “Where is his loft?” Dash asked.

  “In Tribeca. Why?”

  “I want to go over there and rip him a new one. Nobody messes with my girl like that,” Dash said, fuming.

  “I’ve got a better idea. Between the three of us, we can brainstorm and design an awesome collection in no time. Then get it into production and still be able to present during fashion week,” Darcy said.

  “We don’t have the manpower or the square footage to pull that off. We’ll need at least three times the staff to manufacture an entire new collection with such a short window of time. Besides, RR’s production facility isn’t big enough to house that many people,” Lark said.

  “Since my company isn’t presenting a collection for the spring/summer shows, we can use my production warehouse for the space we’ll need to hire extra sewers. I’m sure with a team of seamstresses we can get the line done in time,” Darcy suggested.

  “That’s an excellent idea. The only problem is financing. It’ll take a hefty endowment to create a new collection at the last minute,” Lark explained.

  “Finding capital won’t be a problem. Randolph on the Runway has a five-hundred-thousand-dollar line of credit with UBS, and more money is available if we need it,” Dash said matter-of-factly.

  Lark looked at him strangely. “We don’t have any accounts with the Union Bank of Switzerland. I wish we did—that type of capital would surely come in handy right about now.”

  “As of yesterday, we do. I had my private banker open an account to correct any financial hiccups the company might encounter. The funds have been transferred and are ready for withdrawal.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Lark sank down on one of the kitchen chairs. Her mind was reeling. She couldn’t believe what Dash had done

  “Dash, this is fantastic news! You are an amazing young man. I’ll coordinate the seamstresses so they’re ready to start once the designs are complete. Let me go and get my sketch pads so we can get to work.” Darcy rushed out of the kitchen.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the line of credit you opened?” Lark asked.

  “I wasn’t trying to deceive you, Lark, but you really didn’t want to take my check, so I had a feeling that you would object to the line of credit. I had a sneaking suspicion Sebastian might try something else and I wanted to be ready in case he did. Don’t worry about the money. Like I told you before, I’d rather put my money to good use than have it sit in a bank.”

  “Dash, you’re going to make me cry. No one has ever been this good to me. If it weren’t for you, I would have had to withdraw RR from the show. What a major debacle that would have been.”

  “That’s exactly what that bastard Sebastian wanted, but we’re not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing Randolph on the Runway fail.”

  “All I can say is thank you.”

  “You’re more than welcome. And I’m going to give Vance a call and see what we can do about pressing charges against Sebastian for hacking into the computer system and stealing company property.”

  “Great idea! I would love to see him behind bars. Maybe he can design a lovely orange jumpsuit for his stay in the big house.”

  Lark didn’t know what she had done to deserve a man as kind as Dash. She thought maybe it was her reward for dealing with so many losers over the course of her lifetime. Whatever force had brought Dash into her life, she was grateful beyond belief. Even if Dash didn’t have a single dime to his name, Lark would have loved him. He had integrity, and that was something money couldn’t buy.

  Chapter 25

  Darcy’s production facilities in DUMBO—Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass—was bustling with activity. There were forty seamstresses with their heads down, sewing rapidly. Lark, Dash and Darcy had worked nonstop for days coming up with an entire new spring/summer collection. Their collaboration had resulted in a classic take on womenswear with a 1940s vibe. The line consisted of dresses, pantsuits and coordinates. Luckily, Sebastian hadn’t gotten his paws on the custom fabric from Italy, and they were able to use the silk. Lark decided against putting a jumpsuit in the line since Sebastian was showcasing the one she had designed with the asymmetrical neckline. Lark thought it was ironic... Sebastian adamantly believed she couldn’t design her way out of a paper bag, yet he was using one of her key pieces. He hadn’t had a hand in designing that particular garment—it had been Lark’s idea. And even if he had, all designs were property of Randolph on the Runway.

  “Darcy, I can’t thank you enough for letting us use your space,” Lark said, walking into Darcy’s office. “I have the production team over at RR working on the coordinates, but I really needed the extra help in order to get the collection finished in time.”

  “No problem. I’m just happy the production space was free. I didn’t have the funds to go into production this season. Fortunately, my collection from last season sold well and I’ll be able to stay afloat for a while.”

  “I have an idea!” Lark said, sitting down across from Darcy. “Why don’t you think about coming back to RR?”

  “You already have a lead designer. Besides, that would seem like a step backward. Thanks, but no, thanks.”

  “That’s true, but I’m talking about you coming back with your own label under the RR umbrella. We’ve worked so well together these past couple of days and I think the synergy between the two brands would be a perfect marriage. It could help boost both of our sales. What do you think?”

  “I would have my own design team and a separate label?”

  “Yep. It could be called Darcy for RR or whatever name you come up with. You would have complete autonomy. The two brands would strengthen each other,” Lark said enthusiastically.

  “I like the idea. I’m in! First, we’ll get your collection squared away, and then let’s draw up a contract so I can start working on the new collection.”

  “Great! Sebastian’s sabotage is turning out to be a good thing. If he hadn’t stolen the designs, we wouldn’t be sitting here talking about collaborating.”

  “We probably would have worked together again anyway, but Sebastian sped up the process. Where’s Dash? I haven’t seen him all day.”

  “He’s meeting with his friend Vance, who also happens to be his attorney. Dash wanted to fill him in on what’s been going on and how we can sue Sebastian for breach of contract.”

  “Why isn’t your legal department working on that?” Darcy wanted to know.

  “I cleaned house once I found out it was Sebastian who hacked into RR’s computer system. I have a suspicion he was working with someone in-house in order to gain access. This may sound callous, but I let go of all the staff Sebastian befriended while he was an employee. Knowing Sebastian, he must have charmed someone into giving him the pass code or doing his dirty work, since he isn’t tech savvy. I can’t go through another betrayal like this. Sebastian really threw me for a loop. And I can’t afford to be caught off guard again.”

  “No, that doesn’t sound callous. You’re a businesswoman and that’s a wise decision. How are the plans going for the show?”

  “Everything is on schedule. I’ve met with Michael Newell, the show coordinator, and he’s selected the music for each scene. I’ve also met with the set designer and he’s come up with an awesome concept. The
only thing left to do is hire the models. Normally, I would have booked them by now, but with all the turmoil, I totally forgot. It shouldn’t be a problem since I always use the same ones. Let me send Angelica a text so she can call the agency.”

  As Lark was texting her assistant, Vance came into the office. “Good afternoon, ladies.”

  “Hello. And you would be?” Darcy asked.

  Lark looked up. “Hi, Vance. Darcy, this is Vance Shelton, Dash’s attorney. I faxed him a copy of Sebastian’s contract to look over, so we can take the next step in suing that SOB. Come in, Vance, and have a seat.”

  Lark had taken a liking to Vance. Although she still thought he was a ladies’ man, he had proved to be a great attorney. Vance had jumped in with both feet the moment Dash had called and said that RR needed new legal representation.

  “You ladies sure are looking well,” Vance said, smiling at Darcy.

  “Are you flirting with me, young man?” Darcy asked.

  “I certainly am. You’re a beautiful woman,” he said boldly as he sat across from her.

  “How old are you—twenty-four? Twenty-five?”

  “I’m twenty-five. I’ll be twenty-six in a few months.”

  “I’ll have you know I have shoes older than you,” she said, laughing.

  “Don’t be so quick to knock something you’ve never had.”

  Watching their exchange, Lark could see the serious expression on Vance’s face. Darcy’s cheeks had begun to flush red. Lark cleared her throat, interrupting their banter. “Where’s Dash? I thought he was with you.”

  “He came by the office, but he said he had to run an errand. He told me to tell you he’ll see you later.”

  “Oh, okay. So did you get a chance to look over Sebastian’s contract?”

  “I certainly did, and it’s ironclad. All the designs he created while employed with RR were proprietary and belong to the company.”

  “Thanks. I just wanted you to confirm what I already knew. Did you draw up the breach-of-contract lawsuit papers?” Lark asked.

  Vance reached into his briefcase and handed her a large envelope. “All the paperwork is here. You just need to sign it before I can file the suit.”

  “Can we stop him from showing his collection in the show?” Darcy asked.

  “Unfortunately not. We do not have proof it was Sebastian who hacked into the system and stole the designs. Until we have evidence to support your accusation, it’s Sebastian’s word against yours.”

  “The designs are proof enough. Pictures of his work...I mean my work, are all over the internet. I can give you my sketch pad with the original designs. That should count for something,” Lark said.

  “Yes, it might, but that process will be long-drawn-out. The fashion shows will be over before we’ll be able to get an injunction to stop him,” Vance told her.

  “Damn!” Lark exclaimed.

  “Don’t worry. Sebastian won’t get away with this. I promise you that,” Vance stated. “You focus on the creative end and let me deal with the legal stuff. I might be young—” he cut his eyes at Darcy “—but I know my way around the courtroom, among other places.”

  “Thanks so much, Vance. I really appreciate all of your help,” Lark said.

  “Anytime. I’ve gotta run. I have to be in court in an hour, but I’ll be in touch.” He reached out and shook Darcy’s hand. “So very nice to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Be careful what you hope for,” Darcy responded.

  Once Vance was gone, Darcy stood, crossed the room and closed the door. She fanned her hand across her face. “What a hottie!”

  “He is handsome. Maybe you should go out on a date with him.”

  “Are you kidding? He’s way too young for me.”

  “You don’t have to get seriously involved with him. Don’t get me wrong—I think Vance is a nice guy, but I don’t think he’s ready to settle down. Just get your groove on and move on. Men do it all the time. Why is it okay for a sixty-year-old man to not only date a twenty-two-year-old, but to marry her and...have kids? Take a look at some celebrities in Hollywood. I can name at least ten couples with a monumental age difference between them. Besides, who cares what other people think?”

  “I guess you have a point. Maybe I will see what he’s working with. It’s been a while since I had an intimate encounter. I don’t want to marry him, but I wouldn’t mind having the cobwebs cleared out, if you know what I mean,” Darcy said with a wicked smile.

  “I most certainly do! Here’s his office number.” Lark wrote down a number on a piece of paper and handed it to Darcy.

  “Now, you know I don’t make the initial call to men.”

  “Well, there’s a first time for everything. Call him and have some fun. You’ll need to de-stress once the show is over,” Lark said, trying to convince her friend.

  “I most certainly will.” Darcy took the piece of paper and put it in her purse.

  For the remainder of the day Lark and Darcy pinned the sample pieces on fit models to adjust the cut of the garments, approved the finished pieces and figured out the order of the clothing for the show. They were so busy the day flew by at a rapid pace. With the clock approaching midnight, they decided to call it a night.

  Lark had been so caught up with work she hadn’t noticed that Dash had never made it back to the warehouse. It wasn’t like him not to check in all day. She called him, but his voice mail picked up.

  “Hey, babe, what happened to you today? I thought you were coming back to the warehouse. You’re probably working at the office. In any event, I’m heading home. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Lark disconnected the call, gathered her belongings and headed out. She was physically and mentally exhausted. All she wanted to do was take a shower, put on her pj’s and climb into bed, and that was exactly what she planned on doing once she arrived home.

  Chapter 26

  Dash had spent the entire day working on a special project. After meeting with Vance, Dash was supposed to meet Lark at Darcy’s production facilities, but he hurried back to the office instead. He had an appointment with the patternmaker regarding a design for the show. The piece he was working on wouldn’t be produced at Darcy’s. This was his baby and he wanted to personally handle every single detail. The task had taken up all of his time and he hadn’t seen Lark all day. He missed her. She had gotten deep into his system and he found himself constantly craving her. Dash wanted to be near Lark all the time, and when they were apart, his soul ached. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he had fallen in love with Lark Randolph. Their romance had taken the express lane all the way to Blissville. Some men might have gotten scared and shied away from their true feelings, but not Dash. He knew women like Lark came around only once in a lifetime, and he wasn’t going to make the mistake of letting her get away.

  Dash had taken a break in his day that afternoon to purchase a few bottles of wine, a wedge of Pecorino Romano cheese, a pound of prosciutto, a ripe cantaloupe and black-olive focaccia. He didn’t bother buying olive tapenade, since nobody made it better than Sophia—who used fresh olives from the family grove—so he settled on the freshly baked olive bread instead. Dash wanted to re-create the romantic picnic he and Lark had shared in Livorno. The only thing missing would be the breathtaking view of the turquoise waters. He even bought a wicker basket to hold the goodies.

  After he had finished with his task, he attempted to call Lark, but his phone was dead. He had been so busy he’d forgotten to charge it. Since it was late, Dash decided against going to the warehouse. He thought Lark would surely be home by now.

  He left the office, hailed a taxi downstairs and headed straight to Lark’s place.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Migilio, but Ms. Randolph isn’t picking up,” the doorman told Dash after he arrived at her building.
<
br />   “That’s okay. I’ll wait.”

  “Sure—no problem. There are seats near the elevators.”

  With the picnic basket in hand, he headed to the waiting area. He sat on one of the Art Deco inspired gray velvet sofas. Ten minutes passed with no sign of Lark. He was beginning to worry. Dash took out his phone to call her, but he remembered it wasn’t charged. He glanced at his vintage Rolex. It was twelve-thirty. Where is she? he wondered.

  “Dash, what are you doing here?” Lark asked, approaching him.

  He stood. “Hey, babe, I was beginning to worry about you. Are you okay?” he asked, looking at her weary face.

  “Just tired, that’s all.”

  Dash watched Lark’s eyes wander down to his hand. “What’s in the basket?” she asked.

  “It’s a surprise. You’ll see when we get upstairs.”

  He took her by the hand and they moseyed over to the elevators. “How did it go today?” he asked once they’d stepped into the elevator car.

  “Very productive. Vance came by with the papers for me to sign for the lawsuit. He said we may not be able to stop Sebastian from presenting during fashion week. However, Vance assured me that Sebastian won’t get away with what he’s done.”

  “You can count on that. How was the rest of your day?”

  “Good. Darcy and I made adjustments to some of the garments. The fabric we had made in Italy is so fluid that it moved over the bodies of the fit models like water. I can just see the girls strutting down the runway and the fabric floating on the breeze behind them.”

  “I’m not just saying this because it’s my family’s company, but the mill produces high-quality textiles. Our designs coupled with the exquisite material will definitely set us apart from the rest of the design houses.”

  “That’s true. I’m really getting excited about fashion week. A few days ago, I thought there was no way RR would be able to present during the shows, but thanks to you and Darcy, the new collection is far better than the designs Sebastian stole.” Lark kissed Dash on the cheek.