The Lonely Apprentice (The Lonely Girl Series Book 1)

by Autumn Skye

  After we both recovered and dressed we went downstairs just as the doorbell rang.

  “I’ve got it, Eva,” I called out, rushing to the door. Jack stood on my porch with a bottle of scotch.

  “Thoughtful, but you know I don’t do the hard stuff.”

  “I brought it as a gesture, but mainly it’s for me,” he said, not shamed at all by his selfishness.

  “Delia, I am so happy to see you still here. I didn’t want to say anything to scare you, but I was worried you wouldn’t last a week with this witch.”

  She laughed. “Nadine isn’t so bad once you get used to her. I’ve always wondered, though. How do you two know each other?”

  “Jack is my old professor,” I explained.

  “You’re kidding.”

  “It’s true. Nadine was my all-time favorite student until you.”

  “What am I now?” I asked.

  “My second favorite,” he smirked at me.

  “Oh, get in the dining room and I’ll pour us a stiff one. This is going to be a long evening. I can tell.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Delia

  I dominated most of the dinner telling the professor about my new project. He appeared as intrigued as Nadine and their approval made me want to skip desert and run up to my studio to get back to work. Fortunately, I’d learned a lesson from Cheyenne. Work couldn’t be everything, even if you loved it with a borderline obsession, and it should never be more important than the people in your life. Of course, it helped that when the people in your life shared your passion, so I had a captivated audience and both the professor and Nadine demanded I tell them every thought I had so far on the new line.

  After dessert, Eva’s turtle pie, Nadine excused herself to go to the restroom. The professor directed a probing stare my way.

  “You two have hardly looked away from one another since I got here. Is it serious?”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked, feeling my face heat up under his scrutinizing look.

  “There’s more than business going on between you and Nadine, so I’ll ask again, is it serious?” He gave me a knowing smirk that dared me to lie.

  “I hope so. I love her. Is that stupid?”

  “Stupid? How could love be stupid?”

  “I gave up love for my career once.”

  “Wasn’t it the other way around? Cheyenne gave you up and she was right to do so. She was the wrong girl for you. Nadine, however, is a good fit. You both look very happy. It’s a nice change. The two of you both tend to sulk too much. You should give this a shot.”

  “It’s a bit late not to,” I confessed. “I don’t want to lose her. That’s all.”

  “There’s never any guarantee, but I think it’s a safe bet she wants to hold on to you, too.”

  “If nothing else, she likes the premise for the new line.”

  “She likes more than that,” he chuckled. “Between you and me, that woman never smiles unless she’s looking at you. At least, I’ve never seen her do it before. It’s kind of creepy.”

  “Why does she keep you around if all you do is make fun of her?”

  “She likes that as well. She’s just too uptight to admit it.”

  “You’re a good friend.”

  “I want you to be happy. Both of you.”

  “I know you do. That’s what makes you so good.”

  When the professor and Nadine had drunk a good portion of the scotch and he’d climbed, or nearly fallen, into a taxi, I went up to my studio. I’d finished the demographics I needed and they told me I’d indeed found a hole in the market. I was ready to get busy filling it, but instead of diving right into work I called Cheyenne. I don’t know why I did it, but something told me I should.

  “Hi, it’s me, Delia.”

  “I know. It hasn’t been so long I don’t recognize your voice. How are you? Is everything going okay?”

  “Everything is fine. I just wanted to tell you that things have changed.”

  “How so?”

  “Nadine and I are- seeing each other.”

  “Oh, I see. You seduced her after all, huh?”

  “It’s more like we mutually seduced each other, but we’re sort of together.”

  “Sort of? That sounds very new.”

  “We aren’t planning a wedding, if that’s what you mean, but it feels right. That’s why I’m calling. I needed to tell you that you were right to leave me, not just for your own good, but for mine. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not alone.”

  “Aw, sweetie, I’m so glad to hear it, but I wasn’t worried. I told you that you’d find someone and Nadine is quite the catch.”

  “I wouldn’t say she’s caught just yet, but I’m happy for now. I’m starting to think people don’t give enough credit to what’s right in front of them. I was always thinking of tomorrow. Maybe the future really can take care of itself.”

  “I try to let it do its thing in its own time whenever possible,” she agreed.

  “How are you and Michelle getting along?”

  “She moved in with me last week.”

  “That seems kind of sudden.”

  “Not really. You moved in with Nadine before you even knew her.”

  “That’s different. I’m her live-in assistant.”

  “I’m teasing you, but Michelle and I have gotten to know each other quite well. It’s not that sudden. It seems that way to you because you haven’t been in touch for a while.”

  I hadn’t called her in over a month, since she had me thinking about it. “I didn’t mean to lose touch with you.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m glad you’ve been too busy to call. It’s good to see you kicking life’s ass.”

  “I’m trying. I really am.”

  “I hope Nadine is what you’re looking for and I believe she is. Things happen for a reason.”

  “Thanks. I hope you and Michelle are happy, too.”

  A silence fell over the line. I realized we no longer had a lot to say to each other. Was that good or bad? We talked another ten minutes about run of the mill things. She told me about a raise she’d just gotten and I gave her some details of the new line I was working on, none of which held much fascination for her. She faked it the best she could, listening patiently, but when I started talking demographics I knew I’d lost her by her lack of response. She basically let me drone on out of courtesy. In truth, Cheyenne and I had never had that much in common as far as our interest went. It was strange that I’d never seen it before, but it was clear now. I told her goodbye and gave her a weak promise to call again soon. Then I got to work.

  I started by pulling the previous line I’d created out of the closet. They were very youthful in style, but I believed it would only involve making a few changes and I’d have a whole new line geared towards an older woman’s market without taking all the fun and sexy out of the clothes. Producing a revised line would be faster and easier than starting fresh with a whole new one.

  Once I started sketching, the ideas flowed out of me all through the night. I loved nights like that, when it all came together so easily. I never thought of the time until Nadine knocked on the door and pushed it open. Only then did I notice the first streams of dawn’s light outside the window.

  “You worked all night,” she said, handing me a cup of coffee with extra cream and sugar. It was silly, but I was flattered she remembered how I liked it.

  “Isn’t it my job to get your coffee?”

  “It wasn’t exactly a selfless act. Now that my hangover has worn off some, I’m anxious to see what you’ve come up with,” she confessed.

  “These are what I have sketched so far,” I said, leaning to the right in my seat so she could bend over me and take a look. When she did, her robe fell open and all my concentration drained away.

  “I like these, but you look like you could use a break.”

  “No, I promised this new project wouldn’t get in the way of my job. I’ll drink this and head down to the
office,” I said, somehow managing to pull my eyes off her exposed breasts, remembering what they’d felt like pressed against mine as we’d cuddled together the previous night.

  “You have to get some sleep eventually,” she responded with sincere concern.

  I couldn’t recall the last time someone had coddled me, or if anyone ever had. I liked it and wondered if she’d turn me into a brat. It seemed quite out of her character to give me yet another day off. My mind struggled to ponder where the line should be drawn. I could easily bask in her affection, but I wanted to be taken seriously as an asset to her business as well.

  “I’m not a baby, Nadine. I’m perfectly capable of pulling an all-nighter and still make it to work on time. I’ll sleep tonight.”

  “I didn’t say you were a baby, but I wouldn’t mind spoiling you, if you’ll let me. Besides, I’m more than interested in your project. I didn’t want to say anything until you were sure it was something you wanted to pursue, but I think I’d like to help you launch it.”

  “Are you kidding?”

  “Not at all, if it winds up being as awesome as I believe it will. I thought I could place an order for it in my store. I’d also handle production and you can pay me back with a percentage of your sales profit. Of course, if that’s too steep for you, I might be willing to take it out in trade,” she chuckled, leaning down and putting her arms around my neck.

  “What happened to the Nadine who refuses to mix business with pleasure?”

  “We all have our weaknesses. You’re mine.”

  “I hope you’re joking.”

  “Why?”

  “Nadine, I didn’t sleep with you to get you to back my line. I did it because I’ve wanted you from the second I laid eyes on you and I don’t want to be paid for it. Just please tell me that isn’t what this is.”

  She stood up and pulled away from me. “You think I need to pay for sex?”

  “No, that’s not what I meant.”

  “I don’t get you, Delia. I like your idea. You’re going to go places and I want to be able to tell the world I helped get you there. I’d have thought you’d be thrilled with the idea.”

  “I am.”

  “Then let me do this for you.”

  “Okay, I’ll try to make the line incredible. I’d hate to disappoint you.”

  “You won’t, but if it’s going to be a project that benefits us both you should make it your priority. I can manage without you in the office.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Positive. I’m actually thinking of going out myself this afternoon. There’s a local trade show and I like to check out the new upcoming designers.”

  “But you have me,” I quipped.

  “Baby, I adore you, but a retailer can never have too many designers.”

  “Should I be jealous?”

  “Not unless you fail to produce that line.”

  “I’ll come up with a killer line.”

  “In that case, do me one favor and get some rest.”

  “I have an idea. Why don’t I take a nap and go with you this afternoon? I love trade shows. It’d be fun.”

  “If you really want to it would be great for us to get out together. The weather is supposed to be nice.”

  “Good, wake me up around eleven?”

  “Or I could join you,” she suggested, her provocative nature bubbling at the surface.

  “Even better,” I agreed, thinking there was nothing I’d enjoy more than a lazy morning in bed with my beautiful, exotic boss.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Nadine

  It was fashion week in Austin, my favorite time of year. Dozens upon dozens of hopeful fresh designers set up booths at the city’s convention center. At the end of the week there would be a brunch hosting the local top designers and retailers, including myself, and a runway show featuring my own line. I hadn’t mentioned any of this to Delia since I’d already had a staff in place to plan and handle even the most minute details for months now. You’d have thought it would have been my top priority, but since she’d come into my life I’d been slipping, some might say losing my grip, and it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I wasn’t the most well balanced person. Having a personal life to attend to was new and exciting.

  It was also exciting as well as amusing to see Delia’s reaction to the trade show. The moment we walked into the convention hall her eyes lit up, scanning the room as if she’d entered a grand magical place.

  “Where do we start?” she asked.

  “We can check out that first booth. It looks like they do accessories, and then we’ll make our way through the rest,” I said. “Is this your first trade show?”

  She nodded.

  “That’s surprising. Most young designers live and breathe for these things. It’s a great place to network.”

  “I’ve only completed one line. Now I’m scrapping it to do the new one. I guess I was waiting until I had a reason to open my own booth.”

  “Never wait. When you see an opportunity, jump on it,” I said. “That’s the secret to success in a nutshell. It really is. The difference between a successful entrepreneur and a wannabe is that the entrepreneur took a vision and put it into motion.”

  I gave her a wink and took her hand as we walked towards the first booth. I could tell by her expression she was surprised I’d do that so publicly and frankly, so was I. It felt natural, satisfying and liberating. Besides, I didn’t wish to ever give her the impression she was a dirty little secret. She was anything but that.

  We visited several booths and talked with the various designers. I took cards from all of them, making mental notes of the ones who especially piqued my interest. We’d stopped at around fifty percent of the booth’s when I stopped still in mid-step, causing Delia to nearly lose her footing and stumble back.

  “What’s wrong.”

  “Madeline Parker.”

  “Where?”

  “Straight ahead.”

  Madeline was standing at the booth we were headed for, appearing to be in a somewhat involved conversation with the designer. It wasn’t the first time I’d run into her at one of these events. That was inevitable, but I’d always been alone. We usually strode past each other, standing tall with our backs and shoulders straight and stiff as boards, eyes averted from one another. Possibly to others we ridiculously resembled Amazonian warrior queens about to do battle. We didn’t so much as give each other a nod of recognition. Delia, however, didn’t appear at all ready to do a war dance when Madeline notice us and came walking our way. For once, she seemed prepared to acknowledge my presence and I wondered how soon she’d seen me and poised herself, because she didn’t look exactly rattled.

  “Nadine, I hear you showed an interest in purchasing my factory. What changed your mind?”

  “It seemed like a losing proposition, Madeline. Word has it your downsizing and desperate to sell. I’ve always tried to learn from your mistakes. That’s why I do as well as I do,” I replied in a sly tone.

  “I doubt that’s it. It’s more likely that you’ve been distracted from business by your cute companion here. I’ve heard the rumors that you’re having a fling with your assistant.”

  Damn Christine Harper. Obviously, I’d been very wrong to confide in her.”

  “My name is Delia. It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Parker,” Delia said.

  “Well, aren’t you adorable.”

  “Is there something I can do for you Madeline?” I cut in, putting a protective arm around Delia.

  “I just thought I’d let you know the factory is still for sale. Running the place never really turned a profit for me. I’d stick to outsourcing if I were you.”

  “But you’d sell to me if I decided to buy?”

  “Sure, but let’s face the facts. If I can’t make it work, the odds of you pulling it off are slim to none.”

  “Where’d you get your numbers from when you came to that conclusion? I out gross you by-oh, we’ll say a lot.” I couldn’t keep the pr
ide out of my voice. It was true and she knew it. She’d made a mistake getting rid of me. She was about as business savvy as a gorilla and her most recent line left consumers as excited as a cold bowl of oatmeal would have.

  “Still not over the past, I see.”

  I narrowed my eyes to slits and prepared to give her the nastiest response I could come up with, but instead I burst into laughter, which probably made me appear bat shit crazy if the look on her face was any indication. I wasn’t crazy, though, I just wasn’t angry. Angry is just hurt gone from a simmer to a boil and she didn’t hurt me anymore. I was over it. I simply hadn’t realized it until right then. I had Delia. I still couldn’t guess how far that would go, but I did know where I’d like it to go and I couldn’t let my past have any sort of say in our future.

  “Maybe I will buy your factory. It’s sitting there empty. One of us might as well put it to good use.”

  “That’s between you and my real estate broker,” she said with a roll of her eyes before stalking off.

  “Oh, wow, did you mean that?” Delia asked.

  “About the factory?” I smiled. “Anything is a possibility. I’ve got my wheels turning, but I don’t want to discuss it here. Later, okay?”

  “Wait, are you firing me?”

  “What? No! I’ll figure everything out-later. It’s going to be fine, I promise.”

  “Don’t wait too long. I’m a little nervous to hear this.”

  “There’s nothing for you to be nervous about,” I assured her.

  And there wasn’t if it all went the way I wanted, but that was largely up to her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Delia

  It was early evening when we arrived home from the trade show. Nadine hadn’t said another word about the factory. I couldn’t help but try and guess what was going on in her head. There was no telling and my mind conjured up too many suspicions until I forced myself to stop dwelling on it. She’d decide when to tell me herself.