Page 26 of And Back

"So," he says slowly, "what is it you want to ask?"

"I need to take on Sabine's challenge," I say, my words coming out in a rush. "And to do that, I need to go to Valerie’s store to work on my designs."

Dante leans back further in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. His eyes study me intently, as if weighing every possible outcome of my request.

"You understand what you're asking for isn't just a simple favor," he says finally.

"I do," I reply, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But this is important to me—more than you can imagine."

His fingers drum on the armrest as he considers my words. The silence stretches between us, and every second feels like an eternity.

"And what makes you think Valerie is the best choice?"

"Because she knows me," I say softly. "She believes in my talent and has always supported me. This challenge... It's not just about winning or losing. It's about proving something to myself."

Dante's eyes soften for a moment before hardening again.

"You know I can't just let you leave, Zoe. We have a deal, and my week with you is not over yet. But I’m sure I can help you here," Dante says, his voice calm but firm.

I shake my head, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Anxiety and urgency intertwine, making it hard to breathe. "Dante, I need Valerie’s guidance and her fabrics. I can't do this without her."

He sighs, his eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and understanding. "Alright, I'll take you to Valerie's store myself. But you know this favor comes with a price."

I swallow hard, my mind racing with possibilities. The idea of owing Dante anything more makes my skin prickle with unease. "What do you want?"

"Another date," he says, leaning forward slightly. "One more chance to convince you that I'm the right choice."

My heart beats faster as I consider his offer. Dante is persistent, and I know agreeing to another date could complicate things further with Virgilio.

But this challenge from Sabine is a chance to prove myself in the fashion world, to show everyone—including myself—that I belong here. I know this opportunity is too important to pass up.

I nod slowly, my mind weighing the consequences. Each thought feels like a heavy stone, adding to the burden I'm already carrying. "Deal."

Dante's lips curve into a satisfied smile. "Good. We'll leave for Valerie's store tomorrow."

As I leave his office, I feel relieved but also apprehensive. I've secured the chance to face Sabine's challenge, but the cost is yet another entanglement with Dante. My thoughts swirl with the possibilities and the consequences of this new agreement, and I can only hope I've made the right choice.

The next day, I step into Valerie Moore’s boutique.

I feel relief and urgency as I cross the threshold.

Valerie appears from behind a curtain, her warm smile radiating welcome. She looks stylish and composed as always.

"Zoe," she says warmly, pulling me into a gentle hug. "Are you ready?"

I nod, feeling determined to prove myself. "I'm ready. Let’s get to work.”

I sit at the large work table, sketching furiously, my ideas flowing onto the paper like a river breaking free of its dam. Each stroke of my pencil brings the designs to life, filling me with a sense of purpose and excitement. Valerie hovers beside me, her presence both reassuring and inspiring.

"That neckline," she says, pointing to one of my sketches. "Maybe try a V-shape instead of a square. It will elongate the figure."

I nod, erasing the previous line and redrawing it as she suggested. The change is subtle but makes a significant difference. Valerie's eye for detail is impeccable.

We move on to discussing fabric choices, spreading out swatches across the table. I run my fingers over the textures—smooth silks, rougher linens, soft velvets. Each piece holds potential, waiting to be transformed.

"How about this for the evening gown?" I ask, holding up a deep burgundy silk.

Valerie examines it closely before nodding. "Yes, that will drape beautifully."