Alone, I let out a breath, releasing some tension in my chest. The night had taken turns I hadn’t expected, but as I drove away, my thoughts were clear. Whatever lay ahead for Isabella and me, for the Mirage Guild, I was ready. Ready to face it head-on, together.
SIXTEEN
ISABELLA
Natalia’s laughter echoed through the elegant corridor of my parents’ home, bringing a sense of normalcy and comfort in the midst of life’s rapidly shifting sands. “Come on, Izzy, I haven’t got all day!” she chided, her voice a lively contrast to the serene morning, ruffling the calm like a breeze through the leaves.
Her presence, with that oversized latte in hand—a lifeline on these early starts—and her phone abuzz with the latest on the Mirage Guild project, was a reminder of the thrilling yet daunting new chapter unfolding before us. I appeared at the door, hair and heart both in a state of disarray, the sleep barely shaken off. “You’re way too chipper for—” a glance at my wristwatch cut me off, “—it’s not even eight in the morning, Nat!”
Natalia, with her indefatigable spirit, pushed the latte into my hands, a gesture that spoke volumes of the early mornings yet to come. “Consider it an apology in advance for all the future early mornings,” she quipped, her grin infectious despite the hour.
Taking a grateful sip, I couldn’t suppress a soft moan of appreciation at the first caffeine hit of the day. “I might forgive you,” I mused, locking the door behind us and falling into step with Natalia toward the waiting black town car, “given how you’ve mastered my coffee order.”
As we made our way to the black town car waiting to whisk us away, the conversation naturally flowed to the Mirage Guild. “So, this Mirage Guild thing . . . it’s really happening, huh?” I mused, the reality of it all beginning to sink in. Natalia’s eyes danced with a blend of excitement and a smidge of anxiety. “Iz, it’s going to be huge,” she breathed out, her enthusiasm palpable. “And apparently, your boy is going to be there to shine with the wine.”
I couldn’t help but correct her playful assumption, “He’s not ‘my boy,’ Nat,” though my mind couldn’t help but wander to the possibilities that lay ahead for Max and me in this new venture.
Nat grinned like she’d caught me in a trap. “But you knew who I was talking about,” she said with a smug look on her face.
As we talked, a mix of trepidation and anticipation filled me. The Mirage Guild project represented more than a new job. It was a leap into the unknown, an opportunity to redefine my path and, perhaps, reconcile the conflicting desires within me.
It had been a whirlwind few weeks since Max and I shared that intimate moment in the office. Time seemed to compress and stretch in odd ways, leaving us both caught in a current of unspoken questions and burgeoning possibilities. When Max wasn’t working his shift at the Prism Society, he was knee-deep in studying for his sommelier exam and placing wine orders for the new space.
My new title as event coordinator felt like more than a job—it felt like a calling. It was an opportunity to blend my passions and aspirations into the fabric of the Mirage Guild. Embracing this role with heart and soul, I was fully invested in creating an atmosphere filled with mystery and allure. Yet, beneath the excitement and flurry of activity, an unspoken question lingered between Max and me, unasked but always there.
What if our combined work paths created a situation too complicated for our new relationship to handle?
As Max dedicated his hours to his exam and the intricacies of the wine world, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of planning and preparation. Reaching out to everyone within my network who might be intrigued by the sultry allure of the Mirage Guild’s events, I designed themes that promised to enchant and enthrall. My days were a blur of phone calls and meetings, each one a step toward the grand vision we had for the opening night. From scouring the city for unique decorations that matched the aesthetic I wanted for events to negotiating with vendors who shared our excitement for the unconventional, every detail mattered.
I also dove deep into the world of talent scouting, seeking out performers and artists who embraced our vibe, who could bring our themed nights to life with their energy and creativity. This wasn’t just about filling a space with people. It was about curating experiences that would linger in the minds of our guests, enticing them to return to the mystery time and again.
Natalia’s voice pulled me back from my reverie, her excitement about the Mirage Guild infectious, but it was her next words that truly caught my attention. “You and Max are basically going to run the show, you know.” Her words echoed in my mind, a reminder of the stakes at play, not just for the success of the Mirage Guild but for the delicate dance of our growing connection.
“Wait, back up a second, Nat. What do you mean, ‘Max and I will run the show’?” I pressed, needing to understand the full scope of what she was suggesting.
Nat leaned back, her expression turning thoughtful as if considering how best to articulate the situation. “Okay, let me break it down for you. Dom and Liam have their hands full with the Prism Society, right? They’re continuing to manage that space, to keep it thriving. But with the Mirage Guild, they’re looking to take a step back, delegate more of the day-to-day and big-picture stuff.”
She paused, sipping her coffee before continuing, “They approached me first, asked if I wanted to step in as manager for the Guild. But honestly, Izzy, my plate is overflowing. I’m on this path with the board, trying to bridge this gap between sultry entertainment and health and wellness. It’s niche, sure, but if I nail it, I could be looking at part ownership in future clubs. It’s my shot, you know?”
I nodded, her words painting a clearer picture of the chessboard we were all playing on.
“So, that’s where you and Max come in,” Nat said, her gaze direct and serious now. “Dom’s seen what you both can do, separately and together. The chocolate and wine night wasn’t just a hit. It was a revelation. You’ve got this creative vision, Izzy, and Max, well, his wine knowledge and charisma are unbeatable. Dom’s thinking is, why not combine those strengths? Make the Mirage Guild something extraordinary under your joint supervision.”
My mind raced, considering the possibilities and challenges such a role would entail. “So, Dom’s really going to entrust us with that much responsibility?” I asked, the weight of the opportunity starting to sink in. It was wild how Nat stepped into roles, even part owner, with such ease, like she belonged in those rooms—which, of course, she did. I just wish I could tap into that confidence as naturally.
“Looks like it,” Nat replied with a grin. “He sees potential in you, in both of you. And from what I’ve seen, he’s not wrong. Max brings expertise; you bring innovation. Together, you’ll set the Guild apart from anything else out there. And yeah, Dom’s planning to have a sit-down with Max soon, lay it all out. But between you and me, I think it’s a done deal.”
Her words settled around me, a mixture of daunting responsibility and thrilling opportunity. This wasn’t just another job—it was a chance to carve out something unique, something impactful. And to do it alongside Max, that thought alone sent a flutter of excitement through me.
But Nat’s insights also hinted at the underlying complexity of working so closely with Max. Our interactions so far had been charged, a blend of professional respect and personal attraction that was as intoxicating as it was precarious. Could we navigate this new landscape without jeopardizing what was blossoming between us? That remained to be seen.
The town car slowed, halting subtly along a quaint, cobblestone street in Greenwich Village. The rich scent of sawdust, signaling fresh construction and renovation, wafted into the vehicle as we stepped out. Before us, the façade of an inviting, albeit ordinary-looking, tavern presented itself amidst the bustling village scene.
Natalia leaned in, her voice bubbling with excitement. “What do you think?”
I l took in ancient bricks, the swaying sign that spelled out “Vinifera,” and the low hum of two men nearby discussing building plans. My nose was filled with a mix of smells: the earthy fragrance of wood stain and a hint of fresh paint.
I had thought the Mirage Guild grand opening would be extravagant, but then I remembered—the charm of this place lay in its secrecy and elusiveness. The Mirage Guild wasn’t meant to be ostentatious. Its allure lay in its secrecy, its mystery.
