I typed in the song and added it to my music list. “What’s one that really speaks to your heart? The one that gives you all the feels?”
Her hand went to her cheek, seemingly a bit embarrassed. “It’s actually from a kid’s cartoon… but the song is really beautiful.”
“Are you kidding?” I asked. “I’m a total sucker for Disney’sBeauty and the Beasttheme song.”
She giggled, but her face was all warmth and light. “‘Somewhere Out There’ by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram. It’s from that movieAn American Tail… with Fievel the mouse.”
“I don’t think I know that one, but you definitely have me curious about it now.” I downloaded it to my music list. “Whenever I get nervous about something—and trust me, I do—I think of a song I love to help give me the courage to do what I’m scared to do. Maybe that trick will work for you too.”
She let out a long breath as if she’d been holding it all this time. “I like that idea.”
“For me, fashion isn’t just about trends… it’s an expression of who you are. My goal is to get to know you, find the best styles that match your personality, and highlight what is already beautiful about you.”
Penny’s eyes lit up. “I’d love that. Thank you.”
Becky smiled over at me as if she were impressed and handed Penny a fresh coffee. Her hands didn’t shake this time when she reached for the lid. Becky opened her notebook and began with the questions to help with the article.
My phone buzzed with a text from Justin.
J: I closed the deal! We signed a contract.
My chest swelled, and it almost felt like I had won something myself.
V: That’s incredible! I knew you would pull it off. :)
J: I couldn’t have done it without your help. I have a feeling I probably wouldn’t have gotten this far without your advice at Longfellow. Thank you.
V: I’m glad I could help, but I’m sure it was your skills and charm that did it in the end.
J: You think I’m charming?
V: Pass.
J: LOL
V: I have to go. In a meeting.
J: Alright. See you tomorrow.
V: Ciao
7
The Date
Justin
My closet felt like an abyss. Endless suits that all looked the same… except for the grey one. I tossed my towel on the small bench, still having no idea what the hell to wear tonight. Cold sweat formed at the back of my neck. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d gone on a date.
Although I did remember how it ended—in complete disaster.
But this wasn’t a real date. Just a casual closing of a business deal. No pressure. No expectations.
I opted for a light sweater and a pair of black slacks. A safer choice than jeans. After I finished getting ready, I paced the living room floor, waiting for my car. When I got the text alert, I headed down to a black Lincoln Continental.
“Good evening, Mr. Cooper,” Max, the driver, said as he held the door open.
“I already told you, you don’t need those formalities with me,” I said. I usually requested Max when I called for a car. Although he wasn’t exclusively my driver, he was someone I trusted to get me where I needed to go. And the conversation wasn’t bad either.
