Couldn't Ask for More, page 25
He followed. “Lex, please. We didn’t get into all the details of each other’s past relationships. This is why I wanted you to come over, so I could let you know—”
“That you’re a womanizer?” She turned away, stepped off the end of the porch. “Save it, Bryan.”
Frustration got the better of him, and he blurted, “Come on, Lex. It’s not like you’re a virgin.” The moment he said it, he cringed.
She glanced his way with narrowed eyes, then turned and started walking.
“Don’t leave like this. Give me a chance to explain…”
She stopped on the sidewalk, turned his way.
The pain in her red-rimmed eyes crushed his soul, silencing him.
She took a deep breath. “It’s over, Bryan.” She grasped the engagement ring he’d given her, yanked it off, and dropped it on the sidewalk as if it were no more important than a crumpled gum wrapper.
And without another word or glance in his direction, she marched to her car, got in, and started the engine.
Standing in his front yard, he watched her drive away. He cursed, kicking himself for screwing things up with her. He’d wanted to tell her that he’d been searching for something missing in his life, trying to fill the hole in his heart with empty, meaningless sex. It hadn’t worked, though. He’d never felt fully himself, never felt whole, until she entered his life. He didn’t know if she was in the right mental space to receive that, but it was true.
And now, because he hadn’t been up-front with her, he’d probably lost her.
Forever.
He walked to where she’d thrown the ring, stooping to pick it up. It still sparkled, just as it had in the store. But somehow, it had lost its luster. Pocketing it, he turned and trudged back into his house, shutting the door against the rising darkness.
Chapter 24
By nine Saturday morning, Alexis had arrived at the Exposition Center with Sydney in tow. She’d given Dawn, Pam, and the models specific instructions about what time they should arrive and everything they needed to bring. As she stood near the staging area, looking around the exhibit hall, she could feel her nerves fraying like a worn shoelace.
She’d dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, choosing comfort for the early part of the day. Since they’d been unable to find another model, Alexis would walk the runway in the Smoke dress, and she just hoped she wouldn’t fall flat on her face. Modeling wasn’t something she had any interest in, but circumstances dictated that she step into that role, just for today.
She inhaled deeply, the smell of popcorn wafting from the concession stand to fill her nostrils. Looking around the space, she could see all the things Claudine had described when they’d toured the center the previous week. The tape outlines were gone, replaced with the real thing: two long, arrow-shaped runways, centered by a rectangular stage. The white screen for the projected images had been hung behind the stage, and a small control platform had been erected in front of the stage. Alexis assumed the person manning the platform would be responsible for the lighting and the projected images festivalgoers would be viewing.
Wearing the laminated passes they’d been given when they entered, Alexis and Sydney walked past the security guards. As one of the guards held the velvet rope aloft for her to pass, Alexis realized she felt a bit like a celebrity. Tall metal partitions, covered with fabric, had been erected to separate a space for them. The partitions touched the floor and were about seven feet tall. The way in which they were set up left no gaps below or between them, and Alexis felt secure in the knowledge that she and the models would be afforded sufficient privacy for their wardrobe changes.
The area had been outfitted with three free-standing full-length mirrors, two long tables, and eight folding chairs. It wasn’t fancy by any stretch, but they had all the basics they’d need to pull off their first show.
Sydney, sitting on one of the folding chairs in their dressing area, crossed her legs. “I still think we came too early. What are we gonna do here all day?”
Alexis shook her head. “I had to get out of the house.” She didn’t elaborate, knowing she didn’t need to. Sydney knew all about what had transpired between Alexis and Bryan.
Sydney chuckled. “I know, and I understand that. You’ve been complaining to me all week about what went down between you two. But you seem to have forgotten, I tried to stop you from going over there in the first place.”
Alexis frowned. “I had to. Besides, it was bound to happen eventually. I said what I had to say, and now I’m through with it.” She left out the fact that she’d cried herself to sleep the night she’d ended things with Bryan and every night since. She couldn’t describe the yawning emptiness she felt without him in her life, but if he were the kind of man to sleep around, then he wasn’t the kind of man she needed.
Sydney sighed. “Whatever. I’m here for you, just like I said I would be.” She gestured toward the stage, a few feet away. “Looks like they’re setting up for the first musical performance. Why don’t we snag a seat and enjoy the music?”
“Sounds good. I need something to get my mind off my nervousness.” And off Bryan.
They found seats near the front just in time for the first show, which was given by smooth jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling. Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, Alexis and Sydney enjoyed several different musical acts. Between sets, they wandered to the booths set up around the perimeter of the exhibition hall, where vendors were selling purses, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories. Local musicians had also set up shop in the space, selling recordings of their work. Alexis was impressed with the festival, and the more she mingled with the other artists present, the prouder she felt to be a part of the event.
Around five, the entire Krystal Kouture crew gathered in their dressing area. Standing amid her staff and models, Alexis felt her heart pounding in her chest like the bass line of an old-school rap track. “Ladies, I just want to say that I have so much gratitude for you all, for everything you’ve done and everything you’re about to do to make this show a reality. I have the highest confidence in you all. Let’s go out there and slay this runway, girls.”
Smiles and applause met her words, and the flurry of activity began in earnest. Alexis helped the models into their first outfits, monitored the two makeup artists working on their faces, and gave approval on hairstyles. Amid all that, she paced the floor.
Sydney tapped her on the shoulder, pulling her out of her thoughts. “Lex, it’s six nineteen. Maybe you should stop pacing and get dressed. Unless you want to be seen on the runway in jeans and a sweatshirt.”
“Crap.” She darted away, opening her small trunk and taking out the black mermaid dress she’d designed for the show. With Sydney’s help, she slipped into the dress, then did her own hair and makeup.
Regarding her reflection in the mirror, she smiled. She’d waited for this night since she was fifteen years old, doodling dresses in her sketchbook. The fantasy was finally coming true, and yet she felt a strange sense of emptiness. She didn’t have to guess what was wrong. The state of things between her and Bryan had her feeling somewhat melancholy. Still, she’d worked too hard to let that ruin this day. So she put on her best smile, determined to make it a memorable night.
“Knock, knock.”
Alexis turned toward the opening in their partition to see her mother, Delphinia, sticking her head in through the curtain. She walked over, threw her arms around her mother’s neck. “Hey, Mom.”
“I won’t hold you long, baby, because I know you’re busy.” Delphinia returned her embrace, then stepped back. “You look gorgeous. Everybody’s here, Maxwell, Kelsey, and your father, and we’ll be cheering for you.”
“Thank you.”
Delphinia kissed her on the forehead. “I’m so proud of you. I love you.” There were tears standing in her eyes to accompany the wide smile on her face.
Alexis held back the tears threatening to ruin her makeup. “I love you, too, Mom.”
They were one model short, since one of the girls had pulled out at the last minute. So tonight, Alexis would model another look before she debuted the Smoke dress. Once her mother left, Alexis slipped into the pair of low-heeled black pumps she’d chosen for her first look. Careful not to wrinkle her dress, she sat down, awaiting her cue.
As the lights went down and the announcer called her name, Alexis stood. She felt like a teenage girl, being escorted out on the football field as homecoming queen. She took slow, deep breaths in an attempt to keep calm as she made her way to her mark.
“You got this!” Sydney gave her shoulder a squeeze.
She stepped out onto the left runway and waved to the crowd. Applause filled her ears, making her smile. She gestured to Sydney, lurking backstage, in an attempt to get her to come out and share in the glory. In the end, Sydney’s shyness won out, and Alexis stood alone as the figurehead of Krystal Kouture. She looked out on the faces in the crowd, saw her family sitting in the third row. Her gaze traveled further back, and her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
Is that Bryan? She could swear she saw him, sitting a couple of rows behind her parents and siblings. She pushed the thought away, hoping he’d have better sense than to show up here after what had happened between them.
The music began, signaling the models to come, and Alexis left the runway as the first two of her models began their walk. The local soul band on the stage played a midtempo tune that provided a perfect backdrop for the show.
“We should go ahead and put you in the Smoke dress. That way, you’ll be ready when it’s time for you to walk out again.”
Alexis nodded. “You put me last, right?”
“Yes. It makes sense because you’ll have to go out last anyway to take your bows as the designer.” Sydney went to the portable dress rack the seamstress had rolled in and unzipped the bag containing the dress.
Sweeping her gaze over the shimmering gray silk and the billows of glitter-laced taffeta, she sighed. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen this dress. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is.” She ran her fingertips gently over the smooth bodice, reveling in the feeling of seeing her creation so skillfully rendered in fabric. “Pam is a true master.”
“She is. I’m telling you, Lex. You are gonna look fantastic in this dress.”
Eyeing her creation, Alexis drew another deep, calming breath. “For our sake, I hope you’re right.”
* * *
From his seat near the center of the exhibition hall, Bryan had a fantastic view of Alexis’s very first fashion show. Watching her models strut up and down the runway, he couldn’t contain the sense of pride he felt. He loved her, yes, but even without that bias, her skill and vision as a designer amazed him. He’d been around fabric and clothing his entire life and had seen enough to know true talent when he encountered it.
He knew he’d taken a risk by coming here after what had transpired between them on Monday night. She’d left angry and would probably not be pleased when she found out he was here. But the past four days without her, including four fitful, sleepless nights fantasizing about the feel of her body pressed against his, had been absolute torture. He had to be here tonight, not just to see her first show, but to make things right with her. Whatever venom she might launch his way would be nothing compared to the misery of knowing he’d hurt her, of being without her.
His seat also allowed him a view of Alexis’s family members, who were sitting a few rows ahead of him. He could see the back of Maxwell’s head, and he wondered if Alexis had told her brother what had gone down between them. He cringed, thinking of the blows he might have to take if she had. Maxwell was a fierce protector of his sisters. That had been true years ago when Bryan met him in college, and it remained true today. Having been there to bear witness to Maxwell’s knocking out the last guy who’d hurt one of his sisters, Bryan knew better than to think he’d be immune. When it came to Alexis and Kelsey, Maxwell wasn’t to be trifled with.
He shook his head. No use worrying about what might happen. I’ll find out soon enough.
Settling into his seat, he redirected his focus back to the show. Two models were on their way back down the runway, away from the crowd. The music changed then, an indication that the show was nearing its end.
The announcer’s voice rang out over the loudspeakers. “The last dress you’ll see in tonight’s Krystal Kouture show will be worn by the designer herself. Wearing a gown dubbed Smoke, here is our gifted designer, Miss Alexis Devers.” She swept her hand toward the right runway.
Bryan’s eyes traveled where the announcer indicated and immediately widened as he caught sight of Alexis. The dress, a form-hugging creation in shimmery, clingy gray fabric, was amazing. The strapless bodice showed off the graceful lines of her throat and shoulders while accentuating the swell of her cleavage. The fabric clung to the flat plane of her stomach and the curve of her hips, ending in a cloud of shimmering waves of fabric that resembled a broad cluster of silver roses. She was resplendent, a vision of feminine beauty so perfect, she stole his breath.
As she walked slowly to the end of the runway, carefully lifting the floor-grazing hem and stopping to curtsy toward the uproar of applause in the audience, he placed his hand to his chest. The ring he’d given her, the ring she’d discarded in his front yard a few days ago, rested in an interior pocket of his sport coat. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to make her his bride and to spend the rest of his life loving her in every way a man could love a woman.
He continued to watch her, with his heart swelling in his chest, until she’d taken her final bows and exited the stage. The members of the audience began to leave their chairs, some headed for the booths set up around the space and others heading for the exit. When Bryan got up, he went straight to the staging area.
There, a tall, muscular guard stopped him when he reached a set of velvet ropes. “I’m sorry, sir. You can’t go any farther than that. This area is for event staff and participants only.”
With no other choice, Bryan backed off but lingered near the area. He knew Alexis would have to come out sometime, especially with the members of the press already gathering near where he stood. Glancing around, he saw plenty of them, standing around with microphones and cameras.
One woman, who appeared to be feeding live coverage of the event to one of the local news stations, stood about ten feet to his left. She held a microphone to her mouth and had a large camera and floodlight directed at her.
Inching a bit closer but staying out of her shot, Bryan listened in to her commentary.
“This is Phoebe McLean, coming to you live from the Carolina Fashion and Music Festival, where local designer Alexis Devers has just completed her debut fashion show. We’re awaiting Miss Devers’s comments and expect to hear from her at any moment.”
Less than five minutes later, Alexis appeared. As she moved to the ropes, the guard lifted one so she could get out. Bryan faded into the crowd as best he could, waiting for the right moment to make her aware of his presence.
He watched and listened as Phoebe asked Alexis several questions about what inspired her designs and how she thought her first show went. Alexis smiled as she answered each query thrown her way, handling herself with grace and poise.
Until Phoebe asked a question that seemed to catch her off guard. “Miss Devers, we’d love to chat with your fiancé, if he’s here. And if you don’t mind my asking, where’s that gorgeous engagement ring?”
Alexis froze then, her eyes growing round.
Bryan pushed his way through the crowd then, appearing at her side and well within the camera shot. “You rang?”
Phoebe offered him a smile. “Mr. James, lovely to see you. We were just congratulating your fiancée on a fantastic show. Do you have anything you’d like to say to the Channel Nine viewers?”
Turning his attention to Alexis, who still seemed to be in the grip of her shock, he picked up her hand. Placing the ring, which he’d had altered to include her birthstone on either side of the diamond, back on her finger, he then lifted her hand to his lips. Kissing it, he gazed into her wide eyes for a moment before addressing the reporter. “All I have to say is that I’m so very proud of Lex and that I’m the luckiest man in the world to have her in my life.”
Phoebe looked ready to swoon. “Well, you heard it, folks. This is Phoebe McLean, Channel Nine News.” The light shining on her face shut off, and the cameraman lowered his equipment. Elbowing Bryan, Phoebe asked, “Have you got a brother?”
He shook his head. “No, sorry.”
“Darn.” Snapping her fingers, the reporter wandered away, with her cameraman close behind.
Bryan turned his attention back to Alexis, whose hand was still cradled within his own. “Hi there.”
Blinking back tears, she managed, “Hi.”
“Sorry to ambush you like that, but it looked like you needed me.” He ignored the crowd that continued to ebb and flow around them, keeping his focus on the center of his world.
She nodded, raising her free hand to brush away an escaped tear. Then she spoke, her voice shaking with emotion. “That was quite a declaration, Bryan.”
Keeping his eyes locked on hers, he squeezed her hand. “Baby, I meant every single word.”
She didn’t respond to that. Dropping her head, she brushed at the other tears that flowed down her cheeks.
He helped her, taking the handkerchief from his pocket to dab away her tears. “Don’t cry, Lex. Please.”
She sniffled. “I can’t help it.”
He moved closer to her, and when she didn’t dodge or back away, he relaxed a bit. Draping his arm loosely around her waist, he leaned in close to her ear, wanting her to hear him clearly. “My past is filled with meaningless encounters, with women I used to pass the time. But nothing and no one in my past could ever compare to you, Alexis. You are my heart, my true love, and my future.”
