Page 68 of Last Letters to Ara
“Don’t ever try to change who you are for others.” I grab her hand and can’t help but think about all the times I should have taken my own advice. “You should also know that I’m a total hypocrite, and every time I say something wise, I should be talking to myself.”
Lou cackles. “How are you a hypocrite? You dropped out of college to find work you love instead. You went against everything people expect. That takes bravery.”
“That’s not exactly what I’m talking about.” Lou has been so open, so honest, so raw about her fears, it’s only fair that I show her mine. “It’s easier if I show you.”
Lou follows me to the closed door, looking curious until I open it, revealing my designs. The first thing Lou notices is the dress I wore for Theo on Valentine’s Day.
“SHUT UP!?Thisis the dress you wore on Valentine’s Day? No wonder Theo lost his goddamn mind!!”
I snort. “Yeah, I guess.”
Lou’s voice is nothing short of awed. “Where did you find something so...sinfully elegant?”
Her word choice is perfect. Sinful elegance. “I made it myself.”
Lou looks at me, silent.
Still silent.
More silence.
“Youmadethis? Like came up with this idea and physically created it?”
I nod.
“WHAT THE HELL!!”Lou is screeching now.“Why is your stuff noteverywhere?This is red carpet shit!”
“Uh, I wouldn’t gothatfar.”
“Oh, I get it now,” Lou says, nodding her head. “Youarea total hypocrite. I still love you, but you’re just as chicken shit as me.”
“Correction: I’mmoreof a chicken shit. If anyone put my designs out in the world before I was ready, I think I’d rather curl up in a ball forever than face anyone ever again.”
I feel the beast below my skin start to rear its head at the sheer thought of it.
“Youdorealize that you need to make more of this, right?”
“More of what?”
“More of everything, but especiallythis. You need to make an entire wardrobe like this, toeing the perfect line between scandal and class.”
Whoa. “This was just a crazy stupid idea I had one day to get under Theo’s skin.”
“And you think you’re the only woman who’s ever desired to get under someone’s skin?”
I’m stunned into silence. Could Lou be right?
“I’m going to need my own version of this.”
“You’d wear something I make?”
“Are you kidding? This is the only kind of outfit I want to wear from now on.” Lou looks around my room some more. “Your other designs are just as incredible. I would invest with you, you know. Give you some of my savings to get your line started. I’m that confident.”
Her confidence in me, the fact that she would share what she’s worked so hard for with me sends my heart swelling. “Lou, stand on that stool right now.”
She hops up without a single question as I begin to take her measurements.
I won’t be taking Lou’s money, but I will be making her an outfit that will bring people to their knees.
