Part 25 (2/2)
”Thanks to Monsieur du Tautou at Euro Air, I missed my Paris connection. Long story. I went right to sleep when I got home. What's up?”
”Work is exploding.”
”In a good way?”
”Too good.”
”Congrats, darling.” From the look on Lex's face, her visit didn't have anything to do with Easton Essentials, but she'd humor her, as always.
”Last December we agreed to focus on careers.” Lex sat on a loveseat alongside the window and pulled Taddy down beside her. ”Easton Essentials is hot. We've sold out worldwide.”
”The fas.h.i.+on press gave you great coverage this season.” She reached over to the coffee table and poured Lex a gla.s.s from the water pitcher. ”Easton's fabric is the best.”
Lex took a sip. ”The textiles we sourced from Girasoli Garments in Milan worked better than forecasted.”
”Isn't this kind of success what you dreamed?”
”Yes, but I never imagined the brand would take on a life all its own.”
”I did. Why else do you think I'd give you my life savings?” Taddy laughed. Lex constantly underestimated her own designer talent. Some called it being humble. With Lex, it was being insecure. Taddy hoped her friend's skin would thicken after a few more fas.h.i.+on shows.
”For the first time since Daddy's death, we are debt-free. I paid off all of my parents' past bills. We have money to live again.”
”That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you.”
”Blake showed me the Wall Street Journal article when I came in. Spill it.”
”What?”
”Don't play dumb. Warner Truman. The richest man in America. The one who resembles the NFL player Brayden Brooks you've been crus.h.i.+ng on for years.”
Taddy locked her pinky finger with Lex's. It was a childhood tradition and with Lex's encouragement, Taddy shared everything, from Garner in St. Barth being Warner, Kiki going to jail, the dinner, the lovemaking and Warner's desire to keep the getting-to-know-you-better going. ”My stomach is in knots. Who knew I'd have puppy love at this age? It's as if I'm fifteen.”
”A love interest is wonderful news.”
”But I haven't heard from Warner yet. I doubt he'll call.”
Lex placed her hand on Taddy's knee. ”Have faith and confidence, would ya? You're Taddy Brill. He'll be in touch. Be happy.”
”You're the one who should be in high spirits, darling. You've become the fas.h.i.+on phenomena. Do you have any clue just how compet.i.tive your industry is?” Over the years, Taddy's talents had launched numerous brands. Although no label had ever reached the same status as Easton Essentials.
”I'm afraid I'll lose the company.”
”Having your own business is similar to blowing a balloon into the air-you have to keep huffing and puffing to keep it up.” Lex's losses were different than hers. Taddy had lost her s.h.i.+rt as a teenager. Lex, on the other hand, owned the whole enchilada, until two years ago when her father killed himself and Birdie filed for bankruptcy. Lex had grown up with comforts and luxuries that Taddy's parents had stopped providing.
”I've worked twenty-four-seven to build this year's collection. Easton is all I have.” Lex squeezed her hand. ”Same way your company is all you've got too.”
”Right.” No argument there. ”We both have to deal with our insecurities this summer. Mine is with a relations.h.i.+p and yours is with money.” She studied her friend's face. Something in addition to Easton's runway success worried Lex. ”Anything else you wanna talk about?”
The color drained from her cheeks. Taddy hadn't seen her friend this serious since Vancouver, when Birdie's life was in question. ”I didn't come to talk about fas.h.i.+on. I'm trying to find some courage to tell you something. Hence, my rambling.” Her eyes filled with tears.
”I figured as much. Is Birdie okay?” Six months had pa.s.sed since the fatal skin condition scare, Taddy a.s.sumed they were due for another cra-cra spell.
”Mom's great, she says h.e.l.lo. Still sober. Easton's success has given her this renewed energy and will to live. It's a blessing.”
”Then what is it?”
Her friend reached into her black croc tote. ”Vive gets why I'm here.” Lex pulled out a Farnworth Firewater bottle from her bag.
”Where did you get that from?” Taddy laughed.
”Vive suggested we do a shot first. Then I'll give you the news.”
”You don't drink.”
Lex's forehead lifted. ”This could prove a great time to start.”
”It's a few minutes after nine. I'm not drinking anything but espresso.” Taddy gawked at her. She hadn't seen Lex have a boozy drop since her father died. What the flip was going on?
”I have to.” Lex unscrewed the lid and threw back one chug.
”Lex! You can't be serious.”
”Lord, that's strong.” Her friend thrust the bottle in her hands. ”Down one tiny gla.s.s. Then I'll talk.”
Taddy wiped the bottle's neck with her palm and sipped quickly. ”Okay, spill it.”
”Your mother-called my mom.”
”Come again?”
”Irma says she has to see you.”
It felt as if cold water had poured over her body. ”My...mother?” She gulped two more Farnworth Firewater mouthfuls. The liquor burned going down. Her eyes watered. But Taddy knew her tears weren't from the high-proof alcohol. Preparing for the details, Taddy sat strong.
”Irma rang my mom yesterday. She caught you on the financial news. Your France press conference aired globally. Irma told Birdie she must see you and quick.”
Suddenly a sharp pain went up the side of Taddy's neck. She c.o.c.ked her head, swallowing back the bitterness that was coming up. The two sat speechless for several minutes. Aunt m.u.f.fie had come by her penthouse with her mother. Her mother had come to her door. But why? When Taddy was able to speak, she remarked, ”I'm surprised Birdie still talks to my mom after-”
”Mom hasn't spoken to the Brillfords since you emanc.i.p.ated. She picked your side, as did most everyone, including the law.”
”I remember.”
”Irma is, and I quote, the friend who keeps my mother's secrets,” Lex confessed. ”It's possible the Banging Birdie book didn't tell the world enough. You all right?”
”No.”
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