Hot Rival ( jenlisa ) ( Gip )

28

Jennie

I can't look at Lisa. I can't. Because if I do, I'm going to laugh or cry or maybe just kiss her, right here in front of everyone. Instead I focus on Jackson, picking his way through the crowd to get to the front. I'm gripping the edge of the podium so hard I'm sure I'm going to leave half-moon fingernail marks in the woodgrain. Every part of my body feels like it's sweating right now. Under my long dress, my legs are shaking.

I don't know why I'm so nervous. Well, okay, I'm making a life-altering announcement in front of a room full of strangers. Worse, I'm about to spring a hell of a surprise on the woman I love. I keep telling myself she'll be happy, but what if she's not? What if this still isn't enough to save us?

Jackson reaches the front and I see him whisper something to Lisa. My stomach clenches as I watch them together.

It has to be enough.

It has to be.

Jackson comes to stand on my other side and gives me a quick nod. I take a deep, shaky breath and turn back to the microphone.

"I wasn't lying when I said this process has been a life-changing experience. Over these past couple of months, I've come to have a deep respect — some might even say love — of Loft Barn. Watching our bloggers and designers work with both collections has shown us how Bailey Kim Living's vintage style can be blended seamlessly with the modern sensibility of Loft Barn. Together, we can be something greater than the sum of our parts." I take one more deep breath. "We learned all of this because of the Trinity Central Hospital fundraiser, which is why we wanted all of you to be the first to hear the news. Jackson?"

I step aside to give him the microphone, and my shoulder rubs against Lisa's. Even that simple touch sends my heart racing, but I can't — won't — let myself look up at her. I might fall apart if I do. Instead I squeeze my thighs together, trying to stop the throbbing between my legs.

"Thank you, Jennie," he says smoothly. "I agree one hundred percent with everything you just said. That's why it is our pleasure to announce that, effective immediately, Loft Barn has acquired Bailey Kim Living."

The crowd gives off a surprised murmur. I hear Lisa suck in her breath and I finally risk a glance over at her. She's staring at me, her eyes dark. I can't read the expression in them. I had hoped she'd be ecstatic, but she looks confused, concerned, wary.

"Rather than simply folding Bailey Kim Living into Loft Barn," Jackson continues. "We'll be opening a new division called Kim Vintage, that honors the history, integrity, quality and style that Bailey Kim Living has always embodied. I'm delighted to add that Jennie Kim has agreed to come on as a part-time consultant to help us reimagine and grow the new line."

I sneak another peek at Lisa, but this time she isn't even looking at me. She's staring straight ahead. There's a slight smile on her face, but I can tell that it's forced, that she's only keeping it on because she's standing up here in front of all these people.

God. Maybe we shouldn't have put her on the spot like this. Jackson and Jisoo had thought it would be a good idea, but now I'm second-guessing everything. Did I do the right thing?

I know selling the company to Jackson is the right thing to do. It's what Dad had wanted, after all. And I'd only had to talk to Jackson for a short while to realize he has an incredible amount of respect for my father. I know he'll do everything he can to honor the integrity of Dad's life work. In fact, keeping me on as a consultant had been his idea, so I know he's committed to the idea. And best of all, I'd been able to get him to agree to keep our entire staff for at least three years, so no one would lose their jobs.