Living The Dream

Reality is better than dreams...

Back in my hotel room I was still in a state of trance. Did that evening happen for real? Was I the luckiest person on earth? The answer seemed to be yes, but I kept wondering how a dream I've had only imagined over and over became true overnight. Sitting round the same table as my idols, who now possibly became my friends.
My wondering have been once again interrupted by a knock on the door.

-Andy, is me again. Meryl. May I ..
I didn't let her finish but opened the door.
-Come in, please. I must apologize for quite ignoring you this evening. All of you. I just...
-I know, is understandable. I saw you talking to Colin all evening and that was my plan in the first place.
-I shall thank you again. Meeting you was by chance, but meeting him is all thanks to you.
-Oh, it was nothing. Now you can name us both your friends.
-I suppose so. Is rather strange to do so, but can't say I don't like how it sounds.
-*laughing* Well, it sounds great for me too to name you a friend. With all your talent you'll become famous in no time. I mean, more than you already are.
-Anna's support already bought the company further than I ever expected. But your support is quite another matter. I never thought these days would come.
-But they did come and are real. I dare say maybe better than you've dreamed.
-Yes, definitely better.
-I'll let you sleep now.
Oh..the actual reason I came here is because Livia asked me to. She wants yo meet you tomorrow. Breakfast or lunch?
-I suppose it business related so I'd rather say lunch.
-Alright. I'll let her know.
-Thanks. Good night!
-Good night!

***

12 hours passed quite eventless, I only waiting for the business lunch ahead of me. I was wondering why Livia would ask for me only and not my friend too. And I supposed it was Meryl to put a good word for me to her.
As the lunch hour drew close I became impatient, but determined to make a good impression.

-Hi! Thank you for accepting my invitation.
-Hello! How could I not. It is quite a surprise and I'm happy to be here.
-So am I. You have a real talent. Christine's dress was entirely your idea and is brilliant. Meryl's was again mostly your doing.
-I couldn't have done either without my friend thought.
-I heard otherwise. Anna told me you're quite more implied into your business and that she saw the critic in you and asked you to join her Vogue team.
-She did. But I turned down her generous offer. Vogue is more than fine with her in charge and I am better at designing.
-I must agree. Anna showed me your portfolio. Only yours, not your friend's. And I'm pleasantly surprised.
-Thank you.
-I'll get to the point. I want you to join Ecoage. Perhaps as collaborator. Are you interested?
-Wow, I don't know what to say. I mean, of course I am. The whole green fashion idea is something to encourage and promote.
-So, is that an yes?
-It is. Thank you for the offer.
-Great. Welcome to the team.

I was now part of an important project, apart from my own business. But what about Nana? How will she take the news?

But can turn into a nightmare

I was not yet able to tell her because I didn't know how to put it.
A phone call distracted me from making scenarios of her reaction.

-Andrea, come to my office as soon as you can.
-Hello to you too, Anna! Alright, I'll be there in 10.
*in the car*
-Maurice, take me to Conde Nast as quickly as you can.
Please.

***
-Hey, Gina! Your boss is expecting me.
-Yes. Go in please.
*
-Anna, what's with the rush?
-Did you tell your business partner about your little new project?
-Not yet.
-I supposed so. I asked her over too. You'll tell her now, here.
-But I don't know how. And she'll think I asked you to do this..
-I'll clarify that myself. You deserve this collaboration more. And I helped you in because I wanted to. That's how much Nana has to understand.
-If you put it that way, she might get upset with you.
-I don't mind. And that will mean she won't have any problem with you.
-Anna, I can't let you take the whole blame on you like that.
-But it was my idea. If she feels like blaming someone that would be me. And is not the first time someone will be upset with me.
-There she comes..
-Ande? I didn't know you'd be here too.
-Well, me neither. But I have to tell you something..

And so I told her what happened at lunch and Anna told her the rest. At first she stared at us in awe, her face motionless. Then she gave me an empty look and walked straight out.

-So much for "she won't be upset with you".
-She needs to process this. Let her alone until tomorrow, will you.
And please make a collection of knee length dresses like those you made for Christine. Put your name on them and hand them over to me.
-My name? You mean I shall make them alone.
-They were your idea. So yes, I mean that. And get me some of those cashmere blouses for my upcoming photoshoot. Grace thinks they will work with some skirts we have from Gucci.
-Okay, will do.

My business partner is mad at me. Even worse, my friend is mad at me. And Anna what's me to make my own collection. It feels like betraying Nana, but also is an opportunity to be considered.
Things work better and better in my life, but they seem to fall apart in her's.
I have Anna and Meryl by my side. And now I have Livia too. But we are partners, not enemies. How will I set things right when everyone seems to want me to continue alone?