Mozzafiato

White Roses.

Months Later.

It had been four months since I stepped foot into the styles residence, and I would be lying if I didn't admit I had grown fond of the man. He was, of course, still my competition, but that was Harry Styles. No, I was fond of Harry, the man who cooks for me in his gorgeous kitchen and slow dances with me to old Billy Joel afterwards. I was sat on his counter like the first time one night when I realized the feelings I harbored for him, and that I could let myself indulge in his. And it was then, under the glowing chandelier light, that I separated the two in my mind.

"Veronica? Vern?" A hand snapping in front of my face belonging to Zoe snapped me out of my anger. "What? Oh, yes I'm here sorry. I want classic vintage" I reply to her, realizing we were talking about the design of our next upcoming runway show. I had totally redesigned the newest collection the day after my revelation at the Styles home.

Something felt different in my mind and in my heart, and I knew I had to go in a new direction with the collection. I wanted dressed that I could see myself in, not just others."See was that so hard to say? You need to go home and get some sleep, you've been here for over 20 hours this week, and it's only Tuesday" My caring assistant states, pointing at the clock on the wall.

Harry was out of town, and I had gone mad with boredom. We had our schedule, I would finish work, and go to his home where we would eat, dance, and play chess until we passed out in front of the aged stone fireplace, a knit blanket wrapped around us both.

Turning in my desk chair, I realize she's right like she always was. This wasn't a new thing lately, I've been spending all my time that I wasn't with Harry here. With a huff and a little more coaxing, I gather my stuff and make my way to my car to head home. Stopping at Chia, I pick up the Chinese Zoe ordered for me, knowing when I got home my priority would be Elk, and talking to the lawyer rather than myself.

Opening the door to the apartment I have barely seen in the last couple of weeks due to traveling, being at the office all the time or at Harry's, I felt at home. I was greeted by my happy beagle, squeaking at my feet. "Hello there" I greet the small dog as I make my way to the kitchen, kicking off my heels and placing the takeout on the counter. I had taken the beast to Harry's one time after he insisted, and I think the pup misses him almost as much as I do. They got on like peas in a pod, and I think I may have some competition for Harry's favorite Fitz.

After sliding on pajamas, I climb into bed and devour my food, occasionally sharing with the needy beagle under my covers with me as we watched empire. Taking Zoe's advice, I turn my lights out and head off to bed, getting a decent nights sleep for the first time in a long time.

The Next Morning.

The night was filled with tossing and turning, unable to meet sleep or find a comfortable spot in the large bed I used to cherish. I had finally given up after a while, and opted to watch the sun rise over the snowy city. Harry was half way around the world, so he would be asleep now. Part of me shamefully wished that he struggled with sleep as I did, and wished I was besides him. 

Hearing voices in my kitchen, I slip on my ugg slippers and make my way to the kitchen with Elk in tow. Rounding the corner with the clumsy little thing, we run smack dab into my grandma, her assistant, and Zoe crowded around my small kitchen table. Confused by the commotion, I clear my throat to get their attention."Oh sweetie, you're up. Zoe brought you coffee, grab it and come here" My grandma says, her voice slightly raised, telling me she's either stressed or extremely excited. 

"What's this?" I question, padding over to the two large calendars and multiple laptops sitting on the spruce table. "The vogue interviews coming up on Friday, so we're rearranging the schedules" Zoe says, skittering around the table, marking things off and moving things around. "Alright, just keep me posted" I hum sleepily. I had little care about the situation going on in my kitchen, I knew I would get the lowdown once I was in the office, so I turn on my heels to dress.

Huffing, I pull on a Gucci suit set and heels. Leaving my curly hair be, I swipe on some makeup and I'm ready to leave. Making my way into the office, I tag Zoe and head into my office so she can give me the rundown. "Okay so today, we have meeting, meeting, and more meetings, then we have a fitting" Zoe states, being out of breath by the time she's done. "Ah, well let's get going" I sigh, sitting down and getting to work. 

5:30 pm.

After a long day of meetings and one dress fitting for a childhood friend later, I'm on my way to get lunch with my lovely sisters, note the sarcasm. A shrill scream from my phone interrupts my peaceful drive. "Hello, Zoe. What's up?" I question skeptically. I just left the office and she knows I'll be back for my usual late night work, Harry wasn't going to be back until Saturday morning. "So, I know you'll be back, but a letter just came and it needs a signature. Is it okay if I sign?" The young assistant asks, sounding a bit thrown off. 

"You know you can, is that all?" I reply, pulling into the dealership. "Yes, sorry I just wanted to check," Zoe says, her voice returning to its normal, cheery tone. "Alright, is that all?" I question as I put my car in park. "No, but the other stuff can wait till you're back. Bye!"She replies, followed by a click, indicating she had hung up. 

6:30 pm.

Not too long after, I pull up to the office. I had Sebastian come get the new car and drive it home for me so I could come back to the office. Walking into the elevator, I was bombarded by Zoe tugging me into my office. "Whoa, Whoa what's going on? You're acting like the worlds going to explode" I question, worried about the small assistant. 

"Okay don't freak out, I have two bits of info to share" She states, pushing open the large door to the office. The dark office was covered in well arranged bouquets of white roses, my eyes growing wide at the site. "What the?" I trail off, plucking a note from the larger of the few. 

"An apology for my absence - H

 "I told you to not freak out!" Zoe giggles from her spot at my desk. "Okay okay, take this. It came for you" She squeaks, sliding the ivory envelop across my desk that was previously under her arm. Tearing it open, It reveals an invite to THE MET BALL. "Goodness" I breath, the letter shaking in my hands. "You're bigger than you think! Our last collection really put us on the map!" The young assistant states, causing a larger smile to appear on my face. 

I knew sales had been up a bunch and we were featured in a few bridal magazines, but I guess I didn't realize it made me "Met ball big". "Holy shit! We're going to the fucking Metball! Oh my god! what am I gonna wear? " I shriek, the news finally setting in. "I know!! Okay, so second news.." Zoe trails off, shoving her diamond-clad left hand towards me. "You're engaged? And you never told me?!" I exclaim, rising from my seat to hug my assistant. 

Zoe had been dating a lad for well over 6 years, and we all have been waiting for him to pop the big Q. "It just happened! I was sick on the couch and he just asked!" She exclaims, her Australian accent coming through. "Well I'm happy for you Zoe, and you know I'm here to help with anything" I reply, smiling harder than I have in a while. When I hired Zoe, I was young and new in this industry, and she was too. We bonded over our love of fancy coffee and yummy boys (Mostly on my end, whoops) and she's someone I'd consider my best friend.  

After a while of discussing weddings, the lines and everything in between, we decide to call it a night and head home. Climbing into bed with Elk and turning on the office. After scrolling through Instagram, checking the posts Mozzafito was tagged in and liking a few, I lock my phone and head to bed.