Fashion in the heart

Chapter one Anne Rice felt nervous meeting her father and his family, she could not believe her mother had resulted to asking her absent white father for help. He had sent them Money for years and never bothered to meet her. Even with his help life in Zambia was becoming very difficult. After the global corona virus epidemic the economy had suffered greatly and Anne was finding it hard to find employment. She had closed her small sewing shop because she could not afford the rentals. “ Mum, I don’t want to deal with that man.” She had snapped. “I didn’t raise a proud fool, you know your siblings need help. They are not lucky enough to have a rich father like yours.” Her mother had retorted. “ How can you do this to me?” “ They are offering you a job any one in the world would only dream of. Your grandfather seems to think you are talented.” “ You mean the man who thought you used his son for his money!” She spat. “ It is in the past, I don’t care what those people think. You are going there as an employee not a family member.” She looked through the window of the Benz and for a moment she enjoyed the view. She couldn’t believe she was in New York City. She couldn’t believe she would be designing for one of the most important fashion companies in the world. Skynectar Creations was owned by her father’s family. She had watched him and his family on television and seen him in magazines but he had never tried to see or contact her. He had his lawyers deal with her child support. She was surprised that he kept sending money even after she turned eighteen. She guessed he had too much money to worry about the one thousand dollars that he had been sending her mother since she was born. She had a deep seeded hatred for her father because he had deprieved her of knowing how it felt to have a father. She always felt unwanted and for years she wondered if her father would have loved her had her mother been white. But she was twenty three years old now and intelligent enough to realize that a man who rejected his own daughter because of her race was not worth her tears. She looked in amazement at the skyscrapers. she couldn’t wait to have a tour around. She really wanted to see the statue of liberty and to experience Grand Central terminal, a unique architectural gem and the city's major transportation hub. New York City was a global center of fashion, it was at the forefront of creativity, style and innovation. She had read so much about it that she thought she knew everything about the city. “Miss, we are here.” Said the old black driver who had introduced himself as John. Anne looked around. The car was parked in front of an elegant tall building. She came out of the car and followed John into the building. There was a large lobby with about four elevators. She followed the driver out on the fifth floor. ,The front door opened into a formal entry foyer adorned With what she guessed was a closet , European oak and heated black granite slab floors, original exposed brick detailing an architecturally significant iron balcony and straight ahead was a long staircase. They were met by an old woman of Latin descend who seemed shocked at this sight of Anne but she quickly disguised her shock with a warm smile. “Miss Anne, this is Lupe she will help you settle down.” John said . “ Thanks.” Anne murmured, she was overwhelmed by the grand house. John walked away and Lupe carried her suitcase. “ Hey,” She smiled. “Hey.” The house was quite. “ Am sure you are tired.” Lupe said as she lead the way up the stairs. Anne followed quietly. Sitting at the top of the stairs, was a blonde young woman her age. “Emily, how did u get here? Lupe asked. The woman ignored her and looked at Anne curiously. “She looks like…” She begun when Lupe interrupted. “ Don’t be rude, great your sister.” So that was her sister, Anne thought they were like night and day. They were nothing alike, Emily has pale white skin, blue eyes and blonde hair and she had brown skin, hazel eyes and black hair. “ Hey.”Emily smiled warmly. “Hey.” Anne murmured. “Am Emily,” She put out her hand and Anne received it. “Anne.” “Am sure we will get to talk later, You look tired. You can meet the rest of the family at dinner.” Emily went on. “Yes, you must rest.” Lupe said. Her bedroom was as big as her mother’s house in Zambia.She sat on the bed and looked around in amazement, the room looked like something in a magazine. It was Immaculate and it looked unused. The bedroom was furnished with a flat screen TV , which was mounted above the two sided stone gas fire place, a Queen size bed, two bedside tables, a desk and a chair, Wall to wall gray carpeting. The large glass door lead to a large private balcony with patio furniture. Anne lay on the bed and a few minutes later she fell fast asleep. She was awaken by Lupe who quietly said. “ your grandfather doesn’t like it when people are late for a meal.” Anne got off the bed. “ I will take a quick bath.” She said. It was thirty minutes later when she found herself downstairs looking for the dinning area. It felt so unreal being in that magnificent house. “There you are.” She heard an excited voice behind her as she stood in front of a door. She turned to find a Caucasian man in his early thirties. “Hey, am Allen, your uncle.” “Hey.” She mattered. “You are beautiful.” He hugged her without warning. Anne didn’t know how to react, she just stood still. “come with me.” He got her hand and opened the door. The room had more people than she had anticipated. “Why are you pulling her?” An elderly man snapped. She knew it was her grandfather because they had face timed when she was in Africa. “Am not pulling her.” Allen said. Anne sat down nervously, she would have be made of steel not to be intimidated by the beautiful and elegantly dressed people at the table. Her heart beat hard against her chest when her eyes landed on the most gorgeous man she had ever met. “Allen, since you want to impress Anne, do her the honor of introducing the family. “ Her grandfather mattered and took a steak from the trey. Anne noticed that everyone immediately followed suit and put food on the white plates before them. “Okay. “Allen’s emphasism warmed Anne’s heart. She liked him and she had prepared to hate all of her father' s family. Allen pointed to a woman in her forties and said, “ that is Nancy, she is your father’ wife, and that is your brother Justin. “ Nancy was very pretty, she smiled sweetly and went back to looking at the cellphone in her hand. Justin looked a lot like her father, the pictures she had of her father were old, they were of him when he was about her brothers age. “ Hey. “ Justin smiled. “And that one is your auntie…. “ In total there were seven people but just as Allen was about to introduce the man that Anne didn’t want to be related to, her father entered the room. “ Am sorry, my meeting went on longer than I thought. “ Her father said walking to her. He leaned and kissed her cheeks as if they had known each other forever. “ Hey, Anne. “ He smiled. There was a tight knot in her heart but she forced a smile. “ Hey. “ “ Sit down , Alex. We are starving, looks like your daughter inherited your issues with keeping time. “ Her grandfather complained. “Am sorry dad, i had so much to do. “ He sat next to her. “ Grandpa says you are one of the best at designing. “ Justin said. “She is barely a day old and you are already sucking up. ‘ Emily mattered , “ you are pathetic. “ “There is nothing wrong with having a conversation with my sister. “ “ Maybe you can learn one or two things from her. “ Her father said drinking his wine. Anne realized that they talked about her as if she was not there. She didn't know what to feel. She had been so used to not considering this part of her family. She found herself admiring the handsome man who was busy having a quiet talk with her auntie. Maybe he was her husband, but she could not stop herself from admiring him. “How was your trip Anne? “ Allen asked. “Fine. “ She said quitely. “ You don’t talk much”. Justin said looking at her plate curiously. “Give the girl a break. “ Emily said handing Anne a tray of salads. “ Thank you. “ Anne mattered. Dinner was different from the meals she had at home, it was much better than the food she had eaten in the zambian fancy restaurants. Anne was too tired and overwhelmed by the end of the night that when she was offered to go up to the bedroom she took the opportunity. “ We can discuss work tomorrow. “ Her grandfather said. “Good night. “ Anne said getting up, she didn’t care to notice who responded. She lay on her bed. Who was that man? The image of his green eyes came in her mind, she tried to block him out of her head but his strong features popped up.His hair was almost grey, which showed her he was much too old for her and the navy blue suit was expensive, something no man she knew could ever afford. He had looked at her with curiosity and then he had not acknowledged her for the rest of the night. She felt crazy. No man had affected her the way that man had. He was as old as her father and probably her uncle. Chapter two Anne had followed her father out to a restaurant, he said he wanted them to 'catch up'. Anne sat opposite him in the elegant restaurant. She was surprised to see the many people in one place. She had expected people in America to be in quarantine. There were reports of many people dying there. Her country was almost a haven away from corona , as there were very few cases recorded. The tables were placed apart because of the corona social distance requirements. She could feel people staring at them. She felt out of place in her simple dress. She had always been proud of wearing the cloths she designed but she wolud be blind not to notice the expensive materials everyone in the room was wearing. “So what do you think of New York? “ Alex asked. “ I have not seen much yet. “ Anne said. He didn’t seem bothered by the stares. “ Sorry it took so long for us to meet. “ Alex said with a serious expression. Was this man real! Did he really think she cared for an apology? She felt upset even if she had convinced herself that she didn’t want any personal relationship with her father’s family. “ I was told I was going to be provided an apartment. “ Anne mattered. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to live alone. Staying in the house would give her the chance to know her siblings. They had nothing to do with their fathers and grandfathers rejection of her. Alex appeared confused. “ Yes but I thought it would be better if you lived with your family. “ “ My family is in Zambia. “ She said without thinking. “ Am sorry…. I… “ She almost felt sorry for Alex, he didn’t know how to deal with her. She guessed that he thought she would be glad to get whatever he was willing to give. “ Tom assured me that there was an apartment. “ She went on. “ Why don’t you give us one month and if you still don’t like staying with us , I will have an apartment ready for you. “ Alex sipped his whiskey. She had a feeling opposing him wouldn’t change anything. He seemed used to having things work his way. He lifted a hand to signal a waiter who was passing by. “ Can I get you anything sir? “ the young Chinese waiter asked. “ Yes, Ben. My daughter and I would like to order now. “ Alex said… He looked at Anne warmly. “ Is that okay with you? “ “ okay. “ “Your daughter! ” He looked at Anne with surprise, and then he quickly realized he could offend them with his curiosity. “ Miss , its a pleasure. “ The waiter smiled at Anne. Anne smiled back. “ I will have pasta with Lamb Ragu.” Alex said. Anne looked through the complicated menu, she tried hard to disguise her confusion. Then she saw chicken. “ I will have herb broiled chicken and fries if its possible. “ Anne said. “ Give her the truffled French fries.” Alex said. The waiter nodded and left them. “ Hello. “ Anne heard a deep quiet voice. She knew who it was before she saw him, her body remembered that feeling and only one person had ever made her that apprehensive. He sat opposite her, next to her father. Their eyes met and she noticed his eyes turn a dark green and then quickly look away. That faraway look she had noticed on his face last night was back. “ Anne, you met Colin last night. “ Alex said breathing with relief. “ We were not introduced. “ Colin smiled and made Anne’s heart beat so hard that she thought they could hear it. “ No. “ She said. “ I guess everyone was overwhelmed last night. “ Alex said. “ Colin is the Director in the company and also my best friend. “ “ Am looking forward to working with you. “ Colin said without expression. “ Colin and my father own equal shares in the company. Don’t let his business suits fool you ,he is really creative. “ Alex said proudly. Colin seemed unmoved by all the praise. Anne found that she was feeling excited that he was not her relation. “ I need a drink. “ Colin said waving a hand to call for service. An excited pretty blond came running to the table. “ Good after noon, sir. “ She said blushing . Anne couldn’t blame the poor woman. There was something about Colin that seemed to pull people in. “ I would like a whisky. “ Colin mattered. “ Anything else sir? “ “ No. “ “ Your drink will be coming right away. “ When the waitress left, Colin turned to look at Anne. His eyes were cold and distant. “I have seen your designs, they are original. “ He was paying her a compliment but Anne couldn’t help feeling restless. “ What he means to say is that they are beautiful, so beautiful that we want you to have your own line.. “ Alex said excitedly. “ My own line! “ Anne mattered. “ Yes. “ Colin said. “You can add a few outfits to the ones you sent your grandfather. “ “ I hope you wont be overwhelmed but we want to showcase it next month. “ Alex went on. “ What! “ Anne exclaimed. She loved making and designing clothes and her dream had finally come true but she had not expected to have a clothing line in one month. “ We will work as a team and make sure we have a good collection.” Alex said. “ You don’t think you can be ready in a month? “ Colin looked disappointed. “I can do it. “ Anne said quickly. She knew that being there was the only thing that mattered, she wanted to get rid of the shame of always feeling inadequate. She wanted to walk with her head high. " Did you design the dress you are wearing? " Colin asked, exmining her without emotion. "Yes. " She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. " Its pretty. " Alex said with a smile. " That material is hideous. " Colin said. Alex looked at him with disapproval but he didnt seem to mind. " I hope you will make a better selection for the collection. We dont make cloths for peasants. " Colin went on. Anne just looked at him, she didnt know how to respond but she felt insulted. What a pompous man! Colin’s cellphone rang, he got it from his jacket pocket and answered it. “ Hey, am out for lunch… I forgot, I will be there in a few minutes. “ When he put his phone away, the waitress put the drink in front of him. Anne noticed that he didn’t acknowledge her. She walked away quickly, it was obvious she was used to dealing with inconsiderate wealthy men like Colin. Anne felt disappointed that he was arrogant. Colin drunk all the whisky in two sips. “I have to go. I have a meeting. “ He got up. “ See you at the office, I will pass through after lunch. “ Alex said. “ Anne wont be reporting for work today? “ He looked at her with disapproval. “ She will be resting today. “ Colin didn’t say a word , he just walked away. “ He is always busy.” Alex said. Anne was relieved Colin left, she felt foolish for being attracted to such an atrocious man. All she needed was to stay away from him and she would be fine. She enjoyed her meal, it was the most delicious chicken she had ever had and the chips were so addictive she feared she would be fat if she was given such meals every day. Her father spent the rest of the afternon telling her about the business, he was passionate about what he did. As they were walking out of the restaurant and approaching her father’s red Rolls Royce, a tall pretty black woman stood in front of them with a tape recorder. “ Are u kidding me! “ Alex snapped. “ How long has your daughter been in town, Alex.? “ She asked. “ Mind your business, Naomi. “ “Hey. “ The woman smiled at Anne. “Don’t you dare talk to my daughter! “ Alex opened the passengers door and Anne entered the car. “Those nosy reporters, they cant even let people have a meal. “ Alex snapped as he drove off. Anne knew she would be of interest to many people because she was sure no one knew she existed. “ Don’t answer any questions. Better yet don’t talk to anyone outside the family. “ Alex insisted.