Chapter Six: The Autumn Gala
402 Words
The annual Steele & Grace gala arrived in October.
Emily had been assigned to coordinate several displays, including a small presentation of her own collection. It wasn't the central attraction, but it was more exposure than she had expected.
She spent the afternoon arranging garments, checking labels, and ensuring that every piece was ready.
Ethan appeared backstage shortly before the event began.
“You look exhausted,” he said.
“Thank you. That's exactly the effect I was going for.”
He smiled.
“I meant the work. You've been carrying boxes since this morning.”
“Somebody has to.”
He offered to find an assistant to help, but Emily declined.
“I appreciate it. I can finish.”
He accepted her answer without insisting.
Later, he returned with two cups of tea.
“Peace offering,” he said.
“For what?”
“For suggesting you can't carry your own boxes.”
Emily accepted the cup.
“Apology accepted.”
They stood beside the display, watching guests enter the ballroom.
Ethan asked about one of her dresses, and Emily explained how she had adapted the design to make it more comfortable without losing its shape.
He listened, asking thoughtful questions.
A journalist approached before she could finish and requested an interview.
Emily was startled but answered as best she could.
When the journalist left, Ethan offered a quiet congratulations.
“You handled that well.”
“I was terrified.”
“You didn't look terrified.”
“That's because you weren't looking at my hands.”
She showed him her trembling fingers.
He laughed gently.
“I'm glad I missed that.”
For the remainder of the evening, they worked separately. Ethan spoke with investors, while Emily attended the exhibition.
When she finally left, she found him near the hotel entrance.
“Good night, Ms. Carter.”
“Good night, Mr. Brooks.”
He hesitated.
“Your collection deserved more attention than it received tonight.”
Emily smiled faintly.
“Perhaps next time.”
“I hope there is a next time.”
She walked toward the taxi stand.
On the journey home, she found herself thinking about his words.
Not because he had said anything romantic.
Because he had noticed the work she had done, even when there was no advantage to him in doing so.
For Emily, that meant more than a compliment about her appearance ever could.
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