Ask Me (Mess with Me 2)

“That easy, huh? Someone has to work hard to keep this whole ship running.” I smile so he knows I’m teasing.

Despite his dilettante lifestyle, Philippe works hard heading up our International Division. His slick tongue has been instrumental in convincing buyers at major stores to carry our brand and he’s the entire reason our popularity has exploded in the Middle East. Our brand is especially popular among the billionaires of Dubai.

“Work hard but play hard, too. Everything won’t come crashing down if you pause for a little fun sometimes. You need to get laid. I don’t know why you never take my advice.”

Something on my face must change because his arm, in the process of raising his coffee cup to his mouth, pauses in mid-air.

“You… took my advice? Don’t take this the wrong way, dear bro

ther, but it must not have been any good if you still look this pissed off.”

That startles a laugh out of me. It feels good. I stand and stretch a little. Why am I confining myself behind this desk when I’m not getting any work done anyway?

“You remember that day you saw me dressed so strangely?”

His lip curls in distaste, clearly remembering the day he caught me sneaking back into our hotel room wearing those cheap clothes.

“I remember. Although I wish I didn’t.”

“Well, I met someone that day. Just a woman on the street. She threw her coffee on me.”

Philippe narrows his eyes at me. “I would have thrown my coffee on that hideous shirt as well but I have to say, you are very odd if that is what turns you on.”

I snatch the coffee cup from his hand. The assistant he hired makes way better coffee than mine. “Nothing happened. I just meant that I had fun. She had no idea who I was. She was actually annoyed with me. Annoyed. Can you imagine?”

He chuckles. “None of the women we know would dare express annoyance or any other real emotion. They’re all hoping they tempt the famous Andre Lavin to put a ring on her finger and make her the reigning queen of the fashion world.”

“It was refreshing to be out amongst regular people. People who don’t want anything from me.”

His expression softens and I have to turn away from the questions in his eyes. My brother is the person I’m closest to in the world but even he often doesn’t understand me. The life we live suits him much better than me. He lives for the parties and the attention. It’s always been a puzzle to him how I can crave success and be simultaneously frustrated as I achieve more of it.

Truthfully, I’m not entirely sure I understand it myself.

“Good. Maybe you should do that more often. If it helped last time, do it again. We’re in the land of opportunity. Anything is possible here so why not reinvent yourself once more.” He glances over at me with a sly look. “But perhaps slightly better clothes this time.”

I hand him back the now empty cup. “That’s actually a good idea. Finish reviewing those sketches for me, per favore?”

His mouth falls open as I start for the door. “What? You’re leaving? We have a meeting this afternoon. Those investors Mamma introduced us to at the gala are almost ready to sign on.”

“I’m sure you can handle it. What was it you said? Everything won’t come crashing down if I pause for a little fun sometimes?”

He looks murderous but clamps his lips closed.

Before I can get to the door, it opens and my assistant, Kate, pokes her head into the room. “The models are here.”

I turn slowly to Philippe. “And I’m sure you can also approve the models for the next show.”

He shakes his head. “You’re seriously going to leave?”

Before I can walk out, a line of women passes by and I have to step back to allow them to enter. The last one pauses and squeals when she sees me.

“It’s you! OMG!” She pronounces it phonetically. Oh-em-gee. “I’m such a huge fan of yours. I’ve been following you on Instagram since the beginning.”

“Thank you for the support. Fans like you are what keep us in business.”

It sounds like a line but it’s the truth. No matter how tired or rushed I may be, I always take time out for fans who approach me in the street or at events. When I wasn’t sure I was going to get seed capital to start my line, online fans were willing to donate money to help me get my start. Those same fans support each new launch and promote our brand tirelessly for free. I am truly grateful.

“I hate to ask but can I have your autograph?” She blushes and glances over her shoulder to where everyone else is waiting.