Chapter 5: Feels like mine

Natalie’s POV

The space smelled like old hardwood and possibility.

Sunlight poured through the tall front windows, catching the dust dancing in the air like it had something to celebrate. Exposed brick lined the far wall. The ceilings stretched so high I could breathe again. And the back? A perfect blank slate for a design studio—half showroom, half sanctuary.

It didn’t take long.

Within minutes of stepping inside, I knew.

This was it.

Not just a storefront. A home.

My heels clicked quietly across the floor as I walked the space alone, the realtor having given me a few minutes to “get a feel.” I trailed my fingers over the rough brick and imagined hanging my first designs. Showcasing pieces from collections that hadn’t even been born yet. Late nights, coffee cups, swatches and sketches and music playing loud while we sewed until sunrise.

I could already hear the hum of creation. It vibrated in my bones.

I reached the front window and glanced outside. People bustled along the sidewalk. Street vendors called out, horns blared in the distance. Midtown wasn’t quiet, but it was alive. Just like I needed to be.

I took a deep breath, pulling my phone from my bag.

There was only one person I wanted to call.

Jessica: Ride or die, brunch queen, vault of secrets.

She answered on the second ring, already suspicious.

“Okay… why do I feel like you’re about to drop a bomb on me?”

“Because I am,” I grinned. “But in a good way.”

“Nat, I swear, if this is about adopting another stray dog…”

“I’m moving back.”

Silence. Then, “What?”

“I’m serious. I’m back in New York. Well—kind of. I flew in yesterday. I’m standing inside what I think is going to be my new store.”

Jessica squealed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

“Are you kidding?! Why didn’t you tell me you were even coming?!”

“Because I needed to be sure. And I want to surprise people.”

Jessica snorted. “You mean you want to surprise him.”

Everyone seemed to have the notion that everything I did was solemnly because of Luc. It didn’t irritate me for some reason. I guess I was used to it

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start.”

“Girl, please. The minute you said ‘back in New York’ I knew this was 50% career, 50% slow-burn soap opera starring you and Luciono.”

“It is not. This is about building something permanent. Something for me.”

“I believe you. But if you trip and fall into his arms again, I will be obnoxiously smug about it.”

“Duly noted.”

There was a pause, then her voice softened. “I’m proud of you, Nat. This is big. Huge. I know what London meant to you.”

“It still means something. But this—this feels right. It feels mine.”

“Okay, so what’s the plan? Launch party? Private fittings? Do I get first dibs on samples?”

“You get first dibs on being sworn to secrecy.”

“Wait. He doesn’t know?”

I smiled, biting my lip as I paced the empty room. “Nope. And I want to keep it that way until everything’s ready.”

Jessica gasped dramatically. “This is so juicy.”

“I’m serious, Jess. Not a word. Not a hint. No cryptic I*******m stories.”

“Fine, fine. My lips are sealed. I’m just saying—this is the start of something.”

“Maybe,” I said softly.

“You’ve already chosen the city,” she teased. “Maybe it’s time you choose the guy too.”

I didn’t answer right away.

Instead, I turned in a slow circle, letting the light settle on my skin, letting the echoes of the empty room settle in my heart.

“I’m choosing me, Jess,” I finally said. “And I think everything else will fall into place.”

She was quiet for a second. Then: “Okay, that was actually kind of iconic. Say it again so I can put it on a tote bag.”

I laughed. “You’re the worst.”

“I love you too. Now send me pictures of this place so I can start mocking up where the Prosecco bar should go.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re home.”

The words landed somewhere deep in my chest.

Yeah. I was.