Going Back To New York City

Emma slammed her laptop shut, frustration bubbling over as she reflected on the countless hours spent sketching designs that seemed to resist improvement no matter how hard she tried. It dawned on her that the real issue wasn’t the designs themselves but the swirling doubts in her mind. Since relocating to Mexico with her friend Phoebe to stay with her aunt Tiffy, she had been anxiously awaiting feedback on the submissions she had sent out, but silence had been her only response.  

“I can’t believe no one has reached out about my work. I’m exhausted, Phoebe,” she lamented, glancing over at her friend, who was enjoying a sandwich. With a heavy sigh, she tossed the laptop onto the couch, her insecurities creeping in. “Is my work just not good enough?”  

Phoebe, momentarily pausing her meal, looked up after carefully placing her sandwich back on the plate and brushing crumbs from her hands. “Your work is fantastic. You need to believe in yourself a little more,” she encouraged, her tone firm yet supportive.  

Emma stood up and approached her friend, feeling disappointed. “I’m not sure I have any faith left, Phobs. It’s been three years since we got here, and not a single business has given me any feedback. At this point, I can’t help but think it’s karma catching up with me.”  

Phoebe quickly countered, “That’s not a fair thought! I genuinely admire your creations. Remember the wedding gown you designed for Aunt Tiffy? It was the talk of the town, and even her fiancé Bob is head over heels for it. Now, sit down, have some breakfast, and stop stressing so much.”  

Emma drew out the chair and sat down. She couldn't stop reflecting on it. Prior to leaving Hidden Towel, she had applied to work as a designer for fashion companies. However, she never heard back.  

She turned to face Phoebe. “Do you think he still thinks about what I did?”  

“Huh?” Phoebe shot Emma a quick look, her brow furrowed in confusion. Even though she didn’t quite grasp what Emma was getting at, she remained attentive. “He?”  

Emma sighed, her thoughts swirling. “I’m talking about Ezra. Do you think he still thinks about the car and the money I took?”  

“It’s been three years, Emma. You’re the only one still hung up on that. You need to let it go; it’s not karma for what happened back then. He took your virginity, and you took his car. It’s a wash.”  

Emma shook her head. “I didn’t take his car or the money because of that. I slept with him because I wanted him to be the first guy. I’m just so tired of being cooped up here with no job to keep me busy.”

“You should be grateful that people in this town recognize you for your talent,” Phoebe replied, trying to lift her spirits.  

Emma rolled her eyes dramatically. “You have no idea how much my dresses would sell for in the city. I could be making a fortune by now!” She leaned her head against Phoebe’s shoulder, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I want to explore the world, you know? Go to Paris, see the fashion shows. I want to be known for my work, not stuck in this small town selling my dresses for next to nothing.”  

“I get it, hun,” Phoebe said softly, resting her head against Emma’s. “I really do.” Just then, Emma heard her phone beep from the couch, but she didn’t budge. “Aren’t you going to check that?”  

"I really shouldn't."  

"Why not? It could be something important."  

"No way. It’s probably just Oscar again. For the past week, he’s been pestering me to go out for dinner. Honestly, I don’t even like him, and he just doesn’t seem to get that I’m not interested."  

“Sure, he may be a bit of a country bumpkin, but he’s good-looking. There are plenty of single women who would jump at the chance to date him, yet he chose you. You should feel flattered.”  

“They can have him.” She shook her head, still unconvinced. “I just don’t understand what anyone sees in him.”  

“He’s attractive, a gentle man, and he has a nice house. Just think about it—marrying Oscar and having little Oscars running around, laughing and playing—”  

Emma abruptly interrupted, pulling away from Phoebe's shoulder and standing up. “You should be the one imagining that with him,” she said, striding over to the couch to grab her phone. As she powered it on, a notification from her email caught her eye. The subject line about an acceptance leaped out at her, and as she read it, a wave of excitement surged through her, prompting a joyful scream.  

“What’s going on?” Phoebe asked, jumping to her feet, her curiosity piqued. “Why are you so happy?”  

Emma spun around to face Phoebe. “I just got an acceptance letter! Oh my God, Phoebe!” She burst into laughter, the joy radiating from her. “This is… this is huge!”  

Phoebe approached her with a smile, clearly thrilled for her friend. “That’s amazing! Which company is it from?”  

Emma’s laughter quickly faded as she glanced back at the letter, a shadow crossing her face. “Oh no.”  

“What’s wrong? Is it some kind of prank?”  

Emma met Phoebe’s concerned gaze. “No, it’s definitely real.”  

“Then why the sudden change in mood? You were just on cloud nine!” Phoebe settled onto the couch beside her, eager to understand what had dampened Emma’s spirits.  

Emma handed over her phone, and Phoebe’s eyes widened at the screen. “Queen’s Company? That’s one of the biggest fashion houses in New York City!” She looked at Emma, puzzled. “You should be celebrating! This is what you’ve always dreamed of.”  

“It says ‘New York.’”  

“So what? This is your chance to showcase your designs and make a name for yourself! God has answered your prayers.”  

“You don’t get it. Ezra lives there. What if I run into him again?” Emma shook her head, her resolve hardening. “I can’t accept this. I’m going to decline.”  

Phoebe snatched the phone from Emma’s hands in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? New York is huge!” She sighed. “Just breathe. You’re not going to run into him.”  

“You don’t understand, Phoebe. I’m terrified. What if we cross paths? What if he decides to get me in trouble for what happened three years ago? I can’t go back there.”  

“Look at me.” Phoebe placed her hands firmly on Emma's shoulders, compelling her to meet her gaze.  

“We're talking about Queen’s Company here. My friend, you’ve hit the jackpot! It’s been three long years since you submitted your application, and today, they finally recognized your talent and accepted you. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so stop fretting. Chase your dreams and send them a letter expressing your eagerness to work with them.”

  

With that, she returned Emma’s phone.  

“Okay. I’m going for it,” Emma replied, determination creeping into her voice.  

“Yes, you are.”  

Emma took a deep breath and began to type, her heart racing with fear. New York City was vast, and she doubted she would run into Ezra; after all, it had been three years, and he might not even remember her. She had changed—gotten a little fatter, changed her hairstyle, become more mature than that naive girl of the past.  

As she crafted her email, a sense of resolve washed over her. The moment she pressed the send button, a smile broke across her face, and she turned to Phoebe, feeling lighter.  

Phoebe sprang to her feet, extending a hand to help Emma up. “Let’s get you ready for your trip back to NYC!”