Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 123

Chapter 123: I Am Proud Of You, Kiddo

Brianna

I noticed the models would do something almost like flipping a switch inside of them. They had been laughing or talking normally, then when they lined up to go out onto the runway, there would be this shift. It was tangible and visible. They got these fierce expressions and they strutted out there with confidence. I want that switch inside me, how would they get that?

****

I was in a simple off the shoulder dark blue gown with my hair straightened and I put on accessory earrings that connected from my cartilage down to my lobe with three dainty chains hanging down. This show was more of a clean look instead of wild couture, so I wanted my grown to blend and not stand out. Or at least that was what my boss suggested when picking out outfits for the week. Everything was preplanned and tailored to our specifications.

Vogue is a brand and we the people who work there are representatives of that brand which means they want us to look good all week long. I have taken a million pictures of each gorgeous outfit I am able to wear. Janet was joking when she told me we had seats beside Veekee James. Both of them were friends because obviously Janet is a big name in Vogue London and Veekee James an even larger name in this country and throughout the fashion industry in general. I was introduced to the woman and shook hands which didn't even feel like real life. The only living proof I have of being in her vicinity was one picture someone captured and I wasn't even facing forward. I was talking to the person behind her, close enough, I will still keep that as a fond memory.

I took some notes during the show which I noticed she glanced at a few times. I hope she wasn't judging my notes. It is how I do them for Janet and she likes it. Being elbow to elbow with a legend in the industry was a bit distracting but I got through it. Veekee asked me a few questions about what I thought about the show and who I looked forward to seeing. It surprised me but I hope the impression stuck. I hadn't seen Lucy all day but I did run into Amos again at the end of the show. He and I went to the after hours and had ourselves a nice refreshing drink. Things were moving fast and I was trying to take hold of everything around me. There is just too much of it going on to really grasp everything.

I knew I had time in the morning to see my brother and I let him know to set the time aside for me. Tonight was a party though, and I intended on having fun at it. Lucy didn't come until the very end and I asked where the hell was but her response was funny.

“Fashion week, baby.” Whatever that means.

***

The next morning, I woke up with a very dry throat and a headache. I promised Bryce that I would do brunch but the aftermath of yesterday's party was setting in now and I cringed at the heavy knock on the door.

“Are you up?”  I heard his deep voice, I grumbled something but he didn't let me fall back asleep. He knocked louder and when I surfaced from the room, he laughed at me.

“Got in awfully late last night.” He grinned and handed me a glass of water.

'Fashion week, baby.’ in the words of my dear friend Lucy.

To save time, I put on a pretty simple outfit for brunch. I will be in fancy clothes later, I may as well keep it casual for now. I put together my platform wood heels, simple black jeans, a yellow button top and my everything bag. The place Bryce picked is a place both of us went to before when I moved to this city. They have great brunch foods, it is kind of what they are known for. We got a table for two, set off to the side so we could finally chat in person. It has been about three months since we have been face to face. Like I said, time is flying.

“Brianna, I have to say something.” He said it might be a big deal. My gut clenched for whatever reason.

“Yes?” He chuckled when he saw I looked nervous.

“Relax, I am saying a good thing. You seem to really be growing into yourself with this whole big move and landing these jobs. I have never seen you look better or happier.” He said and it made me smile but also in the back of my mind, I knew there was just one piece of me that wasn't happy and it is the piece attached to Callan.

I feel guilty when I look at my brother and think about all the lying I have done to be able to be with his best friend who clearly doesn't give a shit about me. It is why Bryce wanted Callan to stay away from me, my big brother knew Callan wasn't the kind of man who would give me what I want and need. But, I didn't listen though.

“Thanks, that feels good to hear from you. I want you to be proud of my choices.” I said the last part without looking at him because I was thinking about the choice to lie to him and get with Callan.

We ordered our food and they were placed in front of us some minutes later but afterwards, he came back to my late statement.

“I am proud of you, if your father saw you now, he would be furious at how much you have flourished without him.” He smirked, I smiled at the thought.

“Has he ever reached out to you again? I find it odd that he suddenly backs off. It isn't like him.” I asked, something I have wondered but never actually brought up.

“Well, auntie did tell me that he was injured, so maybe he is just too preoccupied with himself.” He shrugged but I didn't buy it.

“Was it you who beat him up, Bryce? It is okay if you did, you can admit it.” I said and he laughed.

“I didn't touch him.” He replied and I could tell he was telling the truth.

I took a sip of my drink but noticed some in his expression. Like he was thinking back to something.

“What?” I asked, he tried to shrug it off but I pressed on.

“Nothing, I just had my suspicions on who might have gotten their hands on him.” He said.

“Don't leave me hanging, who?” I tapped the table between us for him to speak up.

He was in a suit today, he would be ridiculous to wear one to brunch. He was in casual clothes but I noticed when he leaned back in his seat and flexed his arms behind his head, a few females looked his way like magnets. Him and Callan are like that, handsome men with muscles and tattoos and bad attitudes. And look how many women flock to it, I shook my head at the thought. He stopped stretching and leaned his elbows on the table to lean in dramatically.

“Callan.” He said and my brows went up to my hairline. I hadn't even considered him funny enough.

“You think so? Did you tell him about father reaching out and everything?” He nodded.

“Yea, I was so worked up that I went to him ranting and he said he would handle him but I told him to leave it alone. I didn't think he left it alone.” He deadpanned the last part and made me sort.

“Honestly, I don't care who beat him. If it scared him into leaving us alone, then it is a good lesson for him.” I help my head up high.

“See, right here.” He pointed to my face.

“You have grown up, kiddo. You aren't cowering under our father's shadows anymore.” His words really stuck with me and it means more than he knows.

For the rest of the brunch, our conversation was lighthearted and the liquor from the mimosa cured my hangover. I almost got tipsy but I can't, I have work later. He paid the bill and we went for a short walk together.

“Are you going back to London for another two months?” He asked.

“Wow, do you miss me?” I teased him, he dropped his heavy arm around my shoulder and almost walked on into a wall. He yanked me back into his side before I hit the wall to tease me.

“You could come visit, you know.” I offered and thought about how fun it would be to show him all over London.

“Maybe, I have been busy but Callan took time off so why can't I.” He snorted.

“I would have so much to show you, it would be so fun. Think about it.” 

I was already getting excited.