I sat up straight, and pressed my lips together. The comment wasn’t quite a slap, but it wasn’t the compliment I’d hoped for. Whenever a statement is prefaced by the thing is, having said that, or however, chances are you won’t like what follows.
“Did you have something in mind?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I wonder if you’d consider moving beyond the idea of favorite mistakes to include, quite simply, favorites. We thought that might broaden your base, and we all seem most fond of your European stylings, and we were hoping to see more in that vein — European Favorites.”
“So there could be My Favorites Mistakes and also My Favorites?”
“I rather like the sound of that.”
“I can do that. I can definitely do that.” I started flashing back to my time in Paris, then flicking ahead to the quirky little design blogs I visited each night. I’d need to cobble together my own style, of course. But inspiration often comes from looking at the work of others. Or from art, I mused, as I thought about the setting. Here we were in the belly of one of the greatest collections of art the world has ever known. “When would you and the buyers want to see them by?”
“Soon. Very soon. I think we can get your designs into their stores if we can mix up the look and I really want to get them in for the holiday season. Which isn’t that far away. Elizabeth’s is looking for just the right style to focus its holiday jewelry marketing on.” She steepled her fingers together. The look drawn across her porcelain skin and fine features revealed nothing.
I nodded several times. “I better go get started,” I said and I didn’t have to feign enthusiasm. Her “the only thing is” wasn’t that bad after all.
“Actually, Kat. I haven’t even gotten to the proposition part yet.”
“Oh. Okay.” I took a drink of my tea and waited.
She placed her hands flat on the table, her diamond ring catching the light. “Is My Favorite Mistakes open for a small seed round of investment?”
I nearly choked on my tea. I coughed a few times, and I could feel my face turning red as I hacked at the fancy table in the fancy cafe in the fancy museum. “Excuse me?”
“I want to be an angel investor. Think of it as expansion capital to fund the new design work.”
“Right. Yes. Of course. Absolutely. I’ll do it right now.” I wanted to smack myself. I wasn’t making any sense. I was so bowled over I could barely form words.
“So is that a yes?” Claire seemed on the cusp of annoyed.
I collected myself. “I would be thrilled. I would be absolutely thrilled to have you as an investor.”
When she shared the amount, I did everything in my power not to holler and thrust a victorious fist at the sky. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined an investor.
“Now, the money is to be allocated solely to the business. You can’t use it to pay your rent or anything like that.” She wagged a finger at me and narrowed her eyes. She was being playful, but she was also serious. Given her tone, I felt compelled to respond with a salute.
“Absolutely.”
“But I do have some stipulations.”
“Of course.”
“First, you need to finish your MBA. I’m a big believer in the value of education, and even if this helps your business take off, you must finish your degree. Or else I’ll need the money paid back.”
“Totally. I’m definitely finishing my degree. I’m so committed I’m beyond committed.”
“Second, after you finish your degree and can focus solely on the business, I’ll put another round into My Favorite Mistakes at the same multiple.”
My heart sang. Everything seemed possible.
“Great.”
“Third. When we first met and you mentioned the markets in Paris and all the little trinkets and charms to be had there for a steal, and when my buyers mentioned they preferred your European stylings, I started thinking…”
Chapter Fifteen
“Paris, Mom! She wants to send me to Paris. And it’s a requirement.”
I was on the steps of the museum, my hand cupped over my mouth even though I wasn’t truly trying to keep my voice down. How could I?
“That is so wonderful.”
“She’s like a fairy godmother. And she’s making me, Mom, making me, go to Paris as part of the investment. To find vendors to expand my designs. Can you please just pinch me now because I must be dreaming!”
A group of school kids chattered noisily as they raced down the sprawling steps to the hot dog carts and pretzel vendors on Fifth Avenue. A curly-haired guy in sunglasses gave me the once-over as he walked past me. I shifted away from him, but then tensed all over, thinking he was Wilco. I scanned for him quickly, but he was already pushing through the revolving doors. I hadn’t gotten a good look, but what were the chances the guy was Wilco anyway? Besides, for a big city, New York was the smallest of towns and you bumped into people you knew all the time. Or, as the case may be, people who simply looked like people you were avoiding.
I pushed him out of my mind and returned my focus to the call. “I’m going to use some of the investment for the trip and to buy the supplies. But if the buyers pick up my designs, then I’ll ramp up the business quickly and I can help pay off your loan for Mystic Landing with my revenues.”
“Katerina, I’ve told you to stop worrying about us.”
“Mom. I want to do this. Just let me help. I mean, I know I don’t have the money yet, but I will soon. And nothing could make me happier than helping you guys.”