CLAIRE

Friday morning came with bright sunlight and a text from the SoHo boutique owner.

Marina: Can you come by today? Want to show you where we're thinking of displaying your pieces.

I typed back quickly.

Me: What time works for you?

Marina: 11am?

Me: Perfect. See you then.

I got dressed carefully, choosing one of my own designs, the burgundy dress I'd worn to the opera with Julian. It felt like wearing armor, a reminder of who I'd become instead of who I used to be.

Nina called while I was finishing my coffee. "Morning," she said cheerfully. "Just confirming the third production run starts Monday."

"That's great," I...