Begin Again novel Chapter 152

It was hard to be in Rock Castle in the last week of April and not be steeped in the fanfare and drama that came with Fashion Week.

Even if Eden didn't have a ticket to her front-row seat, there was no way she would have missed out on any part of the weeklong festivities because Sienna had a backstage press pass to cover the daily shows.

Lydia, too, had secretly recorded the entire opening event, giving her a sneak peek of what to expect when she attended her hump day evening show.

By the time Wednesday rolled around, Eden was a bundle of nerves, unable to sit still or hold down anything she ate.

It was her first Fashion Week and as close to a red carpet event she would ever attend, but she'd also chosen today to break the news to Liam about Aiden.

It wasn't their impending talk, though, that had her stomach in knots; after all, she had the custody agreement to help smooth things over.

Eden's biggest worry was finding the right outfit to wear to the most iconic event of the year.

She stressed and fussed over her dress, realising anew how painfully underprepared she was when Lydia showed her some of the show-stopping outfits all the bigwigs had worn for the opening show.

Her hair was her only saving grace. Franco had outdone himself by styling her now longish lob in a chic, sleeked back look to show off her non-existent cheekbones and graceful neck.

"I don't think I can do this," Eden cried for the millionth time as she slipped out of yet another dress that didn't look or sit right on her. She'd gone through about four so far—two of her own, one of Lydia's and the other was Sienna's. Cassandra's off-the-shoulder Ellie Saab was her last hope. But five minutes after trying it on, it joined the huge pile of clothes on the couch that didn't make the cut.

She was about to give up and cancel on Liam when her doorbell rang. She went to get it while her friends distracted her son.

Steven, Liam's driver, stood on her front porch with an armload of shopping bags from Nicci's.

"Steven, is everything okay?" She asked, a wary look in her eyes as she gawked at the stuff in his hands.

"Yes, Ma'am, everything's great. Mr Anderson asked us to drop these off for you," he said, handing her the bags. "He'll meet you at the venue, but someone will pick you up around 5:00 PM."

Before she could quiz him further, Steven was already halfway down her short driveway, rapidly making his way to the luxury sedan waiting on the curb.

Excited squeals broke out when Eden walked back into the living room, and the girls saw the bags.

It turned out there was no need for her to whip herself into such a frenzy earlier. Liam had sent over five outfits, matching lingerie sets, shoes and accessories.

"Nothing," Eden replied quickly and dumped her phone on the coffee table. "I'm just a little anxious about our chat, that's all."

Her friends nodded but didn't say anything. They didn't have to. The worried looks in their eyes spoke volumes—they didn't envy her at all.

"God, what do I do?" She cried as she mindlessly looked through the bags. Her life would be so much easier if Liam would just tell her which outfit he preferred so she'd return the rest and he could get a refund. A quick peek at the price tags earlier had made her wish she hadn't looked. She'd never dream of owning an outfit so insanely expensive, let alone five of them. Not when she had a college fund to save up for.

"—Well, you just tell him the truth," Sienna offered and handed her a freshly topped up glass of wine.

"And we'll all be on standby if shit goes down," Cassandra reminded her. "Just call one of us, and we'll pick you up."

"Yeah," Lydia agreed. "Where is this chat happening anyway? The penthouse or his mansion?"

Eden shrugged. She didn't know, and if it was up to her, she would have preferred a very public place. That way, Liam wouldn't lose his shit when he found out he's a father.

"Look at the time!" Sienna panicked when Lydia's daytime soap came on the TV. "You have to get dressed."