“An opportunity came up. A graduate year abroad in Italy to study fashion design,” she said. “I was accepted into a program.”
“A prestigious program?”
“It’s okay. Good enough.” Ella routinely minimized her abilities and achievements, so he knew this meant world-class.
Wes couldn’t contain his smile. “I’m proud of you.”
“The bad news is I only won a scholarship. It doesn’t cover the room and board.”
Of course. Wes looked outside at the conservatory, not for the first time thinking about how unfair life was. “How much do you need?”
She told him, and Wes did some quick calculations. It was more than he would have expected, but he had enough.
“I want you to accept the offer,” he said firmly. “We can afford it.”
Ella paused. “Wes.”
“What?”
She made a snuffling noise that sounded like she was trying not to cry. “I knew you would offer, and I’m going to take it, but I feel bad. No one did that for you.”
“None of that,” he said. “What would you do if I had an opportunity like this and you could help?”
“I would,” she said instantly.
“See?” He leaned against the window. “Life’s cyclical. One day whenyou’re a famous designer, you’ll give me a hand, or Amy.”
“Thank you, Wes.” The relief in her voice was enough for him to know he was doing the right thing.
“When do you have to give your acceptance?”
She gave a short laugh. “Tomorrow. I wanted to make sure I couldn’t get the money anywhere else from the school or the program. Apparently I got the highest scholarship they offer, and student aid said it was out of their scope.”
“That’s my girl. You’ll have the money tonight.”
Ella paused. “What about Ma?”
Wes knew what she meant. “I’ll take care of it, Ella. I love you.”
They disconnected, and Wes saw Nadine watching him with an unreadable expression. “Ella?” she asked in a flat voice.
He put away his phone. It was ridiculous to think Nadine was jealous, and she’d be horrified to know she was coming off that way.
“My youngest sister,” he said.
“Oh. Oh, well. It’s none of my business.”
“If I have sisters?”
She went red, as if he’d caught her out, and turned away to inspect the attic. “Anyway. We don’t have much time. There are a couple ways to approach this.”
He hid his smile. She was in her element. There was a good chance her ideas were the same as his, but he’d have to be a real ass to ruin her fun when she was looking around with such bright-eyed determination. “What’s your option A?”
“Scattershot. We jump in and look at things as they catch our interest.”
“Not my favorite,” Wes said with a diplomacy that surprised him. “Too easy to lose track.”
“I agree. Option two is we work from one direction and look over everything in our path.”