Serendipity (Inevitable) by Janet Nissenson

him each time. Like Gerard, Travis was openly gay, but in a more discreet, less dramatic manner than the older man. In his early thirties now, Travis favored tailored business suits like the light gray one he wore today, and could just as easily have been a lawyer or executive as the interior designer he was. He was the co-owner of a very successful architectural design firm here in San Francisco, in charge of the interior design division of the company while his partner managed the architectural side. And Julia was keeping her fingers crossed that she would soon be one of their employees.
    Travis seemed in little hurry to discuss the business at hand, however. “How is Madelyn these days?” he asked of Julia’s beloved aunt.
    “Relieved that the holidays are over, of course. It’s crazier than normal at the store then.” Madelyn Benoit was the head buyer at Bergdorf Goodman, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive, high-end department stores.
    Travis nodded, his admiring gaze taking in the beautiful dress of cream cashmere that Julia wore today. With its crisscross neckline and slim pencil skirt, it managed to be both businesslike and ultra-feminine at the same time.
    “I see Auntie is still keeping her favorite niece well dressed. Another Donna Karan?” he asked, naming one of Julia’s favorite designers.
    She shook her head. “Ralph Lauren. And yes, there are definite and numerous perks to having Maddy for my aunt.”
    Madelyn had never married, and had no children of her own, so she had always showered her adored nieces with affection and gifts. She had worked in the fashion industry for three decades, and as a buyer for about half of that time. In her current high profile job, she frequently received samples and overstock from all manner of designers, especially when she attended the twice-yearly Fashion Weeks in cities like New York, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong. It was always far too much stuff for her to use personally, and even after distributing goods to her staff there was plenty to ship to her sister and nieces. And since Lauren favored a much more casual wardrobe, the bulk of the dresses, skirts, shoes, and bags went to Julia. It was a very fortunate thing, too, because there was no way Julia could have ever afforded to buy such high end pieces on her own salary. She made good money as an interior designer – or had, at least – but it still wasn’t nearly enough to afford the outfit she had on today. And she had a real weakness for designer goods, so she was eternally grateful she had Aunt Maddy to make frequent contributions to her clothing addiction and therefore avoid having sky-high credit card bills.
    Travis’ gaze dropped to her feet, shod in cream suede Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe stilettos. “Love the shoes, too. But you always were a very stylish young lady. Even when you were in college I don’t recall you ever wearing jeans and flats.”
    She gave a mock shudder. “Jeans are for tomboys and flats for old ladies. Besides, both of them make my legs look too short.”
    He grinned, looking very boyish with his well-styled wheat blond hair, fair skin, and trim build. “Well, you look sensational, honey. You must have to beat men off with a stick.”
    Julia sobered and made a dismissive movement with her hand. “Actually, I’m kind of off men at the moment. You know the old saying ‘fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me’. Or the other old saying – ‘men are assholes’.”
    Travis lifted a brow. “Well, I can see we’ll have to have a loong talk one of these days. Sounds like you’ve got some interesting tales to tell. But in the meanwhile let’s talk about the possibility of you working here.” His expression turned serious. “Gerard told me a little about what happened with that witch Vanessa but I’d like to hear your side.”
    Julia sighed. “You mean why she fired me and then proceeded to call every design firm she could think of to blacklist me?”
    Travis