Carmella wasn't really up for it, but she didn't want to rub Finley the wrong way.
Her studio hadn't been doing hot for a while, and Simone might cut her off any minute now. She knew she had to hustle to keep it going.
After a moment of thought, Carmella flashed a sweet smile, "Alright, count me in."
After they had dinner, they hopped in Finley's ride and headed to the bar.
Carmella had a gut feeling she'd be paying some kind of price tonight just from sitting in Finley's wheels. But when they got to the VIP lounge at the bar, and Finley made a move under the influence, she couldn't help but push back.
After falling in love with someone as outstanding as Jason, Finley seemed a lot less significant in her eyes.
Carmella didn't put up much of a fight, letting Finley get a bit of a free ride. Luckily, he was genuinely into her and didn't force anything.
When they came out of the bar, it was already 11 p.m., and by the time they arrived home, it was midnight.
Carmella was taken aback to find Simone still up. She quickly covered the mark on her neck with her clothes.
Being visibly beat, Simone didn't really take a good look at Carmella, just asked, "Why so late?"
Carmella explained, "I was having a chat with a production team, and things ran a bit late."
Simone perked up instantly, "Which one?"
"The one with that hit TV show going on. Their new leading actress isn't digging their costume designer, so they're looking for a personal stylist, and they hit me up."
Simone pondered, "Is it the one Gwen was in before she tried to kill herself?"
"Yep!"
Carmella gave a graceful smile, "I couldn't have held out this long without your and dad's support. When I make it big, I'll make you guys proud!"
Simone nodded repeatedly, moved by the words, "Carmella, just go for it, your dad and I have got your back."
"Thanks, mom! But," Carmella's smile faded a bit, "I feel a bit bad for my sister. She's the team's designer, and me coming on board is like a slap in her face. It might embarrass her."
Simone laughed coldly, "If she lacks the ability and is looked down upon by Yulia, what does it have to do with you? Besides, when you were getting bullied at Snowy Studios, did she lift a finger to help? You don't need to worry about anything, your mom's got this."
Carmella smiled and held Simone tight, "Thanks, mom!"
"Carmella, you're my precious girl. You've got to make me proud, outdo all the competition!"
"Don't worry, mom, I won't let you down!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Xavier will always protect Norah he must admit this to himself and Norah. I believe after they return from this , he'll need to approach Norah 's parents and he'll get support from Jonathan and Ella....
I like how you are getting all the different love interest committed, thank you for the updates....
Hoping Manly have his own love story here, atleast a short one...
Emily has finally stood up for herself. Now with Charlie's support, her mother and sister in law will be as quiet as church mice....
Another epic ten updates... this is great! I'm sooo enjoying this. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you so much for the continuous updates......
This was soooooo sooooo good! I loved it! Thank you for the updates....
Then Melanie and Noreen will both understand that Emily is his wife, who he chooses and cares to be with. We’ve already had so much drama when Emily took off for three years hiding her pregnancy from Charlie. Emily has already confessed that the only man she loves is Kya father, which Charlie is. Now he needs to boldly claim the only woman he loves is Emily…I just had to add my two cents (he he he)....
Now Charlie needs to take Emily to the marriage office like Gabriel did with Sylvia . Reassure her that he will not take for granted. Thank you for the updates. I’m loving it....
May we please have updates. Thank you....