I had finally found an idea that would help me with my bank account. I had decided to open an online business. It was very simple, an Instagram page with my email to contact me, a couple of photos, and a link to the payment site. I had clear steps in mind; create a website on the internet, offer my advice and get paid. A rather peculiar type of advice though... fashion advice. I know it might sound like a very odd idea, but I had done my research and it was apparently a very in-demand activity. The clients would write to me, and I would send them a bundle with the clothes and accessories that I had chosen and bought for them, all they had to do was pay me the price of the clothes themselves plus a small commission to guarantee me an income. As a child I had always wanted to be a fashion designer, and this was the closest thing I would ever have to achieving my dream. Before I was fired, I worked for a fashion magazine in the cover design department. I loved that job. Why was I fired? I had accidentally put the wrong model on the cover, and off I went, replaced. No, it wasn't my first mistake, but it was still horrible. Maybe this would have been the right opportunity to have a fresh start. I was getting ready to launch my site when William appeared from behind my shoulder, ready to go out.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm about to launch my own online business site," I replied as he walked over to the fridge to get a protein bar. He was really obsessed with that stuff.

"I see you've found something to get you back on track. Well, good luck. I'll see you tonight!" he replied with a wave of his hand and leaving the house.

I went back to thinking about my website. One click... and it was online. Now I just had to wait for orders. I made myself a hot chocolate and started my Christmas movie marathon while I waited. Maybe it wasn't so bad to have endless holidays at Christmas. I could do what I wanted for as long as I wanted, without deadlines, emails and documents. I felt that this business idea would come to fruition.

 ***

Ten hours had passed. Ten. I was halfway through my list of movies, and still nothing from the website. I had gained a few followers, but still no orders. I didn't expect much being the first day, but at least a couple of inquiries about my business would have been nice. In the meantime, William had returned home. I wanted to avoid stressing him out with my work drama, but he knew right away that something was wrong. On the other hand, my slumped posture on the kitchen counter and my make-up smudged by crying didn't leave much thinking space. Not to mention the dirty dishes of microwave food. This day had not been at all as I had imagined it.

"No orders?" he asked.

"No, zero. Ten wasted hours." By then I was completely down.

"You'll see that it's going to get better soon. Little by little, people will notice the wesbite and in no time you will have a lot of customers," he replied, placing his hand on my shoulder, and then he left again. Easy to say for him. He liked his job, it was well paid, and he didn't have to take any risks.

I was about to turn off the computer and go to bed, I didn't even feel like having dinner, when I got a notification. I had received an order! Named William Carter. I couldn't tell if it was a coincidence or if it was William trying to cheer me up. I decided to go to his room and ask him for an explanation.

"Is this you?" I asked confused, pointing to my laptop screen.

"Next week my sister Julie is getting married, and I need help choosing how to dress. By the way, would you like to come too? All my friends are busy, so there's an empty spot. Of course, my sister doesn't know you yet, but I don't think it would be a problem for her," he concluded with a smile.

He had just invited me to his sister's wedding. I mean, he hadn't really invited me, but he had thought of me as a last option. It was already very much considered that he had just met me. A bit strange, but I wouldn't have minded participating.

"Yes, I'd like to come. And you don't have to pay me. You're already paying my bills," I concluded, laughing.

"Perfect, then it's decided. I'll show you what's in my closet, tell me what you think is best."

I sat on the edge of his bed as he showed me the options in his closet. He had fancy suits just for work, he was the jeans and sweatshirt type of guy for the rest.

"What do you think?" he asked after a good five minutes.

"I don't mind the blue suit, did your sister request a specific dress code?" I replied.

"She didn't make any specific request, no," he replied.

"I'd say the blue one is perfect then." I concluded and got up to go back to my room.

'I presume you will put on a blue dress then,' he said. I felt my heart pounding faster for a moment. Did he want us to be coordinated? I mean, it was probably just because we were going to a wedding.

"You guessed it right," I said before finally leaving. I still couldn't believe everything that had just happened. Being invited to a wedding was definitely the last thing I expected, and while I obviously hadn't been William's first choice in terms of escorts, it was nice of him to ask for matching dresses. It was definitely what I needed after the disappointing day I had just had. Everything had gone wrong and he had cheered me up. I felt something inside me change, something that made me see William from a different point of view. But only for a moment. Him and I were friends. He cheered me up like friends do. That was it.

My appetite was back and I decided to eat pasta leftovers while I finished Polar Express. One of my favorite movies ever. When I got back to the living room after reheating the pasta, I was pleasantly surprised to find William on the couch already watching the movie. I sat down next to him with my warmed pasta, and we finished the movie together, without saying a word. 

"Wow. It’s beautiful," he said when the movie ended.

"Right? It's one of my favorites, I never get tired of seeing it."

"I was actually talking about your dress..." he replied. I followed the direction of his gaze and noticed what was on me. The dress I had chosen was long to the feet, with soft sleeves on the shoulders and bright details on the neckline and bodice. I forgot to take it off after trying it on. The fatigue was starting to take its toll.

"Oh, thank you," I said, blushing. We stood silently looking at each other for a few moments.

"I’m going to sleep now, I want to wake up early for tomorrow," I concluded, mostly to get out of the situation. I didn't know what to say anymore, it seemed to me that with each passing moment, my face became redder and redder.

"You're right, I'll do the same, goodnight," he concluded.

"Goodnight William," I replied. I wasn't sure how to interpret what had just happened, but I had learned that thinking about it for hours would be useless. So, I got ready for sleep and went to bed. William's order had given me some hope though, I couldn't wait to get back to work on the website.