Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

I knew I'd just end up eating this meal without really tasting a thing.

When I got home, I spent the whole night tossing and turning, halfway between sleep and wakefulness.

The next day, I didn't roll out of bed until noon, feeling like I was floating as I walked.

rummaged around in the fridge and whipped up some garlic roasted brussel sprouts and shrimp. It wasn't until then that I felt somewhat alive.

The concert was tonight, and with time to spare, I decided to shake off the funk and boot up my computer to get some work done.

First things first, a quick dive into social media.

Seeing the official announcement gave me a much-needed jolt of energy.

Just as I was about to zoom in, Christine's call popped up, "Hey, sweetie, you holding up okay?"

I didn't want to worry her, "Yeah, I'm good."

"Is Bryant back yet?"

I paused, "Nope."

"Then let's not talk about him, bad vibes."

Christine swiftly changed the subject, "I called to tell you, did you see the news about the collaboration project?"

"Just did."

Usually, these collaborations were straightforward - brands reach an agreement, sign the contract, and that's that.

But this Christmas collab was different; it was set up as a design competition.

Each brand had two slots for contestants, and the winning designer's brand would get the collaboration deal with the industry's leading luxury brand.

That announcement sparked a frenzy among the brands, everyone sharpening their elbows for a shot at the limelight.

Christine teased, "Tempted?"

"Of course. Who wouldn't be with such a great opportunity?"

To collaborate with the top brand was a dream come true.

"But there are so many talents out there, probably just wishful thinking on my part," I sighed.

Christine chuckled mischievously, "Isn't Mark the regional director for them now? Why not have him pull some strings?"

"Oh, come on."

I laughed it off, "What would that make me, and how would that be fair to the others?"

"Ah, you're thinking too much. Isn't it all about who you know in our society? You think the other brands won't be cozying up to Mark behind the scenes? They don't care about fairness." "That's their problem, not mine. I don't want to win that way," I stood my ground.

Christine, ever the pragmatist, "You're too stubborn. It's just a project, not like you're cheating in a major design competition."

"If it's labeled as a competition, I'm playing by the rules. Besides, do you think Mark would even go for it? He's not one to bend the rules."

"Fair point."

Christine pondered for a moment before her tone lightened, "But who knows, maybe he'd make an exception for you."

"Oh come on. Stop joking.."

I dismissed the idea without a second thought. Mark and I had been close in college, but we hadn't seen each other in three years; he wouldn't just bend the rules for me. "Don't stress about it now. I might not even get picked to compete."

The department head, Margaret, had the final say, and with only two slots available, chances were slim they'd go to me.

Christine cursed softly, "Right, I almost forgot about that thorn in your side."

I just laughed, "We'll see come Monday."

That was all I could do for now.

After hanging up, I glanced at the silent doorway.

A sinking feeling settled in, yet it wasn't unexpected.

With Margaret in the picture, being stood up by him was par for the course.

Maybe the idea of going to the concert together, which he had suggested, had slipped his mind entirely.

Midway through work, my phone unexpectedly rang.

Seeing the caller ID, I was hit with a surreal feeling, hesitating for a moment before answering, "Hello?"