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hand.
    Apollo stood up and shook it. “Thanks for coming, Dr. Love. I’ve been terribly worried about Janessa. She’s doing so much.”
    At the mention of her name, Janessa opened her eyes. “Oh, hi. You’re here.”
    “I just spoke to Dr. Malone and he said you can go home. Get some rest.” I looked at Apollo. “Complete bed rest. That means only getting up to go to the bathroom. I’ll stop by tomorrow and check on you.”
    “Will I lose the baby?” Janessa asked.
    Just a few days ago she didn’t know whether or not she wanted to keep the baby, and now she was worried about losing it. I hoped this meant that Janessa had taken the time to really think this through and make a decision that was best for her and not for her father.
    “I don’t know, Janessa. Only time will tell. Sometimes these things happen and we don’t know why. The only thing you can do is take it easy – put your feet up – and limit your activities.”
    Apollo put his hand over Janessa’s belly. “I’ll take good care of her.”

 
Chapter 17
    Venus and I walked into Jules’s studio and were greeted by his assistant Angelina. My mouth watered at all the fabulous clothes hanging on racks. Rows and rows of colorful blouses, pants, and dresses.
    “Jules will be with you in a moment. He’s been stressing about getting the new men’s line out in time for fashion week.”
    Angelina looked like a fashion model. She was about 5’11” and wore a pair of black skinny jeans with a loose white peasant shirt. A cigarette patch was visible on her arm under the sleeve.
    She noticed me looking at it. “Trying to quit. When I used to model, the only way I could stay skinny was to smoke a pack a day.”
    “Hope! Venus!” Jules shouted as he lumbered into the front of the studio.
    Jules did not look like what you’d think a fashion designer would look like. He was 6’4” and stocky with a full beard. He favored jean overalls and cowboy boots when he was working in the studio and looked like he’d be far more comfortable out in a corn field. Come to think of it, I remember Aubrey telling me that he was originally from Alabama.
    He leaned down and gave us a quick peck on the cheek.
    “Wait till you see what I have for you!” Jules said enthusiastically in his deep southern accent.
    He led us to the back of the studio where more racks of gorgeous clothes waited for us.
    “I personally selected this outfit for you,” Jules said as he handed me a beautiful pink sleeveless tea-length dress with a full skirt and a skinny silver belt around the waist.
    “Thanks, Jules. It’s beautiful.”
    “And for Ms. Venus, how about this?” He handed her a cream-colored suit with a hot pink slinky camisole to wear underneath.
    “Angelina will help you. I’ll be back to check on you in a few moments.”
    There were two small wardrobe screens to change behind. While Angelina helped me with the dress, I could hear Venus cooing over her outfit. I walked out to see her standing in front of the mirror. The outfit was stunning and fit like it was specially made for her.
    “How do you stay so thin after eating all those biscuits and scones?” I marveled at her size two figure. In Hollywood, anything over a size four was considered large. I was a size six and slowly working my way up to a size eight if I kept eating Frederick’s pasta.
    “It’s all in moderation, darling.” Venus studied her reflection in the mirror. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail with some loose bangs framing her heart-shaped face. She had a creamy, soft complexion and blue eyes. Totally out of place among Hollywood’s bleached, tanned bombshells that dominated the place. Venus was refreshing to hang out with after dealing with Hollywood Barbies all day.
    “You’re so beautiful, Hope, you’d look smashing in any size,” Venus said. And that’s why I love her!
    I swirled around in my new baby pink dress. Sequin accents adorned the neckline and hem. The color