Southern Charm (38 page)

“Where should we go?” he asked, looking at me mischievously as I squeezed myself through the cab door.

I adjusted my dress until I was semi-comfortable. I thought for a minute, but it didn't take long.

“Fifty-eighth and Fifth Avenue, please, sir,” I said.

“The Plaza Hotel?”

“Yes, sir, thank you,” I said.

Ryerson raised an eyebrow. “A hotel, huh? What exactly are we going to do there?”

I swatted at him. “Don't be presumptuous, Ryerson Bigelow. There's a nice bar in the Oak Room and it's quiet. We can have a drink and talk. You know, we didn't have the chance to have a proper catch-up when I saw you in Charleston.”

“That's very true,” Ryerson said.

“And, after all,” I said, smiling slyly, “if you're moving to New York you're going to need someone to show you the ropes.”

He made a face. “Show me the ropes, huh?”

“Well, yes,” I said. “I'm a New Yorker now, after all.”

Acknowledgments

W
ithout a doubt, I know whom I need to thank first for the inspiration and inception of
Southern Charm
! Thank you, Charles and Maria, Tanner and Ross Rose, for inviting your southern cousins up to share the city you loved . . . fabulous New York!!! Had I not had the opportunity to truly experience the city at a young, very impressionable age, I might never have fallen under the spell of the most magical city in the world. I consider myself the luckiest girl in existence to live in New York City with all the passionate, intelligent, and glamorous people who inspire me every day.

However, I must send extra hugs to a few people for their unfailing friendship and support! First, thank you to my publisher, Jon Karp, for believing in me, and to my editor, Trish Todd, who gave me wonderful suggestions and never failed to get back to me quickly when I had a question, no matter how busy she was. I might never have had the confidence to begin
Southern Charm
without Bryn Kenny and Dianne Vavra at Dior, who provided me with tons of support and friendship, for which I am most appreciative. I send huge magnolia blossoms to my agent, Mollie Glick, without whose enthusiasm and support I most certainly would have lost the strength to complete
Southern Charm
. Thank you, Kerri Kolen, Tracey Guest, Amanda Ferber, Christina Papadopoulos, Raina Seides, and Pat Hull, for all your help and guidance.

To Kazu Terada and Tobias Buschmann from Samantha Thavasa I send big hugs and kisses for providing me not only with the opportunity
for the designing job I adore, but more importantly for the support they have given me through the years. And to my first business mentors I send my undying respect. My professional life would be far different had Elizabeth and Lara at Harrison and Shriftman not believed in me, giving me the confidence to believe in myself. I also want to thank Amy Astley, who made my dreams come true by hiring me as her Beauty Assistant when she was the Beauty Director at
Vogue
magazine.

On a more personal side, I want to thank my “babies,” BB, Bella, and Bambi. My life would mean nothing without my little family and all the love and strength you give me every day! Kisses to my sister Dabney and my dad. I love you both very much. And lastly, I send my love to my mother, who inspired me to follow my dreams.