Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
On Saturday, Suzie picked Laura up with Tim and Abby in the backseat, then drove to their father’s house to drop the kids off. To the sisters’ surprise, he didn’t wait inside in his recliner for them, but came out to greet them with more animation than they’d seen in quite a while. After hugging the kids, he sent them inside, saying there were fresh cookies in the jar, but not to fill up on them because they were having at picnic at the nearby park.
Suzie sent Laura a raised eyebrow that said, Fresh cookies ?
Laura sent a raised eyebrow back that said, When did Dad get a cookie jar ?
Dan came over to lean in the car window, smiling broadly. “I hope that’s all right. I just got back and showered after my morning run and I’m starving.”
The sisters exchanged another glance, both eyebrows raised. Dad runs ?
“Of course it’s all right,” Suzie said. “Something special happening at the park today?”
“Oh no,” said Dan evasively. “Might meet a friend there. Feed the ducks. Play a little chess while the kids run around.”
“Sounds fun,” said Laura.
“Might even bring my friend back to watch a movie afterwards. You never know. Well, I won’t keep you,” he added, straightening up to give the car a playful slap. “You girls go have fun and I’ll see you later!”
They called their goodbyes and drove away, but almost immediately broke into giggles.
“Us girls,” Suzie marveled. “When was the last time he called us that?”
“Not since my teens. I must be looking particularly young today,” Laura teased, then sang, “People will say I’m in love!”
They drove to the boutique with the radio on, sometimes singing along with the music, feeling very young and a little silly, as was a girl’s prerogative.
“Do you think Dad’s all right?” Suzie asked as the two of them walked from the parking lot over to the shop. “He seemed cheerful enough today, but he’s lost weight.”
“At least he’s getting out. I’m worried about him never leaving the house. He’s always been a bit of a homebody, even when mom was still alive, but the last few years it’s gotten so much worse. He barely moves from that recliner and he never opens the curtains, just sits in the dark and watches TV.”
Suzie shook her head, then shrugged and said, “Well, to be fair, he’s been a little better about that lately. And he’s doing more around the house. He’s actually been working in the garden this year. Well, he’s probably hired a kid to do it, but still, the lawn is mowed and the garden is thriving. Those dahlias are the size of my fist!”
They put the topic on hold when they’d reached Wilma’s. It was a great place to get unique clothing at a reasonable price and they knew Wilma from church. Wilma was from the Netherlands, and she had met her husband, financier Cameron McGruder, when he was there on business.
Wilma always loved to sew and started using her needle and thread to create beautiful clothing as a hobby when they lived in New York. She often used two or three vintage pieces and combined them into new ones. When her husband retired from Wall Street and they moved to his hometown of Kansas City, he rented the space for her boutique at Zona Rosa.
Wilma came scuttling from behind the curtain that kept the workshop from view, tape measure hanging around her neck. “Laura and Suzie, how nice to see you. How have you been lately? With de church still closed and de multiple services at de funeral home, I miss seeing so many of my friends. What brings you here?” Clear blue eyes blinked quizzically up at them. Her voice still held more than a hint of her Dutch accent.
As usual when they were shopping, Suzie took the lead– which was fine by Laura. “My sister needs a new outfit. She’s having a first date tomorrow.”
The petite elderly woman clapped her hands in unfeigned delight. “A first date, how exciting! Where are you going?”
The tell-tale warmth rushed into Laura’s cheeks, as she realized how glad she was they would have a vanilla date. What would Wilma say if she told her they were going to a BDSM club?! “We’re having dinner at Swagat.”
Wilma nodded while she raked her eyes over Laura’s body. “It seems to me you’ve lost a lot of weight since de last time you were here. ”
Laura nodded.
“You’re a size ten now?”
Laura exchanged a dumbfounded look with Suzie while Wilma chuckled.
“It’s my job to know these things, sweetheart.” Wilma paused and tapped her lower lip. “Hold on for a moment, I think I’ve got something!” She rushed into the back.
Both sisters glanced at each other and grinned.
Laura shook her head. “Oh, to have that much energy at her age.”
Suzie nodded. “Yeah, she’s something all right.”
Wilma returned with dark green fabric draped over her arm. “You’re what we call a ‘winter type.’ You could also say you look like Snow White. You can wear intense colors, but I would advise against pastels.”
She shook out the garment and held it up in front of her. It was a unique creation, with the bodice and skirt connected by a rich emerald green, but in different fabrics.
“Why don’t you try it on? I think it will suit you,” Wilma urged.
Laura took the dress from her tentatively. “I don’t know if I can afford such an exquisite dress.”
Wilma made a reassuring sound and pursed her lips. “If you want de dress, it is yours for two-hundred dollars.”
Although it would be a stretch, Laura decided she could manage it. She went into the dressing room, wriggled out of her own clothes, and slipped on the dress. She fumbled around with the zipper at her back before stepping into the main area.
Suzie gasped and Wilma nodded vigorously, but the butterflies swarmed in Laura’s stomach as she went to face the mirror. Her jaw dropped open as she stared at the stranger reflected there. The dress possessed an understated elegance, clinging to curves Laura didn’t even know she had, and bringing out the green color in Laura’s hazel eyes.
Suzie came up beside her and they locked eyes in the mirror. “You look beautiful. That dress is most definitely the one for you.”
Wilma piped in. “I think she’s right, sweetheart. I think I would want to make a small adjustment below your breasts. You have a great hourglass figure, and most size tens don’t have such a tiny waist.”
Laura looked a bit dubious. “When could you make the adjustments? I was going to wear it tonight.”
Wilma patted her cheek. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. If you have one or two errands to do, I can have it done in an hour.”
Suzie beamed. “It gives us plenty of time to find shoes and accessories.”
Laura was a bit overwhelmed as she let Wilma take the needed measurements and changed back into her own clothes. They waved their goodbyes to the elderly lady and left the shop.
“I can’t believe how little she’s charging for it!” Laura exclaimed.
Suzie nodded and linked her arm with her sister. “She told me once she doesn’t want or need to make a profit. She just needs to make enough to break even. It gives her the opportunity to create clothes and make people happy. What do you think, is there room in your budget for shoes?”
“I suppose I can find some. But do I need them?” Laura balked.
“What were you thinking of wearing with the dress, those boring flats?” Suzie demanded sternly.
Laura smiled at the visual and shook her head. “Of course not, I have my black work pumps…” She trailed off as Suzie scoffed and pulled her into shoe store.
Twenty minutes later Laura was the proud owner of a pair of golden-brown shoes with higher heels than she’d ever worn. It was a challenge to walk in them, but Suzie had been right. The heels effortlessly elevated her style, adding an elegant touch even to her jeans. They would be fabulous with the dress.
Half an hour later, they were relaxing with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Laura opted for cold and black, nothing but coffee and ice. Suzie ordered a half & half blended with ice made into a smoothie with added whipped cream on the top with a little chocolate syrup. The kids must keep Suzie thin, Laura thought. Those calories would have settled on her own hips immediately.
After buying the shoes, they planned to hunt for jewelry, but Laura remembered she had a pair of earrings that had belonged to their mother. Suzie agreed they would be perfect. Besides, with the dress and shoes Laura had spent enough money already. As they returned to the boutique, Wilma was wrapping up the dress for them to take home. “Now, you have fun, sweetheart,” Wilma called after them as they left.
A wide smile creased the sides of Laura’s face as she surveyed the shopping bags. I certainly plan to!