CHAPTER SIX
The warmth of the dance studio reception felt welcoming as Lily walked in from the cold night. While Frazer finished a phone call, she hung her coat up in the cloakroom, revealing the burgundy tea dress that had a ditsy floral print.
She noticed there was a sold note on the hanger of the blue ballgown as she walked over to the reception desk, but made no comment about it as Frazer finished the call.
Frazer smiled at her, but instead of inviting her through to the studio to commence her dance lesson, he wanted to talk to her about something.
‘Dougal took photos of Victoria wearing the blue ballgown. I’ve put them up on the website, along with a video clip of us waltzing.’ He held up his phone to show her the pictures.
‘Victoria suits the dress.’
‘Yes, and I was wondering, especially as Mirren said you’d done modelling, whether you’d be prepared to model the pink ballgown. It’s okay if you’d rather not.’
‘What did you have in mind?’
‘A couple of pictures of you wearing the pink ballgown and posing in the studio. For the website. To promote the studio. I’d credit you as the dress designer. But it’s fine if you don’t want to do this.’
Lily considered this for a moment. Frazer had said that there was increased interest in the events held at the dance studio. And she certainly wanted to establish her dressmaking business. It sounded like an ideal way to promote her designs.
‘Okay,’ she said. ‘When do you want to do this?’
‘Now, if it’s suitable. Before your lesson. Or we can arrange another time.’
‘Tonight would be fine. I’ll put the dress on,’ she said, walking over to where it was hanging up.
Frazer hurried over and lifted the gold shoes he’d stored under the counter. ‘Wear these with the dress.’
‘The gold shoes.’ She smiled, taken aback. ‘They’ll look lovely.’
‘Use the changing room through from the cloakroom,’ he said. ‘Come through to the studio when you’re ready.’
Scooping up the dress and hooking the shoes on to her fingers, she went into the changing room.
Frazer set up his phone to take the pictures.
Lily came in several minutes later, looking so beautiful that his heart reacted, taking him aback.
‘Did you make the dress for yourself?’
‘No, I made it to sell, but I liked it and wished I could’ve kept it.’
Frazer was ready to take the pictures. ‘I thought you could stand over there, near the twinkle lights.’
Lily walked over to where he suggested and posed elegantly, showing the layers of chiffon in the ballgown’s skirt.
Frazer took a couple of pictures, and then Lily posed again, and again, clearly used to changing the angles to vary the shots.
He checked the images and nodded. ‘These are perfect.’
Lily came over for a look. ‘The fabric sparkles beautifully under the studio lights.’
‘It does,’ he agreed. And then proposed something else. ‘Would you like to try waltzing with me? For a few minutes of video.’
‘Do you think my waltzing is up to that sort of standard?’ she said.
‘I do. Again, if you’d rather not, it’s okay,’ he assured her.
‘I’ll try,’ she agreed.
Frazer set the phone up at the music system to record them waltzing, and put on a traditional song.
Walking back over to Lily, he took her in hold. ‘Relax, we’ll dance slowly, as we did last night. I’ll lead you around the floor.’
Lily nodded, and they started to waltz to the romantic music.
‘Remember your posture,’ he whispered.
Lily adjusted her frame and looked over his right shoulder as they waltzed around. She caught a glimpse of them in the mirrors and saw how lovely the ballgown looked.
‘Try a few reverse turns, and then we’ll change direction and dance some natural turns,’ he whispered, not wanting the recording to pick up his instructions.
Lily remembered what he’d taught her, and managed the reverse turns and natural turns well. This boosted her confidence, and when Frazer added in a sway to their impromptu routine, she went along with it.
They continued to dance until the song ended, finishing in close hold. Their lips were a breath away from touching, and for a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her.
Frazer resisted the urge to kiss her, and stepped away, making it look like it was a flourishing move, part of the dance.
Lily’s heart was pounding. Wearing the ballgown and waltzing with Frazer felt amazing.
Frazer walked over to the music system, picked up his phone and looked at the recording. ‘This is wonderful.’
Lily went over for a look, and stood beside him, watching herself dancing with Frazer, wearing the beautiful pink ballgown. They seemed like a well–matched couple. On the dance floor, she reminded herself.
‘Are you happy for me to put this on the website?’ he said.
‘Yes, it shows the dress to full advantage.’
‘You waltzed really well.’
‘I tried my best. The dress hid a multitude of getting the steps wrong.’
‘You didn’t mess anything up,’ he was quick to assure her. ‘That was impressive.’
‘I was concentrating really hard.’ She smiled and took a deep breath. ‘I think I was holding my breath the whole time.’
Frazer shook his head. ‘No, I could feel your natural ability shining through. This really is your dance, Lily.’
‘Now it’s our dance if you’re going to put it up on the website for everyone to see,’ she said lightly.
Frazer smiled at her and nodded. And the warmth that he felt in his heart for her took him aback.
‘Let’s start your lesson,’ he said, changing into instructor mode, forcing any thoughts of romance aside.
‘I’ll take the dress off.’ She hurried away to change into her own clothes.
Frazer watched the beautiful young lady running away, wearing the fairytale ballgown. The last thing he wanted to do was break her heart. Romance never worked out well for him. But he could be friends with Lily, he told himself. He liked her, and admired her character and talent. He’d keep their relationship on a business and friendly level. He nodded firmly trying to convince himself he’d do this.
He was setting up the music for her lesson when she came back in. ‘I’ve hung the ballgown back up.’
She couldn’t read the look he gave her, as if he wanted to tell her something, but was keeping it to himself.
He noticed she was wearing her cream shoes again.
‘I put the gold shoes back on the shelf,’ she added.
There was that look again, she thought. Frazer was hiding something. She wondered what it was, so she came right out and confronted him.
‘What’s up?’ she challenged him. ‘You’re looking at me as if something is out of step with your plans.’
Frazer had hoped to reveal his plans at a later date, nearer to the Christmas Eve ball. But clearly he needed to redraw what he’d set out to do.
‘Does this have something to do with whoever has bought the pink dress?’ she said. ‘And the blue dress? I notice it has a sold note on it now too.’
He nodded. ‘I’d planned to surprise you.’
‘With what?’
‘The pink ballgown.’
Lily frowned.
‘The day I bought it, you said you loved the pink dress. You’d wanted to keep it for yourself, but you had to let it go,’ he reminded her. ‘So I marked it as sold, planning to give you the dress so you could wear it to the ball. As a thank you for the work you’re putting in helping with the ballgowns for the studio.’
Lily was taken aback. ‘You didn’t need to do that, but thank you.’
‘Everyone that’s been in the studio and seen the dresses you designed has admired them,’ he added. ‘It’s created extra interest in the Christmas Eve ball. The tickets are almost sold out, but now people are interested in finding out what other events are planned. And that was what I was aiming for. To build a schedule of dance nights, party events, at the studio.’
Lily smiled knowingly. ‘So that’s why you didn’t want me making myself a dress for the ball, because I already had one.’
Frazer nodded. ‘And the gold shoes. You need the shoes. Let me be the impractical one of us.’
The way he spoke made her feel included in his life, his plans.
But the thought of the gold shoes made her smile. ‘The shoes too?’
‘Oh, yes. You danced well in them. Did they feel comfortable?’
‘Very comfy, especially for new shoes. But they have cushioned insoles and at the back of the heel, so they’re really easy to wear. And great for dancing.’
‘You’re welcome to keep the shoes tucked under the counter. I noticed you walked up here this evening in your cream shoes, but it’s freezing outside. You should wear boots or something warmer. Store the shoes here and wear them when you come up for your lessons.’
‘I’ll do that.’ Lily ran away, bolted through to where she’d put the gold shoes on the shelf, and tucked them back under the counter. She ran back through and skidded to a halt, smiling, as if she hadn’t done anything silly. ‘Making sure no one buys the shoes.’
Frazer laughed.
‘The blue ballgown has been sold too,’ Lily said lightly. ‘People are clearly buying up your stock.’
Frazer had that look again.
‘Okay, what are you planning to do with the blue ballgown?’ she said.
‘That’s Victoria’s Christmas present,’ he said.
Lily looked delighted. ‘It’s perfect for her.’
‘I didn’t know what to get her, then I saw her dancing around wearing it, and...well, her parents are off on a winter cruise again this year and she’s on her own at Christmas. I thought this would brighten her Christmas Eve.’
‘What about Dougal? Does he have family?’
Frazer’s tone lowered. ‘Dougal doesn’t have anyone.’
‘Oh,’ said Lily.
‘He has a flat in Edinburgh and seems content there. I’m sure he’ll meet someone special. Dougal says he wants to meet the woman of his dreams, get married and settle down one day.’
‘I like Dougal. He has a cheery nature.’
Frazer nodded. ‘It’s easy to buy presents for Dougal. He’s into cooking. I’ll find out the latest item he wants and buy that for him.’
‘What about you? What does the dance studio owner want from Santa?’ she said lightly.
‘A day off. A snow day.’
‘Snow is forecast for Christmas.’
‘I’d settle for a bit of frost. A frost day would be nice too.’
‘I’m sure Santa will manage a frost day for you, if you’ve not been on his naughty list this year.’
‘I’ve been on and off that list,’ he said, playing along.
‘You don’t seem the type to be up to mischief.’
‘I might surprise you.’
‘You already have by giving me the ballgown and gold shoes.’
Frazer smiled at her, melting her heart a little more each time she was with him.
‘Okay, let’s push on with your lesson, unless you’re trying to distract me with chatter so that your hourly lesson is burned up without you having to waltz a step,’ he said, toying with her.
‘You’ve sussed out my plan,’ she joked with him.
Frazer went over and turned the music on. ‘In that case, I’m throwing you right in at the deep end. Let’s dance the waltz.’
Lily laughed as he took her in hold and began waltzing with her.
‘Remember your posture,’ he said.
‘It’s difficult to keep my core strong when I’m giggling.’
Frazer laughed.
‘Posture, Frazer, shoulders back. Laughing is no excuse,’ she told him.
This made him laugh even more.
‘You’re going to be on Santa’s naughty list,’ he said as they danced around the room.
‘It doesn’t matter. I have the pink ballgown and gold shoes. I’m sorted for the Christmas ball.’
Frazer smiled and stepped up the pace of the waltz, whirling her around, using his strength and skill to almost sweep her off her feet.
‘No, Frazer!’ Lily squealed. ‘You’re going too fast.’
And all he did was laugh.
Lily let herself become lost in the dance, the excitement of waltzing around, lit by the twinkle lights, feeling safe in Frazer’s capable arms.
They finished in time to the music, and she was breathless from dancing and smiling.
Again, they were so near that his lips were a breath away.
If ever there was a wild moment when Lily would’ve kissed him... But she didn’t, and they both stepped back from each other.
Dougal stood at the doorway, hands on his hips, pretending to look perturbed. ‘What’s all this laughter and squealing?’ He’d finished teaching for the night and had seen his last clients out, then heard the boisterous noise coming from Frazer and Lily.
‘Lily’s being an unruly pupil,’ Frazer said to Dougal.
‘I was not!’ Lily said, laughing.
‘And argumentative,’ Frazer added.
‘I wasn’t,’ Lily insisted.
‘Well, whatever you two are up to, I’m away,’ said Dougal. ‘Victoria is just finishing up too.’
Frazer checked the time. ‘Where did that hour go?’
‘Do you want me to start explaining?’ Lily warned Frazer jokingly.
‘No,’ said Frazer. He followed Dougal through to reception where Victoria was putting on her coat, ready to leave.
Victoria smiled when she saw Lily. ‘I’m planning to drop by the dress shop tomorrow to see the ballgowns. I need one for the Christmas Eve ball. Frazer says lots have arrived at the shop.’
‘They have, but...’ Lily glanced at Frazer.
Frazer gestured to the blue ballgown. ‘You have a dress for the ball.’
Victoria’s face lit up with the brightest smile and she hurried over to the dress.
‘If you don’t mind, leave the dress hanging there so that clients can admire it, and get an idea of what to wear,’ said Frazer.
‘Yes, fine,’ Victoria gushed, delighted with the dress.
Frazer smiled at her. ‘Merry Christmas, Victoria.’
‘Thank you, Frazer.’ Victoria came rushing over and gave Frazer a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. ‘I love that dress.’
‘Well, now that I have no Christmas secrets left, I think I’ll call it a night too,’ said Frazer.
Dougal and Victoria headed happily away. Frazer locked the door behind them.
He turned to Lily. ‘But I think we maybe should finish our lesson with another few rounds of the dance floor.’
‘I’m up for that, if you take it slowly this time.’
She followed Frazer into the studio. He lined up three songs.
‘We’ll start slowly,’ he said, taking her in his arms.
‘And then? You’ve got a mischievous twinkle in your eyes.’
‘It’s just the reflection of the twinkle lights,’ he said, smiling.
They waltzed around, and he took her instruction to the next level, encouraging her to add more flair to her movements.
The second song began, slightly more upbeat, but Lily managed to keep pace with him.
‘Lean into the sways,’ he said. ‘Exaggerate them rather than play them down. They add flourishing aspects to the waltz.’
Lily did her utmost to get them right, and felt she was improving her waltzing.
As the third song began, Lily looked slightly wary. She recognised the song and knew that it picked up pace when it came to the chorus.
‘Let me lead,’ he said. ‘Waltzing is smooth, romantic, but sometimes it’s exciting to add a bit of drama.’
Feeling again that she wanted to make the most of the chance to waltz with a professional dancer like Frazer, she took a deep breath and followed his lead.
It was one of the most incredible, exhilarating and romantic moments she’d ever had.
As the song finished, Frazer held her hand and gently spun her away from him, encouraging her to conclude by extending her arm elegantly.
She rose to the challenge, smiling as they finished their last waltz of the evening.
‘You’re really improving,’ he said, starting to switch the lights off, clearly used to being able to secure the studio easily for the night. ‘Did you ever consider being a dancer?’
‘No, dressmaking is what I love. Dancing is great, but for fun. And I had great fun this evening.’
He put all the lights out in the studio and they walked through to reception.
Lily put her coat on.
‘What do you plan to do now?’ he said.
‘Head back to the shop, to my flat. Make something tasty for supper. I skipped dinner because Mirren and I worked late to finish some of the ballgowns. Then I came up here for my lesson. So I’ll have supper and then probably do some dressmaking.’
‘I’m going next door for my dinner.’ He shrugged. ‘If you want, you’re welcome to join me.’
‘For dinner?’
‘Just dinner, just friends,’ he said.
‘Okay. I’ve worked up an appetite.’
‘They have a delicious menu. Come on.’ He turned the lights off in reception, opened the door and they stepped out into the freezing cold night.
He hurried them into the warmth of the stylish cafe. The owners and staff welcomed him in.
‘This is Lily,’ Frazer said, introducing them. ‘She’s learning to waltz. And she’s the dressmaker I was telling you about. She designed the ballgowns you saw in the studio.’
Introductions made, they were seated at a table for two at the window.
Lily gazed out at the frosty night.
Frazer recommended items from the menu, and she was happy to try the roast winter vegetables and pasta with a rich tomato sauce.
Sitting opposite each other, they chatted over dinner, about dancing and dressmaking. And Edinburgh. He told her about his house that he barely had time to live in. She explained that she wasn’t sure how long she’d stay in Edinburgh.
A few times, Lily caught a glimpse of herself reflected in the window. Seeing herself sitting dining with Frazer caused her heart to react. She really enjoyed his company, and they had lots to chat about. But she knew it would be easy to let herself fall in love with him, and pulled herself back from the precipice of a potential broken heart, preferring to enjoy dinner with him. And not put her heart in jeopardy.
‘Have you started your Christmas shopping?’ he said, now tucking into the delicious trifle they’d both ordered.
‘No, but I’m planning to browse the Christmas markets soon to find gifts for Mirren and Bert. And perhaps for someone else now.’ She concentrated on her pudding, looking away from Frazer, though the hint was less than subtle.
‘You don’t need to buy me a gift,’ he said.
‘I know,’ she said lightly. ‘But anyway, I love the Christmas markets in Edinburgh. Maybe I’ll find something that you’ll love.’
Maybe he’d already found someone he could so easily love, someone like Lily. He pushed this thought aside, smiled and they continued to chat and enjoy their dinner.