Chapter 20 #2
Cassidy opens the door, and I step tentatively inside, taking in the store. The material looks soft and breathable, and there’s all kinds of different types of clothing here.
“Walk around and see what you think,” she advises. “I’ll keep the staff busy.”
Her face says that she’ll keep them more than busy, and I hold in my laugh as I continue walking. The staff immediately comes over to Cassidy with friendly smiles, and I shake my head as she asks to see a new dress that was supposed to come in.
Content knowing I won’t be accosted or thrown out for not being “fancy” enough, I reach out to touch a skirt with beautiful movement. I may not know what’s currently in style or what people are excited about in the fashion world, but I do know fabric.
I started finding any reason to escape my mom’s pack and our home early on.
It started in sixth grade, and costume creation for plays the theater kids put on was a perfect excuse.
Long hours after school spent sewing, altering, and learning new ways to make costumes made me appreciate what it takes to make clothing.
Getting lost in the aisles of dresses, suits, and timeless pieces, I smile at how beautiful it all is. I wouldn’t mind working here part time as their alterations person if they’ll allow me to. Each piece of clothing is functional and I smile as I lovingly touch a gown covered in sequins.
I remember my mother once shopping to attend a party with Alan, bemoaning how difficult it was to find a store with beautiful dresses at the last minute. She would love this place.
“Hi, can I help you?” a woman asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Me?” I ask, having a hard time removing myself from the past and grief of no longer having my mother.
If it hadn’t been the accident, then her own sister would have eventually killed her.
“I was just thinking how well made this dress is. I can tell it’s lined so the sequins won’t be scratchy, and the weight of it is oddly satisfying. ”
The woman’s brows raise and she relaxes slightly as she nods. I don’t think Cassidy mentioned who I was to give me some anonymity to explore.
“The owner designs our clothing. She personally curates every piece. There are a lot of parties in Savannah, so when Cordelia decided to open the store, she wanted to stock it with pieces that made sense for this city,” she explains.
“I can tell,” I admit. “These are pieces you’ll keep in your closet forever, instead of something that’ll rip after a few wears. The skirt set over there is gorgeous. It looks like something you could wear throughout the year, up until it hits the heat of summer.”
“Yes,” the woman says excitedly. “You can change the peplum set up by wearing it in different ways, and since they’re separated, you can also add the pants as well. Cordelia thinks having a few staple pieces helps cut out the stress of getting ready for the day.”
“As someone who just agonized about this, I can say she’s right,” I confess. “This store reminds me of a treasure trove. I can tell the care taken with each piece.”
“You seem to understand fabrics and clothing,” she observes, glancing over my clothes with pursed lips. Since I was homeless and lived in a cage not very long ago, I’ll excuse the criticism. “How is that?”
“I used to sew theater costumes in what feels like another lifetime,” I say with a shrug. “I’d get bolts of fabric, and had to turn them into whatever was needed. It was a lot of fun while it lasted.”
“When was the last time you did alterations?” the girl asks. Her hair is shiny and clean, her jewelry tasteful and perfect for her skirt set.
God, I really don’t belong here.
“I altered all of my mother’s clothes up until she died a year ago,” I say.
“I haven’t done it since actually. Her clothing was all high end, but it was impossible for her to find someone to alter her clothing.
She was shorter than I am, so she was always swimming in extra fabric.
There’s only so much a pair of heels will do when you’re five feet tall. ”
“That’s a struggle some of our clients have,” she muses. “We alter all of our clothing ourselves. It’s not only the hem, but making the outfit appear to be custom made for the person’s body.”
“I expect that helps elevate the look of the clothing as well as the confidence in the person wearing it,” I muse. “Looking in the mirror knowing your clothes fit every curve or lack of them has to feel amazing.”
“You seem to understand,” she says. “I really shouldn’t be doing this, but…Are you by chance looking for a job? Our alterations person has been swimming in orders, and there’s been discussions about bringing on another person.”
“Really? Yes, I’m looking for a job, and I’d love that,” I say enthusiastically. “If you need me to prove I can do alterations, I can.”
“We actually have someone in the dressing room now who typically needs alterations done. Would you like to use that to showcase your ability?” she asks. “I’m so sorry, I’m Lena by the way. I’m a floor associate.”
“Winter,” I say with a small smile.
“Follow me, and you can see the dressing rooms,” Lena says.
I do just that, wondering what Cassidy is going to say at this development.
Her eyes light up as she sees me walk into the room, before narrowing as she sees me with Lena. She doesn’t say anything as she stands in an off the shoulder burgundy dress. It’s layers of light fabric, good for every day, but I can see little places where it needs to be altered.
For example, she has a large chest and smaller rib cage, so it needs to be nipped in a bit. I can also see other little things, and my mind is already making the changes as I notice them.
“This is Winter, and I just met her,” Lena gushes, making Cassidy pinch her lips together in amusement. “She says she’s done alterations in the past, and I thought she could alter your dress in an effort to see if she’d be a good fit.”
“Hello, Winter,” she says, purring slightly as my cheeks heat. Of course she’s going to enjoy pretending not to know me. “How do you want me?”
Oh… my god. I can see the bratty playfulness coming out in spades now.
“I’ll bring out the cart,” Lena says helpfully, leaving to do just that.
“You’re going to be difficult, aren’t you?” I hiss, laughing softly.
“Oh yes. Please be sure to feel me up inappropriately while you fix my dress. Also, did you just score a job, all on your own?” she teases me.
“Ah, possibly?” I squeak. “It all depends.”
“Then use me, baby!” Cassidy says theatrically, making me flush crimson. I don’t think she realizes the kinky thought I just had.
Lena comes out and I take out the pins, tucking places to bring in as I go.
“Are you going to wear heels with this?” I ask, biting my lip as I continue. Lena introduced Cassidy as Mrs. Tremaine, which means she isn’t using her pseudonym here.
“No, I try not to torture my feet unless absolutely necessary,” Cassidy says airily. She’s a psychotic southern belle, which is the best way for me to describe her. “This is a dress I plan to wear with low heeled boots and sandals.”
Nodding, I continue to place pins where I need to, my fingers brushing against her skin occasionally. This is the perfect date night or day dress. It easily goes either way.
“Okay,” I murmur, stepping back. “I think I’m done.”
Cassidy turns to face the mirrors, the little step she’s on directly in front of them to offer the best view.
“Oh, I like what you did with the sides,” she says. “It’s fitted close to the body down to the waist before flaring out.”
“Does it change the style too much?” Lena asks, gazing at Cassidy.
I feel really nervous as I wait, wondering if I just fucked up.
“I don’t think so,” a woman with red hair says, stepping into the dressing room.
“Cordelia!” Cassidy says with a warm smile. “This dress is beautiful. Thank you for holding one for me.”
“It’s very you,” Cordelia says warmly, her eyes moving to me. “You have a really good eye…”
“Winter,” I reply softly.
“Nice to meet you,” she says. “The dress accentuates Mrs. Tremaine’s best assets, which is what you want, despite being different from my original plan for it. Am I also meeting our new alterations consultant?”
I refuse to tell her no one should consult with me for anything, so I simply nod.
“Thank goodness. We’ve been drowning here,” Cordelia says gratefully. “Mrs. Tremaine seems to be happy?”
“Very happy,” Cassidy croons, making me squeeze my thighs together at her tone.
She’s killing me here!
“Can you start in two days?” Cordelia asks.
“I can!” I say brightly, ignoring Cassidy.
“Great, I’ll let you help Mrs. Tremaine out of the dress and I’ll see you then.”
Cordelia and Lena both leave me in the dressing room with my devious alpha, who is now watching me through the mirror like she wants to eat me.
“You’re so bad,” I breathe, moving to take her hand as she steps down.
“I am,” she agrees, allowing me to slip the dress down to keep her from getting hurt by the pins. “I’m a very bad girl. Want to punish me?”
“I mean, what do you have in mind?” I ask boldly, hanging up the dress.
She’s wearing a strapless bra and a barely there thong that makes my mouth water as I stare at her. My heart beats faster as my pussy clamps on nothing. A tiny whimper escapes my lips, and she smiles as she pushes me into the dressing room.
“I want you to ride my face until you come, of course. You look like you’re in pain, Lovey.”
Yep, she’s definitely going to kill me.