Chapter 9
DESIRAE
Whoever said a woman’s work is never done was not wrong.
The charity show is fast approaching; I’m juggling fittings, meetings, and planning sessions, trying my best to concentrate on business.
But I’m constantly feeling this pull toward a certain sexy CEO.
Stone doesn’t help the situation when he sends me thoughtful texts on the daily, like this one:
Thanks again for everything you’re doing for the show. Your talent is amazing!
The small town gossip mill is alive and well.
When I learned through Joselyn, who got it from Regina, that the little girl who was in Stone’s office the day I went to see him belongs to a young mother who he’s helping out of a homeless situation, the lock around my heart loosened just a little bit.
It’s hard to reconcile the man’s thoughtful and selfless acts with the ruthless billionaire trying to take my building.
Just as I’m trying to push Stone out of my head for about the millionth time, Regina stops in with the mother and child Joselyn was telling me about.
“Regina! Good to see you! Who are your friends?”
“This is Hannah and her daughter, Hailey. Stone said you’re in need of a flower girl, and we thought Hailey would be perfect.”
I smile at both. “I agree. Would you like to put on a pretty dress, Hailey, and model it in a fashion show?”
The little girl’s face lights up, revealing adorable dimples. “I remember you. I saw you at Mr. Stone’s office. You’re so pretty and you had on a green dress. Do I get to wear a princess dress?”
I bend down to her level. “Yes, that was me. It’s nice to see you again. And you will make a great princess. Do you like pink?”
“Yes. It’s my favorite color!”
I look at her mother for confirmation. “Is it okay with you?”
Hannah turns to Regina, her smile tentative. Then she looks back at me, speaking softly. “Thank you. I’m not sure I can afford to pay for the dress right now, but if you’ll give me some time…”
“Oh, honey, you’re doing us a favor. This is to raise money for charity. There’s no charge whatsoever to you. And Hailey can keep the dress for helping us out.”
“Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“No thanks necessary. Now why don’t you two come to the back with me.”
Once we’re in the fitting area, Hailey starts twirling around and looking at her reflection in the mirror, giddy with excitement. Hannah gives her an indulgent smile.
A thought occurs to me. “Hannah, you look to be about a size seven petite. Am I right?”
“Yes.”
“I have a matching bridesmaid’s gown that I think will fit you. Would you be willing to wear it in the show?”
“I, uh, I’ve never done anything like that before. I wouldn’t know what to do.”
“All you have to do is walk out with Hailey. And we’ll do a little practice run beforehand, like a dress rehearsal, so you’ll be familiar with the stage. You’ll both do great, I just know you will.”
There’s a somberness about her that makes me wonder about her circumstances, but it’s her story to tell. I’m hoping wearing a pretty dress will bring her a sense of joy.
“Alright. I’ll try my best. Thank you.”
I go over to the show rack and pull two garment bags containing the pale pink dresses. “Here, try these on and let me see how they fit.”
After a few minutes, they both exit the dressing room, holding up the skirts of the dresses so they can walk without tripping.
Regina compliments them. “You both look stunning! Take a look in the mirror.”
The dresses fit perfectly, except for the length. And I see a spark in Hannah’s eyes that wasn’t there before. As I grab my tape to measure for alterations, Hannah says, “Desirae, I could hem these for you.”
“You sew?”
“Yes, ma’am. My mother taught me. I’d be happy to help out if you’ll allow me. It’s the least I can do.”
“Honey, you’re a godsend! I’ve got so much work to finish before the show. Thank you so much!”
Several days later, the steady whir of my sewing machine and the music I’m playing on my phone provide a soothing backdrop as I pull another late work night.
When Hannah completed the alterations on the two dresses and brought them by for a final fitting, I was so impressed with the quality of her work, that I offered her a job here at the boutique.
Seems she and Hailey are looking for a fresh start, and Pelican Point is the perfect place for that.
Apparently, I’m not the only one working late into the night, as Stone has been texting me from his office.
When I told him about Hannah and Hailey being in the show, and possibly moving to Pelican Point, he thanked me, with absolutely no mention of his own efforts to assist them.
My admiration for him just rose another few notches.