Chapter 11
One week later, after hardly any sleep and a few panic attacks, they had donned their 40s dresses and were finally able to enjoy Rosemary’s party.
Fiona tapped her nails, painted bright red for the occasion, on a table. Cassie placed a hand over hers.
“Relax,” she said. “Everything came together.”
“Rosemary looks amazing, so we did our part,” Stella said, checking her lipstick in the mirror.
“I hope that curl stayed,” Fiona said, glancing again at the doors at the Midnight Lounge. “I brought the pins and the hairspray, but that one victory curl was going to be the end of me.”
“She looked perfect, Fi,” Cassie said, her dark eyes earnest.
And she did, Fiona thought. But then, Rosemary had invited the three of them to this glamorous 40’s party, and because they were representing their business, they had to look good, too.
“Did you bring the business cards?” Fiona asked.
“Of course,” Cassie said, looking very Garland-esque with her soft waves and chiffon dress. “I went with Savannah Glam, assuming we don’t change the name later, and I sprung for the shimmer detail. They just got to the store yesterday, thankfully.”
She handed a card to Fiona.
“And I added the pictures we got with Rosemary to Instagram,” Stella said, sweeping her voluminous blonde waves to one shoulder. She’d gone full vintage movie star in a satin blue dress and matching gloves.
They all looked perfectly poised and coiffed, but truthfully, the week leading up to this party had been stressful. All three of them had put in a full week of work at their jobs, plus extra time finding outfits, going over business models and names, and making sure everything was ready for Rosemary’s party. It had taken a lot of coffee and undereye concealer for Fiona to make it to this party.
Suddenly, Stella was tapping both of their hands. “They’re here!”
The three of them stood, clapping with the other guests as Jen guided Rosemary into the room. Jen twirled Rosemary, showing off the incredible off-the-shoulder tulle dress Cassie had helped her find.
“Absolute hit on the dress,” Fiona said, bumping Cassie. The gown, covered in clusters of crystals, sparkled under the mood lighting.
“Thank you,” Cassie said, a satisfied smile on her face. “You had nothing to worry about, either. Not a hair out of place.”
Rosemary absolutely glowed in her vintage look, and Jen was ethereal in a black dress and studded leather belt inspired by a Billie Holiday look. It had taken Cassie hours of work – and a trip to Beaufort – to find both looks. But she’d pulled it off, and the results were impeccable.
“Alright, ladies,” Stella said, picking up her clutch. “Let’s mingle.”
And mingle they did, especially after a few sidecars. Stella was the social butterfly of the group, but Rosemary was such an excellent hype woman that Fiona and Cassie had people coming up to them all night, too.
After hours of dancing, incredible food and a few too many cocktails, they had three new customers on the books, and several new contacts.
“This is going to hurt tomorrow, but you know what?” Cassie said, collapsing into a booth as the party was winding down. “It was worth it.”
“I know, what a night,” Stella said, sipping her water. “Half this party started following our Savannah Glam page tonight, I swear.”
Fiona sighed happily. For all the stress the week had brought, Fiona had to agree. It had been totally worth it.
“I do feel kind of bad for taking the day off though,” she said. “I’m sure the restaurant was slammed.”
Just then, Stella gasped. “Speaking of the restaurant…” she said, nudging Fiona under the table.
Fiona turned just in time to see Porter hugging Rosemary. She hadn’t expected to see him here, but she assumed David was closing down the restaurant so Porter could be here. He was in a plain black t-shirt, jeans and a leather jacket. Fiona was slightly disappointed. She was sure he’d pull off that 1940s look well.
“Don’t say anything,” Fiona said, hiding her face with her purse.
“Um, he just saw Stella and me,” Cassie pointed out. “And now he sees you, hiding behind your purse.”
“Why are you hiding from your boss? Again?” Stella asked. “I mean, I know why, but I’d like to hear what you come up with.” She crossed her arms, barely trying to hide a smirk.
“Because it’s my day off,” Fiona said, though really, she wasn’t sure why. “Why do you think I’m hiding?”
Stella leaned forward. “Because maybe you have a crush on him.”
“Not everyone has a crush on everyone, Stella,” Fiona said, adding in a very convincing eye roll.
“Shut up, he’s coming over,” Cassie whispered.
“Hello,” Porter said, walking up to their table. He smiled warmly, and Fiona thought his gaze lingered for just a second on her burgundy velvet dress.
“Hi, Porter,” Stella said, inviting him to sit. “How was the restaurant tonight?”
“It was a madhouse, but it was our best night yet,” he said. Then, looking at Fiona, added, “And you’ll be in for Jeremiah tomorrow, right?”
“He made me swear on my life, so yes,” Fiona said.
“How was the party?” Porter asked. “I hated to miss it, but I couldn’t skip out on a Saturday night this soon after opening.”
“It was gorgeous,” Cassie told him. “Thank you for introducing us to Jen, she and Rosemary are delightful.”
“I think Rosemary might have launched our new business all on her own,” Stella said, smiling.
“Well,” Porter said, standing. “I’m going to say hi to some of my friends here, but I hope to see you all soon. Fiona, see you tomorrow.”
As Fiona watched him walk away, she could feel Stella’s gaze on her. To her dismay, when she looked at her, Stella had her signature twinkle in her eye.
“No,” Fiona said firmly.
“What?” Stella asked innocently. “I’m not up to anything.”
Cassie laughed beside her.
“Out with it,” Fiona said, crossing her arms over her chest.
Stella shrugged. “I’m just thinking about what a wonderful job we all did this week.”
Fiona glanced at Cassie, who just shook her head.
“I’m not in on whatever this is, I swear,” she said.
They finished off the rest of their waters, and chatted with Jen and Rosemary before deciding to head home. Fiona noticed that Porter was still mingling, but she planned to sneak out without saying goodbye.
They were just about to leave when Stella turned to Fiona.
“You know, it’s so late, and I picked you and Cassie up tonight.”
“Yes,” Fiona said, frowning. “I remember. I was there.”
“Well, getting Cassie back to the farm is a bit of a drive,” Stella pointed out. “And you live here in town.”
“What are you doing?” Cassie asked, raising a brow.
“Whatever you’re doing…” Fiona started.
Knowing Jen was within earshot, Stella said, “Maybe we can get you an Uber? Unless someone who also lives nearby could give you a ride.”
Nearby? Oh no, Fiona thought, realizing too late what was happening.
They had learned last time they were at the Midnight Lounge that Porter lived in the historic district - not too far from Fiona.
Fiona’s eyes widened.
“What are you doing?” she whisper-yelled.
“Giving you a second alone with Porter,” Stella answered simply. “Don’t worry, I’ll track your location the whole time.”
Fiona had several threats she was preparing for Stella, but it was too late.
“You need a ride?” Jen asked. She’d said it loud enough that Porter, who happened to be walking over, overheard.
“No, no,” Fiona said quickly. “I can find a way home.”
“I was just heading out,” Porter told her. “I don’t mind.”
Fiona tried to ignore Stella’s triumphant smile. She was a true mastermind when it came to setups. Behind her, Cassie smiled sympathetically. She, too, had been a victim of Stella’s setup attempts before.
“That would be great, thank you.”
“Text me when you get home,” Stella said with a wink. Fiona glared.
They said their goodbyes, and Fiona followed Porter out to his car.
“Thanks again,” she told him, the sound of her heels echoing on the pavement as they walked.
“No problem at all,” he said, opening the passenger side door for her. “I have to make sure one of our best servers makes it home safe.”
“One of the best, huh?” Fiona said, grinning. “Who else made the cut?”
“We value all of our employees equally,” Porter said in his best PR voice.
“Uh huh,” Fiona said, and then gave him directions to her apartment.
“So,” she said, feeling a bit self conscious being so close to him in the quiet car. “How do you think the first week has gone?”
“Amazing,” he said, blowing out a breath. “And exhausting. We’ve been so much busier than I expected, which is great, but…”
He shook his head.
“It’s all a little overwhelming right now.”
“I get that,” Fiona said, and she did. Her shifts at the restaurant flew by, thanks to the constant stream of customers.
“Rosemary looked beautiful, by the way. You all did a great job,” he said, his eyes firmly on the road ahead.
“Thanks,” Fiona said.
She wasn’t sure what to talk to Porter about, considering he was her boss. Had he just been any guy, she wouldn’t have a problem. But their situation made her want to keep a bit of distance.
Fiona watched the sights of the city at night, the faint silhouettes of charming row houses and Spanish moss above them as they drove.
“It’s funny, I’ve been here for four years and there’s still so much I haven’t done,” she told him. “All the touristy things, you know?”
“Like what?” he asked.
“I don’t know, I just got so focused on working,” Fiona told him. “I have a whole list. Breakfast at Clary’s, getting coffee and strolling through Forsyth Park…”
“You’ve never been to Forsyth?” he asked, his eyes wide.
“I’ve been there,” she said, “but just like, passing through. I haven’t strolled through Forsyth park, you know?”
Porter nodded. “I visited here a lot growing up, especially after my aunt and uncle moved here. So we did all the tourist things. I don’t get out as much now, because David and I have been so focused on this restaurant.”
He rubbed the stubble on his chin, considering.
“So tomorrow morning…” he said, hesitating. “I go to the farmer’s market in Forsyth park every Saturday morning, before I head to the restaurant in the afternoon. It’s one of the highlights of my week, honestly. Perfect for strolling, if you’d like to join me.”
No.
No, no, no.
Fiona was no stranger to getting asked out. Plenty of clients over the years had asked her to get a drink or a coffee sometime, but she almost always said no.
This was her boss. A stroll in the park, no matter how innocent, felt very date-like. She had no business going, unless of course, he didn’t consider this a date.
Did he?
Either way, it was a no. Definitely.
“Sure, what time?” she said.
Well, crap.
The corner of his mouth lifted into a tiny side smile that even in the darkness, she found endearing.
“I go around nine, before all the good stuff is gone. Does that work?”
“I’ll be there,” she said, her voice betraying her again, as they pulled up to her apartment. “Thanks again for the ride. See you tomorrow.”
Fiona got out of his car as fast as she could and ran inside, furious at both herself and Stella for how the night had turned out.