Chapter Four
Though I miss Paris terribly, I have to say, I do not miss catching the metro to work at seven o’clock every morning. I now enjoy a much more leisurely start my day, with a cup of tea and a short stroll down the stairs to my workplace.
Clutching the half-full mug between both hands, I draw my gaze over the small boutique, just to make sure it’s looking nice and tidy. I’m expecting the bridesmaid today, the one who’s auntie made the appointment yesterday.
I sip my tea thoughtfully, trying to anticipate what lies ahead of me. I’m quite looking forward to meeting the bridesmaid - the bride will be a different matter, but hopefully I’ll have mustered enough courage by then. I wasn’t told a lot which means I’m basically going in blind, but I work well under pressure. Sometimes I need to sweat to get the juices flowing!
When I lift the mug to my lips and find it empty, I head into the studio at the back of the boutique and make myself a fresh cup of tea. The old, plastic kettle is a bit knackered, a relic from my uni years, but thankfully, it splutters into action when I press down the button.
Just as the kettle finishes boiling, I hear the soft click of the front door opening. A glance at the clock on the wall tells me it’s five to ten.
The bridesmaid!
Smoothing down my blouse, I leave my tea unmade, slap on my professional-yet-friendly mask and stride smartly onto the boutique floor.
‘Hello, I -’
I choke on the greeting when I lay eyes upon a tall figure in blue jeans with a shock of dark blond hair over by the clothes rail. He definitely doesn’t look like a bridesmaid. The stranger peruses the pastel gowns on display with a discerning eye, reaching out to examine the lace between his thumb and forefinger.
‘Erm, can I help you?’ I ask cautiously.
‘I don’t know, can you?’
Taken aback by his sour manner, I fold my arms tight across my chest. ‘Look, I have an appointment in five minutes, so unless you’d like to make one yourself, could you just - ’
‘I know.’ He fixes narrow eyes of hazel on me. ‘With Tanya Brooks, right?’
Lost for words, I stare back at him. ‘How do you -?’
Before I can finish the question, a young girl of about fourteen bustles in, all grins and giggles.
‘Ooh, look at all these dresses!’ She brings her sunny smile to me. ‘Hi, I’m Tanya. You’re Charlotte, yeah?’
Ignoring the rude man, I step forward with a smile of my own and outstretched hand.
‘That’s me, but you can call me Lottie if you like. I understand you are looking for a bespoke bridesmaid’s dress?’
‘Yes.’ She links arms with the ignorant guy and pulls him forward to meet me. ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I brought my big brother along, it’s his wedding, you see. Say hi, Kit!’
Kit rolls his eyes, but murmurs a reluctant, ‘Hi.’
‘Not at all, you’re both very welcome.’ I grit my teeth into what I hope is a friendly smile and gesture for the two of them to take a seat on the velvet chaise lounge. ‘So, Tanya, do you have any ideas as to what kind of dress you might like?’
‘Not really,’ she admits, eyes cast down to her lap. ‘I mean, I’ve seen things that are nice, but they are all so different. And the bride is a bit … picky. I’ve been given some guidelines to stick to.’
‘That’s okay, perhaps we can put all your ideas together along with the bride’s and make something completely new?’
‘So she’s going to look like Frankenstein’s bridesmaid?’ Kit interrupts with a scoff. ‘I knew it was a bad idea to come here.’
‘Shut up , Kit!’ Tanya hisses. ‘Auntie Karen made the appointment, she said this place is brand new.’
‘Yeah, new meaning amateur . Why don’t you let me treat you to a designer dress from one of the Gladeswood boutiques?’
‘Because I don’t want a designer one, I want one that is unique to me.’ She turns to me, agonised. ‘Sorry, Lottie. I didn’t think my brother was going to be so rude!’
I did, from the moment I spotted him nosing around my rails …
‘It’s quite alright, I understand it’s a stressful process, picking out styles, cuts and fabrics. But I want you to know I’m here every step of the way.’ Frostily, I bring my attention to Kit. ‘And if experience is your concern, well, I’ve been in this industry for fifteen years.’
Tanya grins triumphantly and elbows her brother in the ribs. ‘See?’
Whilst they bicker back and forth, I scribble up a quick sketch that fits the description Tanya gave me - floor length with a sweetheart neckline and gauzy sleeves, and then we browse through fabric samples.
‘I really like the satin,’ she comments as she strokes the filmy material. ‘What do you think, Kit?’
‘I think you should have whatever you want, sis.’ He places a hand on her shoulder. ‘You’ll look lovely in anything.’
When Tanya beams up at her brother, I can’t help but smile. But her joy quickly switches to concern.
‘But do you think she will be okay with it?’
Hesitantly, he shrugs. ‘Maybe we should wait until she gets here, before you make any concrete decisions.’
‘The bride, you mean?’ I glance up from the paper. ‘Oh yes, I can’t wait to meet her. She doesn’t live locally, then?’
‘She’s coming down from London for the weekend to check out the church,’ Tanya rolls her eyes. ‘Unfortunately.’
‘Tanya!’
Kit shoots his sister a warning look, but she simply snickers at him. I get the impression she’s got her big brother wrapped around her little finger. A soft titter escapes my lips, and I have to muffle it with my hand.
‘Well, I’m sure we can come up with something together.’ Closing the sketchbook, I clear my throat. ‘I think that’s all I need from you for now.’
Tanya is still bouncing with excitement, but her brother isn’t quite so impressed. Perhaps he can see through my facade, I mean, he did call me an amateur earlier. Maybe it’s obvious to everyone that I’m just a reject of the fashion world, a loser who couldn’t make it in Paris …
The manic spiralling session is cut short when he stands and helps himself to a sugar cookie from the pale pink box on the coffee table. ‘I’ll go bring the car around.’
Shaking off my nerves, I raise a curt eyebrow. ‘Nice to meet you, too.’
He grunts in response and leaves, sending the bell above the door ringing wildly.
I try to disguise my surprise when Tanya throws her arms around my waist and squeezes tight.
‘Thank you so much, Lottie! And - I’m sorry about Kit. He just wants the best for me, see. He’s been quite overly protective since …’ her voice trails away, and she shrugs, trying on a wane smile. ‘Well, you know what big brothers are like.’
I don’t, having been an only one all my life, but I nod along all the same. ‘It’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll see you in two weeks’ time, okay?’
‘Great, thanks again!’
She skips out of the door with a cheery wave and follows her surly brother down the road.
A little discomposed, I tug at my hair and wander into the studio. My skin is warm to the touch and although I gulp down a full glass of water, the unpleasant encounter with Kit has left me hot and bothered. I’ve never met someone so rude in my entire life! I get that brothers can be bodyguards when it comes to their little sisters and all, but still, what was his problem?
And more importantly, what is mine?