Chapter Seventeen
Saturday comes around so fast, I barely have time to register it.
Back and forth, I pace the length of the boutique floor, antsy and aflutter for Zoe’s arrival. It’s not as if I’m looking forward to seeing her, but I must confess, I’m cautiously optimistic about the appointment. The updated gown design is looking great and my confidence is slowly beginning to creep upward.
Without warning, the door swings open, and the familiar fumes of Zoe’s cloying perfume invade my nostrils.
‘Hola!’ she calls out in that grating, high-pitched voice she insists on adopting. ‘So, let’s not waste any time, where’s the new design?’
Hurriedly, I sift through my pink folder and locate the design. Standing tall, I pass it to her, expecting her to study it for at least three minutes of silence like she did last time. But she doesn’t, she passes a cursory glance over the page and shakes her head furiously.
‘No, no no!’ she whines. ‘This isn’t what I wanted at all!’
‘What do you mean?’ I’m beginning to lose my patience now. ‘You asked for a lightweight skirt in chiffon silk, that’s what I’ve drawn up. You wanted a boned bodice with lace applique, I’ve done that. It’s exactly what you wanted.’
‘Well, it doesn’t look right.’
‘It’s hardly my fault if your ideas don’t match your vision. But for what it’s worth, I think it would look great on you.’
‘Great isn’t good enough!’
Exasperated, I place the folder down on the desk. ‘Look, it’s clear that I can’t please you.’ My fingers fidget in my lap, literally clinging to the tiny shred of professionalism this appointment hasn’t drained from me. ‘I don’t understand why you don’t just design your own dress? You have the skills.’
‘Erm, would you ask a photographer to capture her own wedding?’ Zoe wrinkles her nose in disgust at the suggestion. ‘A baker to provide his own cake? Nope babes, it’s too much of a busman’s holiday for me. Besides, Kit's aunt made the appointment, and I couldn’t exactly say no , could I?’ She spits out a mirthless cackle. ‘Not when Tanya’s crazy about you - though goodness knows why, when you can’t get a simple draft right. That’s not to mention they’re all going to be devastated when they find out he’s leaving this poxy village after the wedding. Taking Karen’s recommendation will at least keep her happy for now.’
I stand back in awe of her manipulation, wondering what sort of spell she’s cast over the Brooks’ aunt and uncle. Tanya hasn’t fallen for it, she can see right through the facade, but it looks as though she’s got the rest of them twisted around her fingers, including Kit.
‘Does Kit want to leave Lily Vale?’ I venture, though I know it’s none of my business. Still, I can’t let her hurt Tanya like this, not after everything she’s been through. ‘From what I hear, his family are very important to him.’
‘ I’m his family.’ Zoe thunders.
Yikes, this is getting way too personal. I have to get this appointment back on track, and fast.
‘You know, we’re going to have to move from paper to fabric soon,’ I warn her. ‘The wedding isn’t that far off.’
‘I'm perfectly aware of when my wedding is, thank you.’
‘Well, then you should be aware that I need to get a pattern cut out soon.’ I fold my arms, my stance as stern as a chastising teacher. ‘As a designer yourself, I know that you know this.’
With an overly dramatic groan, Zoe slumps down in the chair by my work table. ‘Fine!’
Her attitude is astonishing. She’s behaving like a spoiled brat, reminding me of a surly teeenage who’s been dragged here under sufferance. I’ve heard of Bridezillas, but this is getting ridiculous.
‘Look, why don’t we leave it for now and we’ll reconvene next week.’ I suggest. ‘Tanya is coming in for a fitting next Saturday, I’m sure you’d like to see how your bridesmaid will look next to you on the big day.’
She yawns, rudely and way too loud in my ear. ‘Sure. Let’s make it a date.’
‘In the meantime, could you perhaps have a good think about what you really want in a dress?’ I grit my teeth into a strained smile. ‘It would make my job much easier.’
‘Well to be honest, babe, I don’t really care about your job, I care about my wedding. And if you can’t get this dress right, well then, I can always find someone else who will.’
The threat is delivered with a dark scowl, all traces of the ‘nice girl’ act gone. She means it, and I can’t afford to lose her custom, not when the boutique has barely been open a month.
‘I can handle it,’ I assure her. ‘But even so, if there’s any more ideas you have, please do let me know.’
‘Noted.’
And with a prickly frostiness that could rival a snowman’s stubble, Zoe slides her tote bag over one shoulder and teeters off toward the door, her stilettos clacking on the wooden floorboards.
I rest my back against the desk, trying to process what just occurred.
Geez … it feels as though I’ve been in a boxing match and lost.
Zoe’s snarkiness shouldn't shock me, I’ve had plenty of that lately, but today was different … she seemed agitated, angry , as if she wants to get this whole thing over and done with. It has me wondering… does she even want to get married? Or does she just want the benefits that will come her way once she’s officially Mrs Brooks?
Either way, the mask is beginning to slip. If I had to guess, I’d say the nice girl act is becoming boring for her.
Kit seems to have no idea of her plans to leave Lily Vale, and I wonder how much he knows about the real Zoe. Does she constantly play it sweet around him, like she did at the summer fair? That sounds exhausting, to pretend to be someone you’re not all the while. How long can she keep it up? Until the wedding? The honeymoon? The next twenty years?
I puff out my cheeks at the thought of all that effort. I almost feel sorry for her, faking it so that your fiancé, the person who is supposed to know you inside and out, won’t find out who you truly are.
Both palms pressed against the small of my aching back, I glance down at the rejected design on the desk and grimace.
Almost.