Chapter Twenty Eight
I wave goodbye to Jolene Banks, who skips down the road, dress bag in her arms, delighted with her prom dress.
It’s strange, but I’ve never felt job satisfaction to this degree. Watching my designs grace the runways of the world was incredible, but witnessing the glee on a young girl’s face as she tries on her first formal gown gives me an indescribable sense of pride. Here, I feel like I’m really making a difference in people’s lives, transforming ordinary folk into princesses, even just for one day.
Now I truly understand what Kit was talking about when he said he preferred working for a small village newspaper over shooting glossy campaigns for fashion brands. There’s something so special about working with real people.
Groaning, I knead my temples with my knuckles until it hurts. I wish I hadn’t thought about him.
No time to wallow, Lottie, you’ve got a dress to finish . And this time, it’s for yourself.
I have a couple of hours between my next appointment, so instead of taking a long lunch, I decide to make some headway on my outfit for the ball.
As Lucy suggested, I search through the display dresses for anything remotely resembling a regency gown. A flutter of olive green silk captures my attention and I pull it out from the rail. It’s the perfect blank canvas - a simple slip dress boasting an understated scoop neckline with thin straps. Sleeves could be added easily enough, and though I don’t have the time (nor the energy) to mess with the cut, a sash could transform the waist into something like an empire line. A few frills here, a touch of sparkle there, and we’ll be in business.
It won’t be perfect, but it will do the trick!
As I pin ruffles into place, Victor and Marie’s love story circles my thoughts. I’m not sure what I think about soulmates, but if ever there was a couple that could make me a believer, it’s those two. Marie died years ago, but from the way Victor so vividly paints her with his tales, I feel as though I know her.
My mouth twists from one side to the other. Is there really someone for everyone out there? Do you only get one true love in this lifetime, or is true love a load of rubbish? I’ve never loved anyone, not romantically, at least. The most serious relationship I’ve had spanned little over a few months and could be more accurately described as ‘a bit of fun.’
And then there’s Kit, who’s ready to commit his life to someone.
I wince as I accidentally prick my finger with the tacking needle. If you only get one chance at love, what happens if you miss it? What if Victor had never worked up the courage to ask Marie on a date? What if you’ve found your soulmate, but their heart is promised to another?
I’m anxiously pondering these queries when the clatter of the shop door opening and Lucy’s cheerful voice hollers a hello. It’s a welcome distraction, my wrists are getting sore and I could do with a friendly face right now.
‘I’m in the studio!’ I call out.
Seconds later, Lucy ambles in, carrying a take-out tray of coffee and a box that looks like it might contain some sort of sweet treat.
‘I come bearing gifts,’ she grins, ‘of the caffeinated and raspberry brownie kind.’
‘God, I must owe you hundreds in coffee and cake.’
Laughing, Lucy plops the takeout tray and box onto the desk. ‘Buy me another round of mai tais at The Pheasant’s Nest sometime and we’ll call it even. Well? Show me what you’ve come up with for the ball, then!’
In one smooth motion, I unfurl the dress over the workbench, and Lucy gasps in awe.
‘Wait, is this that plain green dress from the rail?’ She shakes her head in disbelief. ‘Is there anything you can’t do?’
‘I try my best. So, do you think it will do? I mean, I’m not finished yet, but-’
‘It’ll more than do, Lott. Oh, I’m so glad you decided to come with me!’ She throws her arms around my neck. ‘I feel so much calmer knowing you’ll be by my side.’ She stiffens, as though she’s just noticed something. ‘Oh wow, is that Zoe’s wedding dress?’
Now it’s my turn to go all rigid. I’d tried to hide it in a dark corner, but there’s nowhere I could place that dress where it’s completely out of sight. Even if there were, it would still be on my mind, reminding me of the big bust-up with Zoe, reminding me that Kit is getting married. There’s not much I can do to forget that.
‘Yep,’ I respond dejectedly.
‘It is a beautiful dress, Lott,’ Lucy says as she carefully pulls the mannequin into the light for a better look. ‘What are you going to do with it?’
Hesitantly, I shrug. ‘I kind of don’t want it around here anymore, I hate looking at it, there’s too many bad memories haunting it. I was thinking I might just parcel it up and send it to Zoe as it is. She can finish it off if she wants, I mean, she is a designer herself.’
‘Yeah, a designer that steals other people’s work,’ Lucy snorts. ‘Besides, not all designers can work a sewing machine the way you can.’
‘That might be true, but still, I think I will give it to her.’ I try to stifle the imminent sigh, but it comes out anyway. ‘At least Zoe won’t have to scramble to find a new dress for her wedding. She’ll just have to finish it.’
‘Well, that’s more than she deserves. Has she been in touch since you kicked her out? I can’t imagine she’s the type to come grovelling, but you’d think she’d fight a little more for her wedding dress.’
‘Nope, I’ve not heard a peep.’
I haven’t heard from Kit, either. Not that I should expect him to pop around for a cuppa, I mean, he has a sister to take care of and a wedding to plan, I’m the least of his concerns. Still, I can’t help but feel bad about the way we left things. If that’s the last conversation we have before he ties the knot, well, at least I know he’ll stay away from now on which I can only pray will make getting over him easier.
‘What’s wrong?’ Lucy asks, clearly sensing the subtle shift in the air. ‘Are you still worried you did the right thing?’
‘No, it’s not that. It’s just … well, Kit came around yesterday. He wanted to talk about the wedding and I told him to leave me alone.’
Perplexed, Lucy pulls a face. ‘Why did you do that? I thought he was a nice guy.’
‘That’s precisely why I need him to leave me alone.’ My shoulders collapse in defeat. ‘The more time I spend with him, the harder I fall.’
‘Aha!’ Lucy punches the air triumphantly. ‘I knew I was right!’
‘Yes, yes, you were right, I have super strong feelings for an engaged man.’ I groan hopelessly. ‘Oh Luce, am I a bad person?’
‘Not at all! You can’t help the way you feel, hun. Besides, you’re doing everything you can to distance yourself, despite the fact that it’s obviously making you miserable. Bad people don’t put their feelings aside like that.’
I suppose she’s right. But I still feel awful , as though my chest has been hollowed out, leaving nothing behind but a gnawing emptiness in place of my heart.