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I roll my eyes and wonder why I’m still putting up with this charade. Then I remember college and how hurt Baxter had been by his parents and how I’d wanted to make him mine. We’d never connected like that and now is my chance. I roll my eyes and tune back into him.
“Okay. So, what is the new plan?”
“Pack a bag for two nights, though I’m going to search for an excuse for us to leave in one. We’re driving up to meet my parents for the weekend.”
I stare at my desk, thinking of the schedule for the shop. Luckily, I had good employees. I would need to work a little, but I could bring my computer with me. I’m in too deep already, and though I owe Baxter nothing, I kind of do owe him something. He was there for me when I needed him in college.
“Fine, pick me up at my place?”
“Okay. Could you text me your address again?”
This was going to be a nightmare. I pray his parents leave New York after this weekend. They were a drain on me, but this adjustment allows me the time with Baxter I crave.
“Oh, they dress for dinner, so you’ll have to wear a cocktail dress, something muted.”
My eyes narrow as I stare at my creations. There was one dress in particular which was pre-release. It was a one of a kind so far because the manufacturer hadn't delivered yet. But this one I'd sewn with my own two hands, and it was far from muted.
“Sure, muted.” I hang up and send him my address. I pull on my pants and shirt before I send a note to my manager, informing her I won’t be in to cover any shifts this weekend. Not that I’m on the schedule, but I am a hands-on kind of person and the store is new.
I grab my computer and a few items of clothing from my private closet and fold them neatly before dropping them into a store bag. I buzz out of my office right into Michelle.
“Michelle, it’s good to see you.”
“Heather, oh my goodness, I didn’t know you’d still be here. This is my sister, Linda.”
“Hello, Linda, it’s nice to meet you. I was just headed out.”
Michelle glances at her sister then back to me. “I’m trying to get my sister to try some of your clothes.”
I nod and smile, thinking Linda would never feel comfortable in my clothes, but hey, I’d found stiffer converts who were all business during the day but liked to wind down in the evenings and weekends.
Linda sticks out her hand and her lips curve up a little. “My sister seems to think she’ll be a famous designer.”
I’d fought through doubt and won. I’d been in the right place at the right time and gained a client who’d introduced me to a couple of directors who in turn introduced me to a few actresses. Then my business snowballed in a good way.
“Sometimes, all it takes is being in the right place at the right time,” I say.
Linda nods then glances away quickly. Maybe I’d struck a nerve. I had to go, so I couldn’t stay and chat with Michelle and her sister.
“I hope you find what you’re looking for,” I say before turning to Marci, my assistant store manager. “I’m leaving for the evening. I sent a note to Bree, but I wanted to tell you I’ll be gone for the weekend.”
I wave to Michelle and her sister before I take off. The crosstown bus stop is right outside my store so I hop on and then catch the subway the rest of the way home. I love being in the mass of humanity, mixing in with people of different nations who speak different languages, dress differently, live differently. A child is singing in a different language, it’s sweet. I smile to myself and glance at my phone. There is a text from Marci.
Weekend away? Are you going to party? Maybe go to Vegas or Key West?
I laugh as I type my reply.
No, nothing so exciting. I’m headed to Connecticut.
Oh God, at least tell me you’ll have a man you can play with at your beck and call.
A bark of laughter escapes and a few people on the train glance my way. I type in my reply, a smiley face. The train screeches to a halt and I hop off and head up to the ground level. I pick up an apple at Westside Market.
“There’s my girl.”
I turn and wave. “Hi’ya, Frank.”
He moves closer and hands me a peach too. “Take this one. It’s on the house. By the way, I saw six women wearing your clothes today. You’re taking over the city.”
