Page 59 of Seale the Deal

I better get going, I say. Remi is on her way to me, I guess.

Audrey stands so I can see her behind the partition. I was serious about the costumes, she says. I could really use some help. The school has a budget—they’ll pay you.

I can’t get paid, I explain quickly. Immigration rules and all that. I wave a hand, trying to keep it breezy. But I’d absolutely volunteer some time if you need it. It would be nice to have something to do.

Audrey’s expression brightens.

Really? she asks. You’d come help?

Of course.

You’re an actual angel.

She rushes around the partition and pulls me into a hug, which catches me off guard because I barely know her.

Weirdly, it also feels kind of nice.

Thank you, she says again. Seriously.

It’ll give you more time to catch up on all this mending too, Beryl says, gesturing toward the partition.

Audrey lets out a sigh. The pile back there is becoming sentient.

I laugh.

She looks at me as she carefully asks, Would you be okay working on the costumes while I focus on catching up with the mending?

I shrug. Sure. I’m just excited to have a new creative something to work on.

Because as seamstresses, that’s all we need… another project, Beryl says dryly, and we all laugh.

The store’s open from nine to four Monday through Friday, Audrey says. But of course, come whenever works for you.

I shake my head. No, I like having a set schedule.

Audrey smiles. Great. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I echo, then wave goodbye.

At the threshold, I pause. I glance back into the little shop with its dated wood panelling and musty charm. It’s nothing like the sleek studio I worked in back in Vancouver, but that only makes me like it even more.

I step outside and almost immediately hear my name being called.

Wrenley!

I turn as Remi pulls up in her truck, window down. She double-parks and jumps out as soon as she turns the truck off.

Hey! I glance at my phone. That was faster than five minutes.

Didn’t get stuck behind Old Man Leroy. She waves it off like divine timing, while I try to remember who that is and how he affects traffic. But oh my God! Wren! I have big news.

Me too! I say. But you first.

My books got picked up for a series on Netflix.

My jaw drops. Oh my God!

We both scream, jumping up and down like kids on a sugar high, and throw our arms around each other.