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There’s a hint of eagerness in her tone when she speaks about several paid project opportunities she’s discovered online—one being a rather large order for some type of footballs. I’m not fully understanding exactly what you can do as far as footballs and fashion are concerned. Her passion for it makes me think she’s capable of handling it.
Some of the spark leaves her eyes when she goes into speaking about overhead and the expense of completing the project as if she’s already doubting every person in the room will help her.
“The initial investment just for this project would be over fifteen hundred dollars, not counting the cost of the footballs. If I can get a good deal on the sale of my sewing machine, then I can—”
“Wouldn’t you need the sewing machine for the other projects you spoke of?” Khloe asks.
Devyn gives her a soft yet clearly forced smile, her chin quivering as she answers. “Yes, ma’am.”
She looks a little defeated, and I want to dive in and save the day, but I know I won’t have to. She may not know these people, but I do, and they won’t let her fail.
“Who wants the football order?” Kincaid asks.
Devyn refers to a small notebook, before answering. “Phil Benson.”
Kincaid nods before pulling his phone out of his pocket, making me wonder if he knows the guy.
“You mentioned upcycling and alterations,” Max begins. “Does that include men’s clothing?”
“Yes,” she answers quickly.
“You’ll be able to use the embroidery machine for more than just sports equipment, right?” Alyssa asks.
“Of course. It can be used on clothing, towels, hats. The options are endless.”
“I imagine you’ll need a website and e-Commerce site,” Max says. “I’d like to trade that for alterations. Tug’s slacks are too loose around the waist because he has to buy a larger size to accommodate his thigh muscles.”
“I do need a website,” she says with a timid smile.
“I’d like to purchase the embroidery machine you’ll need, but not the one you suggested. With helping you with this presentation, I did a little research. I found that it’s suggested to get the commercial machine rather than the novice, at-home model you were planning to get,” Em says.
“That’s very expensive,” she whispers.
“In exchange, I’d like you to make some more one-of-a-kind clothes for the kiddos at the shelter. Millie’s dress made several others jealous, and I’d like to see smiles on all their faces.”
“I’d love to do that, but you don’t have to spend all that money—”
Em holds up her hand. “That’s how I’d like to invest in your brand.”
“We’re having a Polar Express evening with the daycare kids,” Alyssa says. “I was thinking of matching parent and kid jammies. Isn’t that a great idea, babe?”
Harley nods, a forced smile on his face as if it’s far from a great idea, but I know the man will wear anything Alyssa suggests. The guy is a goner for that woman.
Devyn is writing all of this down in her notebook.
“I think we could handle the initial investment of footballs for that one order in exchange,” Alyssa continues.
“My anniversary is coming up, and I’d like my wedding dress altered into a party dress for the party,” Khloe says.
“You still fit into your wedding dress?” Em asks, looking a little sad and a whole lot jealous.
“What did I tell you about that shit?” Kincaid growls, his voice low as he leans in close to his wife. “You’re fucking perfect.”
“Only because it was a little big on me, remember?” Khloe offers.
“I can do wedding dress alterations,” Devyn says, drawing the attention back to her.
“I can do a monetary investment to be used at your discretion in exchange,” Khloe offers.
Devyn swallows with a nod, jotting down that information in her notebook.
She looks like she’s on the verge of tears, ecstatic that people are speaking up and investing in her dreams.
“I’d like to do a cash advance as well,” I speak up.
Instead of looking up and meeting my eyes, she keeps her head lowered long after the pen stops moving over the paper.
“In exchange for what?” Kincaid asks when it becomes clear that Devyn doesn’t plan on speaking up.
“Umm,” I say, scratching nervously at the back of my neck.
A few things come to mind, and I fight those thoughts off because this isn’t the place for it. I doubt there will ever be a right time.
“I don’t think I have any sewing needs.” I ignore Max’s chuckles. “But I can go through my closet in the next couple of days.”
I know I have a few shirts missing buttons, but I don’t speak up about them.
“She’ll need to be transported on occasion,” Kincaid says.
“There are some fabulous fabric stores in Albuquerque,” Khloe adds.
“Even better ones in Denver,” Em replies.
I nod, trying not to think about how Denver is so far away it requires an overnight stay.
