How to Frame a Fashionista

by Debra Sennefelder

  “Look, here’s Tawny’s Instagram account.” Breena swiped through Tawny’s feed.

  Kelly’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she saw how many followers Tawny had. It was official. Her new client was a social media star.

  She was also uber-fit.

  “Oh, my goodness.” Kelly took the phone and studied the photographs of Tawny. Fit would be an understatement. She bared her midriff in every other photo. Taut, sculpted, and flat. Everything a gal wanted in a mid-section. Sprinkled in between the bare midriff pics were close-ups of Tawny’s makeup-free face. She looked healthy and approachable. Someone Kelly would feel comfortable working with. There were some motivational quotes. Stop wishing. Start doing. Kelly scrolled past them and came to video clips.

  Kelly tapped on a video and watched Tawny do a burpee. She agreed that it was a challenging exercise for working several parts of the body at once, but burpees were also evil. She hated them. Watching Tawny do them so easily, and the fact that she was at least ten years older than Kelly, irritated her.

  “She’s amazing, right?” Breena asked.

  “She certainly is.” Kelly handed the phone back to Breena.

  “It would be so much fun if we were doing PBF together!”

  “I don’t think burpees are fun. Look, I have to leave now and I won’t be long. After my appointment with Tawny, we can go over the marketing plan for summer.” Even though they were only weeks from the start of spring, retail was always at least a season ahead.

  Breena beamed with excitement. “Great! I saw the printout for the items we sold online. I’ll pack them up now and dash out to the post office after our meeting. Okay?”

  “Sounds good.” Kelly picked up her purse from the desk. She’d broken out her no-label, black, faux crocodile shoulder bag for today’s appointment. It was simple yet elegant, and even though it didn’t have a designer label, it was pricey because of its quality. A definite splurge, but a smart investment.

  “Oh, I want to hear everything about your meeting with Tawny. All the details.” Kelly nodded, then turned and walked to the back door. She sucked in her three-brownie-bloated stomach and squared her shoulders. Surely that was enough to make her look ten pounds thinner.

  Kelly parked her Jeep in the driveway of the Fallow house, a stately two-floor Colonial with an intricately patterned walkway that led to the elegant front door. The home was located on a quiet street not too far from Main Street. It would have been a pleasant walk if she had been sure she’d be leaving without merchandise.

  When she spoke with Tawny, she was instructed to come to the cottage situated behind the main house. Kelly grabbed her purse and stepped out of the Jeep. Gently curved garden beds flowed along the property and around the house. She imagined, in a few weeks, bursts of color would bloom, nudging out all the drabness leftover from a harsh winter. Not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination, Kelly could only guess at how those garden beds would transform.

  She walked around the front of her Jeep and took notice of the sleek silver Mercedes parked next to her vehicle. She glimpsed into the passenger window as she walked past the car. Not too shabby. And neither was the Louis Vuitton duffel bag on the passenger seat. Her heartbeat did a pitter-patter at the sight. She barely scraped together enough money to buy her key holder. The duffel would have to wait for many more years, possibly decades.

  Kelly walked away from the luxury car and the duffel bag before she started drooling. She followed the stone path that veered off the main walkway.

  The sun was out in full glory, melting the fallen snow, just what her roof didn’t need. She pushed aside those thoughts. They were counterproductive to what she needed to do—land a new client obsessed with clothes. They always made the best consigners.

  * * * *

  Continuing along the path, she sidestepped some puddles. The cottage came into view. It had petite windows framed with shutters and window boxes that must overflow with pretty flowers in the warmer months. As she got closer, she heard raised voices coming through the open front door.

  One voice sounded oddly familiar to her.

  OMG. Was it her?

  Nah. Not possible.

  There was no way in heck the Dragonista of Seventh Avenue would be in Lucky Cove.

  A few footsteps closer, and Kelly couldn’t shake the fact that the voice belonged to her former boss.

  “This is none of your business!” That voice sounded like the one she heard on the phone when she talked to Tawny.

  “It’s between Jason and me.” That was definitely her voice.

  All at once, Kelly’s chest tightened, her vision blurred, and she became lightheaded. It was a familiar feeling that she hadn’t experienced since her last day at Bishop’s Department store.

  She froze as her eyes focused on the figure clad in a faux leopard coat blocking the doorway of the cottage. Same height, same frame.

  “Of course, it’s my business. He’s my husband!” Tawny said.

  “Only because he was desperate and vulnerable when you paraded into his life in your knockoff Lululemon.”

  Yep. There was no doubt in Kelly’s mind now. But what was she doing in Lucky Cove?

  “How dare you! Get off my property.”

  “You’re forgetting who I am.”

  Oh, boy. Kelly, still frozen in place, had to figure out what to do. Interrupt? From her experience, that was never a good idea. Turn and run? Then she’d miss her appointment with Tawny, and she needed clothing to sell.

  Buck up. I don’t work for her any longer.

  Kelly squared her shoulders, not to shave a few pounds from her appearance this time, but to fortify herself. She was about to have a very awkward encounter with the woman who fired her in front of the whole office staff.

  Kelly put one foot in front of the other and continued forward until she reached the cottage’s entry. She cleared her throat loudly and caught both women’s attention.

  The unwelcome visitor slowly turned her head to look over her shoulder. Her trademark tortoiseshell sunglasses covered a good portion of her face. Her plump lips, thanks to injectables, were pursed, and her raven-colored hair was still chin length with wispy bangs.

  “Kelly Quinn? Well, wonders never cease.” Serena Dawson’s voice was icy and

  haughty, as much of a trademark as her sunglasses. She lowered her glasses and gave Kelly a thorough once-over, then readjusted them on the bridge of her slender nose. “What on earth are you doing here?”

  Chapter 2

  “I could ask you the same thing.” Kelly stood firm. She wasn’t about to let Serena see that her legs were wobbly or get a hint of the fact her heart was racing a mile a minute. No. She wasn’t the assistant fashion buyer that never could do anything that pleased the grand dame of retail fashion. She was a business owner and an up and coming fashion writer.

  Serena waved her gloved hand. “It’s none of your business why I’m here. Run along now. Tawny and I are in the middle of a conversation.”

  It appeared that time hadn’t mellowed Serena or improved her manners. Kelly shouldn’t have been surprised by the dismissal but she was. They were now in her hometown, her territory. Serena may have ruled Seventh Avenue but Lucky Cove was Kelly’s.

  Before Kelly could say something, Tawny stepped forward, wagging a finger at Serena.

  “The almighty Serena Dawson never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think your behavior couldn’t possibly get any worse it does. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ve asked Kelly to come here. She’s welcome. You’re not!” Tawny’s tone left no doubt in Kelly’s mind she wasn’t messing around. While she didn’t have big, bulging muscles, her biceps were defined, and she looked like she could easily toss Serena, who was stick-thin thanks to her mastery of a lifelong strict diet. And maybe a few tweaks here and there at a clinic that was referred to as a spa.r />
  Serena’s mouth formed an “o”. Clearly, she was shocked by Tawny’s sass. Well, that was the only way her former boss could possibly look shocked. Regular appointments with her dermatologist for injectables kept Serena’s face neutral of expression. That’s why Serena firing her had come as such a shock to Kelly. Had she seen Serena approaching with just a hint of anger or disappointment or any flicker of emotion on her face, Kelly would have been prepared for the unpleasant news. But, no, she was blindsided thanks to modern medicine.

  “As I recall, this isn’t your house. It belongs to Jason,” Serena spat out.

  Jason? Kelly searched her brain for intel. Jason? Who…Oh! Jason was Tawny’s husband. Wait…was it possible that…no. No. Maybe?

  “You just won’t stop, will you? Not until you destroy my marriage like you destroyed yours. How many husbands have you been through?” Tawny’s nostrils flared and her fists balled tightly.

  Kelly’s mouth dropped open. Jason was Serena’s ex. How did she not know that?

  “What in the world is going on here?” A man rushed by Kelly, jolting her out of her stupor before inserting himself between Tawny and Serena. “I thought I told you to leave, Serena?”

  “I told you we weren’t finished. Nothing has changed. You never listen to me, Jason.” Serena lifted her chin and glared at him. “We need to settle this once and for all.”

  “We did a few minutes ago,” he said, with an irritated twist to his lips.

  “Clearly, she didn’t like the answer, so she’s going to continue to harass us until she gets what she wants. Isn’t that right, Serena?” Tawny propped a balled fist on her hip and glared.

  “No, she’s not. She’s leaving now and going back to the city.” Jason cupped Serena’s elbow and jostled her away from the door frame. “Leave, Serena.”

  Serena huffed as she yanked back her arm. “Do not touch me.”

  “Stop being so dramatic. There are no paparazzi.” Tawny rolled her eyes as she dropped her hand from her hip.

  Serena raised her hand and pointed a finger at Jason and then Tawny. “We’re not finished. I’ll be back.” She turned, her coat swinging dramatically, and marched away.

  Kelly’s gaze followed and she chided herself for her thoughts. While her ex-boss and her newest client were in the middle of a domestic squabble, she was lusting after the coat. Bad Kelly.

  “I’m so sorry you had to witness that, Kelly. I thought she’d be gone by the time you came, or else I would have rescheduled.” Tawny looked annoyed, and that unhappiness was laser-focused on Jason.

  “Yes, well, she’s gone now. I don’t expect she’ll be back.” Jason sounded confident, but Kelly knew Serena, and the tough-as-nails executive didn’t give up easily. No, she was like a hungry, high-strung little dog with a bone clenched between her capped teeth. She’d not go away quietly.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry for my manners. Kelly, this is my husband, Jason. Honey, this is Kelly. She’s going to help me clean out my closet.”

  Jason extended his hand to Kelly, and his expression softened. Gone was the cold glare he’d given Serena.

  “Well, you do have your work cut out for you.” He chuckled. A little humor to help lighten the mood was welcome.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Kelly took back her hand. He appeared to be at least ten years older than Tawny. His salt and pepper hair was thick and styled with a bit too much gel. The collar of a plaid shirt collar peeked out from a pale blue crew neck sweater, which matched his eyes. His chinos were wrinkled, and his loafers were scuffed. He must have been enjoying a relaxing day at home until Serena showed up. Kelly knew from personal experience; Serena could ruin any day easily.

  “I have to apologize for my ex-wife’s behavior.” Jason shoved his hands into his pants pockets and offered a weak smile.

  “She seems to know you, Kelly.” Tawny tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

  Oh, she knows me all right.

  “I worked at Bishop’s as an assistant fashion buyer.” Kelly opted to leave out the part about Serena publicly firing her. No need to dwell on the past. She was too busy focusing on the here and now to fret about how she lost the job she loved thanks to a string of mistakes that really weren’t her fault.

  Both Jason and Tawny nodded.

  Kelly recognized the nod. She had seen it often when she’d worked at Bishop’s. Serena’s thinness, sunglasses, and temperament were well known by everyone in fashion. Along with the nod came sympathy, and if she was in a bar, her next drink was usually free.

  What followed was an uncomfortable silence that made Kelly wonder if the visit and consignment were doomed.

  “Well, I should leave you two ladies to your business. It was nice meeting you, Kelly.” Jason turned and walked away. He eventually disappeared around a curve.

  “He’s right. We should get started. I have a coaching call in an hour. Come on inside.” Tawny pivoted and walked into the cottage.

  “I’m excited to see what you have for consignment.” Kelly inhaled a cleansing breath. With any luck, Serena was heading to the Long Island Expressway never to be seen again in Lucky Cove.

  She entered the cottage. Of all the places she never expected to see her former boss…no, she had to let it go. A quick mental shake forced her to release the unpleasant encounter with the Dragonista. After all, she was there to do a job and under no circumstances was she going to allow Serena to take up residence any longer in her brain. Nope. Not going to happen.

  The cottage packed a lot into its small square footage. Kelly’s gaze flitted around the open layout, which had clearly defined spaces. There was a comfy seating area with a glass coffee table, a tidy office area and a filming studio, but it was the garment rack filled with clothes that drew her farther into the cottage.

  “Wow. You have a lot here.” Kelly didn’t waste any time. She began fingering through the items, all neatly organized by type and by color. She’d found a kindred spirit. The maxi dresses caught her eye. They’d look great on a mannequin, and she knew they’d sell in a heartbeat. She discreetly glanced at Tawny, who was checking her phone. Why on earth would a woman with a body like hers want to cover it up with those long dresses?

  Kelly sucked in her tummy. Bikini season was just weeks away, she reminded herself.

  “Sorry. I needed to check my direct messages. I get so many every day.” Tawny set her phone down on the desk and picked up her bottled water. The label said it was “smartwater.” Was there really such a thing? Kelly thought water was water. Tawny must have noticed Kelly’s curious stare. “Hydration is important to our overall health. This brand adds in vitamins and minerals. It’s a win-win for busy women like us.” She flashed a smile.

  Kelly was impressed but tap water was more in her budget these days. The last thing she needed to do was add yet another expense to her life. “These dresses are lovely.” She swiped the hangers to the side and counted. There were nine of them.

  “Thank you. I’m not really into fashion. That’s more Serena’s thing. So I have no explanation to why I have so many clothes.” Tawny took a swig of her water.

  Kelly wasn’t looking for an explanation. Rather, she wanted to encourage Tawny’s shopping habits because she had good taste and she wanted to consign.

  “Yes, Serena lives and breathes fashion.” Kelly was certain the woman came out of the womb fully accessorized. The image made her grimace. There was no way Serena was ever a baby.

  “Well, when I had my closet mishap last week, I realized I was getting carried away with shopping. It was time to clear out my clothes.”

  “Rods fell down?” Kelly moved from the maxi dresses to the collection of casual tops. Definitely Tawny’s style. Fitted and neutral colors.

  Tawny’s green eyes widened. “How did you know?”

  Kelly laughed. “Been there. And a lot of my clients have the same
story to tell when they come into the boutique. So, know you’re not alone.”

  Tawny let out a relieved breath. “Thank goodness!” Her mood shifted, and she seemed more relaxed.

  “Which is why consigning is a great option. You earn a little extra cash when you declutter.”

  “I’m really sorry about you having to run into Serena.”

  “No worries. I guess sometimes the past rears its ugly head.” Kelly pressed her lips together. Shoot. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded.”

  “I know. Don’t worry about it. I just wish we didn’t have to deal with her any more. You’d think after all this time she’d be out of our lives for good.” Tawny set her water bottle on the desk. She swept her shoulder-length, ash blond hair up into a ponytail and secured it with a hair tie she pulled off her wrist. The lady was so low-maintenance compared to her husband’s ex-wife. With her hair up, she joined Kelly at the clothing rack.

  Kelly dipped her head to avoid eye contact with Tawny. She was chewing on her lip, trying to decide what to say next. She knew she should guide Tawny back to their task at hand—evaluating the clothing. But, she really did want to know what the deal was with Serena and the Fallows.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, if she and Jason are divorced, why is she still in your lives?” And there she went sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. Ehh. It wasn’t like the last few times she’d given into her curiosity—there was no dead body.

  “Jason and Serena have been battling over a piece of property they own up in the Poconos.”

  “How long have they been divorced?”

  “Over ten years. They bought the property while they were married planning on using it as a weekend getaway.”

  Kelly arched a brow. She couldn’t imagine Serena trekking up to the Poconos for a weekend. No, she was more the hop-on-the-plane-to-Paris for a quick shopping spree and a café allonge, sipped while being seen.