Secret Designs

by Miranda P. Charles

  "Hi, Jaz," she said, injecting some life in her voice.

  "Hi, Ari. Are you busy tonight?"

  "Um, not really. Why?"

  "Do you want to have dinner with me somewhere near your place? Kane has a dinner meeting with a client tonight and I thought I'd drive there. We could start discussing my wedding dress or just hang out together."

  "Okay, sure," she answered, not really feeling like socialising, but thinking it would do her good to talk to her friend.

  "Great! See you soon!"

  "See you, Jaz."

  Ari hang up the phone dejectedly. Darn, she would need to ask Jasmine for some money up-front so she could buy the materials for her wedding dress. She didn't like the thought of that. She hated asking friends for money.

  She took a shower while she waited for Jasmine, ruminating on her sudden change in fortune. At this point, she could only hope and pray she'd have a new job—any job—to move to as soon as she finished up with Eros. God knew she, Sylvie, and Kenny needed it.

  *******

  "Ah, Jaz..." Ari started nervously as she took Jasmine's measurements.

  Jasmine looked at her worriedly. "I haven't put on a lot of weight, have I?"

  She laughed. "Your measurements haven't changed, Jasmine. No, um, I wanted to ask you something."

  "Sure," Jasmine answered with relief.

  "I was wondering if you wouldn't mind putting in a deposit for your dress?" she asked in a small voice. "It's just that I have to order your materials straight away and —"

  "Of course, Ari," Jasmine cried. "Please, please, please stop feeling guilty about asking people to pay you! Why do you feel like that?"

  "Because you're my friend, that's why."

  "So? Just because I am doesn't mean I can't be your customer."

  "But I don't have a business yet."

  "Are you going to be less of a professional in making my dress just because you're not in business yet?"

  Ari gasped in horror. "Of course not, Jaz. I'll make damn sure you have a stunning wedding dress fit for someone as gorgeous as you!"

  "Well, then, you have to charge me as if you were already in business."

  Ari sighed with relief. The money would sure come in handy.

  "So how much would you charge me for this dress?" Jasmine asked.

  She told her.

  Jasmine stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.

  "If you think that's too much, we can negotiate," she said hurriedly.

  "Oh, God, Ari. You're crazy! You'll never make it in business if you keep on thinking like that! I've had a look around to get ideas of designs I would like and the price you want for this is, like, a quarter or what other couturiers charge. I don't mind you treating me like a VIP, but Ari, I bet that's only what the materials cost."

  "But, Jaz, you're my friend!"

  "If you didn't know who I was and I was in your shop right now, how much would you quote me?"

  She inhaled deeply and reluctantly quoted Jasmine a figure that a creation such as her wedding dress was worth.

  Jasmine nodded delightedly. "I knew I was getting a dress that was special. I'm happy to pay that price. Actually, my parents insist on paying for it."

  "Okay," she relented. "But I'm giving you a twenty percent discount because you're my friend and I love you."

  Jasmine hugged her tight. "Thank you. I appreciate that. Now, how much deposit do you need? If you give me your bank account details, I'll ask my mum to transfer the money straight away."

  Ari felt much lighter as they discussed the payment plan.

  *******

  Ari shook her head with fondness as Jasmine made phone calls to her sister Jessa and her mother. After hearing about her redundancy, Jasmine had jubilantly asked her to also design her bridesmaid dresses. Apparently, Jasmine had always wanted her to make them, but had been worried that she might be too busy to take them on. Since Ari was almost certain she wouldn't have a job lined up after Eros, she would have all the time in the world to work on Jasmine's orders.

  "Now I have to convince Sam and Kris to come back here for a fitting. Or maybe we could go to Melbourne," Jasmine mused.

  "Maybe we could Skype with them and they could take each other's measurements while I watch," Ari suggested, not liking the idea of flying to Melbourne. That would be shelling out money she might need for something else.

  "Oh, that's not a bad idea! I'll ask the girls what they think about that," Jasmine responded. "My mum said she would also appreciate a new dress for her to wear on my wedding and she's considering getting you to make one. Maybe Kane's mum would want one too."

  "Jaz!" she said laughingly. "Maybe you should be my marketing manager."

  "I already am, honey," Jasmine said with a smug smile. "At least these orders should tide you over until you find yourself another job."

  Ari couldn't help it. She just couldn't. They were in a busy restaurant and she just started sobbing. She was grateful for Jasmine's support, and at the same time overwhelmed by worry about the future—not hers, but her nephew's.

  "Oh, geez, Ari. I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll find a new job very soon. How could you not?" Jasmine said worriedly, giving her a serviette and patting her gently on the back.

  "I might not get another one for weeks, even months, unless I get a job stacking shelves at the supermarket," she joked tearfully.

  "Don't be ridiculous. You've been in the fashion industry for years. Lots of people know you. I'm sure they'll be tripping all over themselves to hire you."

  "I already made plenty of calls, Jaz. Nothing."

  "Oh, Ari," Jasmine said with compassion. "Well, maybe this is an opportunity for you to start your own business."

  She sniffed. "I'm afraid I don't have the capital for that, or a savings cushion if it doesn't take off. Plus, at this point in time, I need something secure. I haven't told you this but I'm financially supporting my sister and my nephew. They need me."

  "I didn't know that. Tell me about them," Jasmine encouraged.

  She sighed deeply. "A year and a half ago, my nephew Kenny was riding his bike downhill on a steep street. He lost control and hit a pile of bricks that were stacked in someone's driveway. The bricks toppled on him, fortunately not on his body but on his left leg. But unfortunately...they had to amputate that leg. He was only five years old then."

  Jasmine gasped in horror.

  "Sylvie is a single mother," she continued. "Her husband died three years ago from a heart attack and she was left with some debts. She was a stay-at-home mum when her husband died and was lucky enough to get a receptionist job even though she lacked experience. She was coping okay until Kenny's accident.

  "Fortunately, I had enough savings then to help pay Kenny's large medical and rehabilitation bills. But they have ongoing needs that Sylvie simply can't afford with just her salary, so I help them out."

  "Oh, Ari, I'm so sorry to hear that. How can I help?" Jasmine asked.

  "You already are, Jaz," she said with a sincere smile. "You giving me business is helping me."

  "And to think you didn't want to charge the right price for it," Jasmine admonished.

  "Kenny isn't your responsibility, Jaz. And for the umpteenth time, you're my friend."

  Jasmine rolled her eyes. "But we're got that sorted now, haven't we? You are going to accept the fair amount for all the dresses we order from you?"

  "Yes, thank you," she responded humbly.

  Ari felt so much lighter after opening up to her friend. She needed emotional support just as much as she needed a new job.

  Her phone rang and she fished it out of her bag. Her heart pounded madly as she gazed at the screen. "Do you mind if I get this?"

  "Go ahead," Jasmine replied.

  "Hi," she said a tad shyly to the caller.

  "Hey, gorgeous. Are you at home?"

  Just hearing Dylan on the other end of the line was enough to give her weak knees. Heavens above. What on earth was the matter with her?

  "No.
I'm out having dinner," she answered him.

  "Oh right. I think I left my wallet at your place."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah. I didn't have a need for it all day so it's only now that I noticed I don't have it. I'm pretty sure it's still at your place."

  "Do you remember where you might have left it?"

  "Well, I remember tossing everything I was holding in my hand somewhere in your living room when we got busy undressing each other. I retrieved my keys but I didn't check if I had my wallet with me before I left your apartment this morning."

  "It must still be somewhere there then. Are you coming to get it? We're still waiting for our food so I won't be home for a while," she said, blushing a little.

  "Not tonight. I'm meeting someone for dinner. I'll have to beg her for a free meal," he chuckled. "I was wondering if I could pass by your office tomorrow and I'll pick it up then?"

  "Okay."

  "Great. Could you text me your office address? I'll see you tomorrow around twelve."

  "Sure. Bye."

  "Another bad news?" Jasmine asked, her face a picture of concern.

  Ari looked at Jasmine in surprise. "No. Not at all."

  "Phew. I'm glad. It was just that you were pouting and frowning."

  "Oh." Ari felt her face burn. The fact that Dylan was having dinner with a woman felt like bad news. But she kept her mouth shut about that. She didn't want to give Jasmine additional reason to feel sorry for her.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  "Hi, Dylan!"

  Dylan turned with a smile and kissed Ari on the cheek. "Hey. Thanks for coming down."

  "No problem. Here it is." Ari handed him his wallet.

  "Where was it?" he asked.

  "On the floor near the coffee table."

  "Ah, right." He stared at her. Well, it was more like he couldn't help but stare at her. She really was incredibly attractive. He frowned as he noticed the dark bags under her eyes.

  "Do you want to have lunch with me?" he asked. What better way to develop their friendship than buy her lunch?

  "Sure. Let me get my purse."

  "You don't have to. My treat. I have my wallet back," he grinned.

  "Okay, thanks. Just something light would be good."

  "The Japanese at the corner okay?"

  "Yes. Perfect," Ari said with a smile that was a little too forced for his liking. She didn't seem happy today. He took her hand as he led her across the road.

  "Busy day at work?" he asked.

  "Not really," she answered.

  "Then why aren't you your usual cheery self?" he pressed, peering at her.

  "It's just one of those days," she said with a heavy sigh.

  He was about to prod deeper, keen to know what was bothering her, when he heard his name being called. They both turned and saw Trey waving at them.

  "Fancy seeing you guys here," Trey said although his full attention was on Ari. "Ari, it's great to see you again." Trey hugged and kissed her as if she was a long-lost friend.

  "Uh, hi …" Ari said tentatively.

  Dylan hid a smile. She probably couldn't remember Trey's name, and he wasn't about to volunteer the information.

  "Remember me?" Trey asked.

  "Um, I remember your face but not your name. Sorry," Ari replied sheepishly.

  "It's Trey Andrews. Where are you guys off to?"

  "I'm taking Ari to lunch," Dylan answered in a tone that he hoped conveyed to Trey he didn't want him hanging around with them. He wanted to be alone with Ari.

  "Where?" Trey asked.

  "We're just going to that Japanese over there," he answered, pointing to the place.

  "Surely Ari deserves something better than that, Dylan," Trey chided.

  "Oh, but that place is perfect," Ari said, giving Dylan a quick glance and blushing. "We only want something light and quick."

  "I know a more perfect place. Somewhere you'd really enjoy, Ari. You wouldn't mind if I join you guys, would you?" Trey asked with a glint in his eye.

  Dylan frowned at this friend. What the hell is he up to?

  "Would you mind, Ari?" Trey asked again with a charming smile.

  "No, but it's up to Dylan," Ari said cautiously.

  "Oh, that's very kind of you to leave the decision to him," Trey commented curiously.

  "Well, my purse is back in the office and he offered to pay so I think it's just fair he decides where to go," Ari responded.

  "Don't worry, Dylan won't mind," Trey said smoothly, putting a hand on Ari's back and leading her past the place they originally planned to go to. "You don't mind, do you, Dyl? I'm sure Ari would prefer the place I have in mind," Trey said, winking at him.

  "And which place is that, Trey?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral although he felt like throttling his pal.

  "I thought we'd go to Eiko's," Trey replied with a hint of challenge in his voice.

  "Eiko's?" Ari asked in surprise. "We're only after a light lunch. That place is mega-expensive."

  "They have plenty of light things on the menu," Trey said with an engaging smile.

  Dylan frowned. Either Trey was trying to impress Ari or he was playing the ISAG—the 'Is She A Gold Digger?' scheme Dylan, Trey and Adam had concocted a few years ago. Judging from Trey's expression, it must be the latter.

  He mentally shook his head in displeasure. Trey didn't have any business putting Ari through it without asking him first. In fact, the ISAG was originally only created for Trey. Wasn't Trey the one who wanted his potential girlfriends tested for signs of being a gold digger after Trey was jilted at the altar by a then-fiancée to whom he had been ultra-generous when she asked for a new car, and even money for her family's holidays?

  Okay, granted that the ISAG became a must-be-applied-at-all-cost scheme for all three of them because of his actions. But Trey must know by now he preferred the freedom and simplicity of casual liaisons after his unpleasant experience. When he jeopardised hundreds of thousands of dollars of his, Trey's and Adam's money because of his feelings for a woman, he had readily agreed with Trey and Adam to check out any woman the three of them got serious with, whether they liked it or not.

  So he couldn't believe that his buddy was even thinking of putting Ari through the ISAG. It wasn't warranted. First, this was just a friendly, innocent lunch between friends. Second, Ari wasn't even that kind of person. He may not have known her long but he could tell. Trey shouldn't be too quick to judge.

  Ari glanced back at him in concern as he lagged behind.

  "Coming, Dyl?" Trey asked, turning to give him a sly grin.

  Dylan took that opportunity to slide in between Trey and Ari, giving his friend a little warning nudge on the side. He wished he could inform him in no uncertain terms that there was no need for the ISAG with Ari.

  *******

  "Ari, what would you like?" Dylan asked.

  Ari was still staring at the menu, looking dismayed. "You know, just one of their sushi rolls would be fine."

  Dylan had a feeling she was scanning for the cheapest item on the list. But even the least expensive dish at Eiko's was quite pricey compared to what they could have ordered at the restaurant he had suggested earlier.

  He wished she would relax and not worry about the cost. He could bloody well afford it.

  He reached for her hand under the table. It was cold. "We could order different dishes and share. How about that?" he asked softly.

  "Okay," she replied warily.

  Trey rattled off a couple of items he'd like to order. They were among the most expensive on the list, guaranteed to impress any woman—well, someone easily awed by money, anyway. But it had the opposite effect on Ari. She looked worried.

  "You're joking, aren't you, Trey?" she asked.

  Trey raised his eyebrows. "No."

  "Well..." Ari started, then closed her mouth.

  "Well, what?" Dylan asked.

  Ari puffed out a sigh. "Well, Trey seems to think I would prefer it here. It's sweet of him to think so, but i
t's not really fair to you," she explained to Dylan.

  "Oh, is that what you're worried about, Ari?" Trey asked and leaned closer to her. "Don't worry. I meant to foot the full bill from the start. I did suggest we go here, after all."

  "Don't be ridiculous, Trey. I'm happy to get this," Dylan said, bristling. The last thing he wanted was for Ari to think of him as cheap. Or worse, that he didn't consider her worthy of a place like this. He could really wring Trey's neck right now.

  "No, no, Dylan. I insist," Trey said.

  "No. I insist," he answered.

  "Maybe we should just leave. We haven't ordered yet," Ari suggested dryly.

  "Sorry, Ari. We'll shut up now. I suggested this place, and I'm paying, so let's order and enjoy ourselves," Trey said decisively.

  "Trey. . ."Dylan said with exasperation.

  Trey gave him a knowing look. "Dylan, please let me, okay?"

  Dylan took a deep breath, lips pressed in a tight line. Trey meant to play the ISAG to its fullest. He really must have a private word with him.

  *

  Ari excused herself to go to the bathroom and Dylan took the opportunity to straighten things out with his meddling pal.

  "Trey, there's no need for the ISAG with Ari," he said with a scolding look.

  "And why's that?" Trey asked.

  "While I do want us to be good friends, I have no intention whatsoever of having a serious relationship with her."

  "So why were you holding her hand earlier?"

  "She looked like she was having a bad day. That's also why I thought I'd take her out to lunch," he justified.

  "How did you know she was having a bad day? Did you talk on the phone or something," Trey prodded.

  He sighed. "No. I had to pick up my wallet from her. I left it at her place last night."

  "Ah! You've had sex with her. And here you are taking her out to lunch. Which proves my point that she needs to be put through the ISAG," Trey said triumphantly.

  "What do you mean?" he scowled.

  "Dyl, you usually wait at least two weeks before having any further communication with girls you've had one-night stands with. If they're too keen to communicate, you usually stay the hell away from them. If they're cool with your silence, they become your chums. Wasn't it you who said that that time frame helps them understand you have no other motive apart from friendship? But we're talking one day here with Ari. In fact, not even one day. Half a day," Trey said emphatically.