Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum)

by Chamein Canton

  “Lift up your arms, Jennifer,” Paige asked.

  Jennifer lifted her arms and there was a little gap.

  “Okay, I need to bring this in a little bit. I won’t take it in too much,” Siobhan said.

  “We want Michael to be breathless, not you,” Paige added.

  Mrs. Klein laughed. “That’s a good point.”

  “How does the skirt feel, Jennifer? Does it feel heavy to you?”

  “No, it’s light as a feather.” She smiled.

  “Good. The only thing I need you to do is sit down in it.”

  Jennifer stepped off the platform and sat next to her mother.

  Siobhan and Paige studied the dress.

  “Are you comfortable?” Siobhan asked.

  “Yes. It doesn’t feel tight or anything.”

  “Good, then we’re set,” Siobhan said.

  “Terrific. Now I didn’t ask earlier, but how many bridesmaids are there?” Paige asked.

  “Only one, my cousin Avery.”

  Mrs. Klein didn’t look too pleased. “She might have more.”

  “No, I’m not,” Jennifer said with her lips pursed.

  “There are other girls you’ve known for years in the synagogue. There’s Amy, Risa, Madelyn, and Chloe. You went to each other’s bat mitzvahs.”

  “So that means they have to be in my wedding?”

  “We can talk about it later,” Mrs. Klein said through clenched teeth.

  “Paige, do I have to have a lot of bridesmaids and such?”

  Siobhan felt sorry for her sister.

  “It’s all about manageability. The more people you have the more personalities, likes, and dislikes you have. I’m a firm believer in less is more and sometimes more is just more.”

  “See, Mother.”

  “We are only talking about five girls total,” Mrs. Klein said.

  “Four of the skinniest salad witches in the synagogue. They didn’t ask me to be in their weddings, so why should I ask them to be in mine?”

  “I’ll tell you what, Siobhan has some nice maid of honor gowns as well as designs for the mother of the bride.”

  Siobhan chimed in on cue. “So let’s get you out of the gown and I’ll show you and your mom a few of my latest additions.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Jennifer said as she stood up. She spoke like someone who had just gotten over on her mother.

  Mrs. Klein got up and headed to the dressing room.

  How in the world does Mr. Klein do it? I give the man credit. He’s been navigating this minefield for a long time. I wonder if it would be in bad taste if I asked him for some survival tips, or at least combat pay, Paige thought.

  * * *

  Paige got back to the office a little after four.

  “How did it go?” Stuart asked.

  “Follow me into my office and I’ll tell you.”

  “Okay, boss lady.”

  Paige took her coat off and sat down. “You booted up my computer for me. Thank you.”

  “I figured you would have a lot to enter when you got back.”

  “You’re right about that.” She opened her briefcase.

  “So is this wedding as big as you thought it would be?”

  “It’s bigger. So I will definitely need all of you to clear your weekend for December ninth of this year.”

  “All of us? How many guests are we talking about?”

  “It looks like we’re looking at five to six hundred guests.”

  His eyes bugged out. “Six hundred guests? That’s a month’s worth of guests for us.”

  “I know. We’re going to the Waldorf for this one. We’ll probably get the Grand Ballroom.”

  “Is the ceremony there, too?”

  “Yes, thank goodness. Imagine if we had to coordinate getting that many people across town.”

  “I don’t want to think about it. So what is this Jennifer like?” Stuart asked.

  “She’s a bit of a spoiled brat.”

  “Oh, great. That means she’s going to be a handful.”

  “Aren’t all brides-to-be a handful? Some are easier and others are a little more hardheaded. It’s the nature of the business.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  Adriana knocked on the door. “Hey, how did shopping with the Kleins go?”

  “Overall it went pretty well once I got her out of Lydia’s Bridal.”

  Stuart looked confused. “I thought you were going to Siobhan’s shop.”

  “We were supposed to, but Jennifer made an appointment at Lydia’s without telling me or Mrs. Klein.”

  Adriana sat down. “Oh, that’s rich.”

  “It is her wedding so I let it go and hoped for the best.”

  “I guess it didn’t exactly work out that way.”

  “Not at all, Adriana. In fact Jennifer walked out in an exquisite gown that looked awful on her.”

  “And no one there said anything?”

  “No. I smelled a rat and I told them as much.”

  “What did the dress look like?” Stuart asked.

  “Let’s just say from the back it looked like two pigs in poke.”

  Adriana tried not to howl with laughter. “Get out of here, Paige!”

  “I’m not kidding. That’s when I realized they were trying to unload a gown from their inventory. Lydia’s doesn’t carry plus size samples.”

  “That’s right.” Stuart nodded.

  “So I told Betsy, the bridal consultant, that she was going to tell Jennifer she made a mistake and the gown wasn’t available.”

  Adriana laughed. “Did she take the bait, Paige?”

  “It was like taking candy from a baby.”

  “You pulled out the attorney card and closed her behind,” Adriana laughed.

  “I guess she saw her retail life flash before her eyes,” Stuart snickered.

  “Let’s just say she found out that the dress wasn’t available after all.”

  “I have to give it to you, Paige, you are good.”

  “Thanks, Adriana. Every now and then my law degree comes in handy. Not to mention Betsy couldn’t afford to alienate New York’s high society, especially Mrs. Isabelle Klein. That lady has two sets of brass ones.”

  “I read a piece they did on her in Pink magazine. She wasn’t the woman behind the man, she was the woman beside the man who diversified Klein Textiles and turned it into an empire.”

  “Well, they are on Forbes richest people in America list,” Stuart said.

  “So she’s not the kind of woman to cross when it comes to her only child.”

  “It sounds like the next nine months will be interesting, to say the least.” Adriana stood up.

  “It’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Stuart imitated Bette Davis.

  “Make sure you buckle up,” Adriana said playfully.

  “Don’t worry about me. I always buckle up.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Although it was another prime opportunity to sleep in, Matthew was up and out of the brownstone early. He was headed to see his brother at his office, which was only a few blocks away from the Waldorf.

  When he arrived at the building he saw Wes Baker, an old friend and classmate from his days at Brown University. Wes was an education major before his dad convinced him to major in economics. Back then he’d had a head full of dark hair and a long and lean body. Matthew noticed that Wes still had a head of hair, although most of it was grey, and his lean physique sported a little beer belly. All in all, Wes looked pretty content.

  “Hey there, stranger, long time no see.” They shook hands.

  “Look who’s here. How are you, Matt?”

  “I can’t complain, Wes. How are you?”

  “Not bad. Whit and I just celebrated our second anniversary.”

  “That’s terrific, Wes. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. I hear congratulations are in order for you, too. Your little brother is getting married.”

  “I know. Isn’t that something?”

&nb
sp; “I think it’s great. So did you come here to join the family business?” he joked.

  “Bite your tongue. I am perfectly happy teaching.”

  “I have to give you credit for hanging on to your idealism. It’s a rare commodity these days.” He looked at his watch. “Listen, I have a meeting to get to. Let’s get together soon. Maybe Whit and I will have you over for dinner.”

  “That sounds good to me. I’ll see you around, Wes.”

  “Take care.” He ran to catch the open elevator.

  Matthew signed in at the security desk.

  When Matthew arrived on the eighteenth floor, the offices of Smythe Communication Systems were in full swing. It was Thursday so he knew his dad had a standard meeting with the board of directors. Michael worked as VP of the Smythe television holdings, which meant he had to deal with the FCC on what seemed to be a daily basis in addition to keeping a watchful eye on their sports and entertainment programming. However, Michael was a natural at business and he put his degree in management from Penn to good use.

  Matthew walked up to the receptionist.

  “I’ll be with you in one moment, sir.”

  “Sure.”

  “Sorry about that. How can I help you?”

  “Matthew Smythe here to see Michael Smythe.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Smythe, just go on in.”

  “Thanks.”

  When Matthew arrived at his brother’s office, Michael had his back to the door working on his computer.

  “I see you’re working hard today.”

  Michael spun around in his chair. “Hey, big brother, what brings you here? Aren’t you off today?”

  “I am. Does a big brother need a reason to come see his kid brother?”

  Michael looked at him strangely. “Are you on something?”

  Matthew laughed. “No, I’m not on something. I just decided to drop by.”

  “You decided to drop by?” He was skeptical.

  “The family business isn’t my bag but it’s not like I’m allergic to the office.”

  “Are you sure about that? I seem to remember a summer job that lasted forty-eight hours.”

  Matthew knew what he was referring to. “I was nineteen years old and there were a lot of pretty girls here at the time.”

  “So if Dad had hired less attractive women you could have worked for the entire summer. Is that what you’re saying?”

  “You know what, that was fourteen years ago. It’s time to move on.”

  “I’m sorry, big brother. So what really brings you to the neighborhood?”

  “I figured I would come here and hang around for a little bit and then maybe head over to the Waldorf.”

  Michael grinned. “Now I get it. This is about Paige, the wedding planner. I saw the way you looked at her. Did you ask her out?”

  “Kind of. I actually left the ball in her court to see if she wanted to see me.”

  “Did she seem receptive?”

  “Yes, she seemed interested.”

  “But you thought you would just drop by the Waldorf to help her along.”

  “Something like that. What time is the appointment?”

  He looked at his planner. “It’s at 10:30.”

  “It’s not like it will only take a couple of minutes to tour the hotel. I imagine it’s going to take a little while,” Matthew said as he took a seat.

  “It’s a big place.”

  “So I figured I would hang out here for a little while, if that’s okay with you.”

  “It’s fine with me.” Michael went back to typing while Matthew looked at some papers on his desk.

  “How’s it going with Jennifer and her mother? They were a little testy at lunch.”

  Michael stopped typing. “I know. I keep trying to tell Jennifer to let what her mom says roll off her back but she can’t seem to do it.”

  “Mother-daughter relationships are complicated even when they get along.”

  “I know Isabelle loves Jennifer and would give her life for her if it came down to it, but she’s a tough customer.”

  “You get along with her pretty well, though.”

  “I do, and sometimes it gets me into trouble with Jennifer.”

  “She thinks you’re taking her mother’s side?”

  “It’s just plain ridiculous. I’m not taking anyone’s side against Jennifer.”

  “I know. You have a real tightrope act going on, Mike.”

  “Don’t I know it?”

  “You’ll be married in nine months and then it’s just you and Jennifer.”

  “Hallelujah. It can’t happen soon enough for me.”

  “Now that sounds like a happy groom-to-be.”

  “I can’t help it. I love her so much.” He scrolled down on his computer. “You know, you should try it sometime.”

  “Try what?”

  “Love. You know it’s not too late for you. Who knows? Paige might be the one.”

  Matthew couldn’t believe how close Michael was to the way he felt about Paige. “Hey, you never know.”

  “I’m sure it would cause quite a lot of shocked looks but who cares, right?”

  “You know I don’t care about that.”

  “True. More than half the people at the country club can’t believe that not only do you teach in Harlem, you bought a brownstone there.”

  “I guess that dating a black woman will really push them over the top.”

  “Are you kidding? I’m sure hundreds of blue bloods will roll over in their graves.” Michael laughed.

  “You know I love being a rebel with a cause.”

  Michael finished typing. “Paige is very attractive. You should go for it.”

  “I think so, too.” Matthew smiled as he leaned back in the chair.

  Knowing the size of the Waldorf, she’d worn comfortable shoes for the tour with Jennifer and her mother. They followed Henri around from banquet to banquet room. There was a lot to see but Paige was fairly confident they’d only need the Grand Ballroom for the reception and maybe the Jade Room for the cocktail hour unless someone in Jennifer’s wedding party wanted to give a bridal shower there. Paige put a note about the shower in her BlackBerry. She’d have to find out whether Jennifer wanted a Jack and Jill shower.

  The tour over, they went back to the lobby.

  “You know, I’ve worked here and been a guest but I still get butterflies when I see the banquet rooms,” Paige said.

  “They are impressive and elegant,” Mrs. Klein agreed.

  “What did you think, Jennifer?” Paige asked.

  “I love it.”

  “Anything for my little girl.” Mr. Klein had arrived. He kissed Mrs. Klein first.

  “Daddy.”

  He kissed her forehead. “How’s my best girl?”

  “I’m good, Daddy.”

  “You found something you liked?”

  “Yes. Paige and Henri just showed us the Grand Ballroom and the Astor Room. I like them, Daddy.”

  “Good, then let’s get the paperwork out of the way.”

  “Mr. Klein, this is Henri, the banquet manager.” Paige made the formal introduction. They shook hands.

  “So you’re the man I have to see about a wedding?” Mr. Klein grinned.

  “Yes sir. If you would all please follow me.”

  With the contracts signed, Henri accompanied the group back to the lobby.

  Henri shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Klein. “I am most certainly looking forward to the wedding.” He shook Jennifer’s hand. “Congratulations again, young lady.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll fax a copy of everything to you this afternoon, Paige.”

  “Very good. Thanks.”

  “I guess we’ll talk menu choices later?” Jennifer asked.

  “Right. That gets done a little closer to the wedding date.”

  “So, Paige, can we give you a lift anywhere?”

  Paige was about to say yes when a hotel attendant walked over to her.

&nbs
p; “Pardon me, Ms. Baldwin?”

  “Yes?”

  “You have a phone call.”

  “I have a phone call?” She was surprised. Who in the world would call me here? A sense of dread filled her. I hope nothing’s happened to Max. Her heart pounded. “May I take it at the desk?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Thank you. I guess I’d better see what this is about. I’ll pass on the ride. Thank you, though.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Come on, Jennifer, your father’s car is waiting.”

  “I’m coming, Mother.”

  As they left Paige went back to the reception desk.

  “Someone said there was a call for me. I’m Paige Baldwin.”

  “That would have been me.”

  She turned around to see Matthew. “What on earth are you doing here?” She was genuinely surprised.

  “I knew you’d be here with Jennifer and her folks so I decided to come over to ask you to lunch.”

  “You came here just so you could ask me to lunch?”

  “That’s right. So, wedding lady, what are you doing for lunch this afternoon?”

  “I’m heading back to the shop. I may grab a salad before I get on the train.”

  “How about I treat you to the best hot dog in New York? Are you up for it?”

  “A hot dog sounds good.” As long as it’s only a hot dog, she thought.

  “And I have one other little surprise.”

  “A surprise? I really have to get back.”

  “Come on, don’t you want to do something a little out of the ordinary?”

  Paige thought for a minute. The shop can run without me for a little while, I guess. “Since you put it that way, how can I resist?”

  No matter how hot the company, wintertime in New York turned the most casual strolls into fast power walks in an attempt to outrun the cold. Matthew quickly took Paige to Gray’s Papaya for a couple of dogs. It was too cold to eat outside so they found a little corner to eat.

  “How’s your hot dog?”

  She wiped her mouth. “It’s good, very good.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t want anything else on it besides mustard?”

  “I’m sure. I’m a bit of a hot dog purist. It’s all about the dog for me.”

  “I hear that but they have mean sauerkraut.”

  She laughed. “It smells good.”

  He stood up. “I’m going to grab one more. Do you want another?”