“Thanks.” She picked up. “Hello, this is Paige.”
“Hello, Paige.” Matthew’s voice sounded smooth and sexy.
Paige grinned from ear to ear. “Hi.”
Adriana leaned forward with a big, goofy grin on her face.
“Could you hold on for a minute?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” Paige hit the hold button. “Don’t you have something to do?”
“No.”
“Let me rephrase that. Go find something to do in your office.”
Adriana feigned being insulted as she stood up. “Well, since you put it that way, I can take a hint.”
“Apparently not.”
“Touché.”
Paige picked up the line again. “Sorry about that. How are you?”
“Good. You?”
“Fine.”
“You certainly are.”
Paige giggled in spite of herself. “So how’s it going today, professor?”
“Pretty good, but I didn’t call you to talk about my history classes. I wanted to know if we can get together again.”
“I’d love to, but isn’t it a work week for you too?”
He laughed. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have dinner together. We have to eat.”
“Okay, you made your point. When did you want to get together?”
“How about hump day? No pun intended.”
Paige chuckled as she scrolled through her appointment screen. “Wednesday looks to be a light day for me. What time?”
“Let’s say five. We can meet at Penn Station and go from there.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I have a class to teach. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Have a good day, professor.”
“Thanks.”
Paige couldn’t stop smiling.
“Don’t we look happy?” Adriana stood in the doorway.
“Can’t I be in a good mood?”
“Sure you can. How’s Mr. Sexy Man?”
“Good.”
“I guess I have to break it to Ken gently.”
“Ken? What about him?”
“He asked me about you the other day. He thought you had a connection.”
“He’s not a bad guy. He’s the reason I met Mr. Sexy Guy.”
“His loss is Mr. Sexy’s gain.”
“Who knows, maybe he’ll meet a woman who enjoys dinner conversation with Dr. Oz.”
“You are too much, Paige.”
“Don’t you forget it.”
CHAPTER 14
Just as Paige was about to wrap up, Stuart knocked on the door.
“Paige? Mrs. Klein is on line one for you.”
“Thanks.” She picked the phone up and took a deep breath. “Mrs. Klein. What can I do for you?”
“Hello, Paige. I wanted to be sure to thank you for this morning, and I also wanted to thank you for taking Jennifer shopping. She modeled her new things for Hiram and me. Every outfit is perfect for her.”
“I’m glad you approve. I asked a stylist and plus model I know to come with us.”
“It did her a world of good.”
“That makes my day.”
“I know this is last minute and I’ll understand if you can’t, but Hiram and I would like you to come to the Platinum Ball on Saturday evening.”
Paige nearly stopped breathing. The Platinum Ball was one of high society’s premier charity events; it raised money for several hospitals. Paige read about it every year in Town and Country but never thought she would ever attend one. “I’d be honored to come.”
“Wonderful. We’ll send a car to pick you up.”
“Wow. Thanks so much, Mrs. Klein.”
“It’s our pleasure. Unless we have more wedding appointments this week, I will see you on Saturday.”
“I’ll be there. Have a good day, Mrs. Klein.”
“You, too.”
Paige grabbed her things and bolted for the door.
Deidre was back at her station. “Deidre, I’m heading over to my sister’s showroom.”
“On the Island or in Manhattan?”
“On the Island. I need you to make sure no one schedules me for a consult after two on Wednesday. Okay?”
Deidre bit her lip.
“Okay, Deidre, what’s wrong?”
“Cecelia Blair called and I set her up for a two o’clock appointment with you.”
“Check and see if anyone else has time for her.”
Deidre checked the book and the computer. “Everyone is booked. I can change her appointment.”
“There’s no reason to inconvenience a client. You can take her.”
She turned as pale as a black woman could get. “Me?”
“Yes. You’ve been working here a while and you want to be a planner, so here’s your chance. It’s not like she’s getting married on Wednesday. It’s just a consult.”
“I have your cell phone number if I have any questions, right?”
“Yes, but I know you won’t need to call me.”
Adriana walked out of her office. “What’s going on?”
“I’m heading over to Siobhan’s. I need a gown for the Platinum Ball.”
Adriana’s mouth dropped open. “As in the ball featured in Town and Country? That Platinum Ball?”
“Exactly.”
“Okay, then let’s go. I don’t want to miss hearing about this.” She shook her keys. “I’ll drive.”
“You head to the car. I have to make a quick call.”
“Fine. Don’t take too long.”
Adriana went ahead while Paige dialed.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Matthew.”
“Hey. To what do I owe this call?”
“I am on my way out, but I wanted to tell you that the Kleins invited little old me to the Platinum Ball.”
“Wow. I guess I’d better make an appearance at this year’s festivities.”
“You should. Listen, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Paige hopped into Adriana’s car and they took off.
* * *
When Matthew’s parents invited him to dinner at the Hallowed Oak he knew it was time for the annual convince-Matthew-to-attend-the-ball day.
The Hallowed Oak was the place society people came to rub shoulders before the party season kicked off. Built in 1862 it had boasted Cornelius Vanderbilt as one of its regular patrons. In those days it was a place where men came to “relax” far from the view of their wives and other prying eyes.
It had been a while since Matthew had been to the club. The place still smelled of aged Scotch, old money, and pipe tobacco from the days when you could smoke in public venues.
Matthew wondered what old Cornelius would think of the place now. He spotted his parents and walked over to the table. “Hi, Mom and Dad.” He bent down to kiss his mother.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
“You look good, Mom.”
“Thank you.” She smiled.
Douglas patted his boy on the back. “So how are you doing, son?”
“I can’t complain. You look well. Been keeping up with your weekly squash game?”
“Barney and I still play three days a week.”
“It works for you, Dad.”
“Thanks. Squash tides me over until the weather warms up for tennis. You should join us at the club.”
For Douglas and Margaret tennis was practically a religion. From spring until fall they played at least three times a week.
“Maybe I will.”
The two men sat down. The waiter brought a glass of draft root beer for Matthew.
“You’re still a root beer guy, right?”
“Oh, yeah, Dad.” He sipped the soda.
His parents looked at one another.
“By now you know this is about a social event, so we won’t go around in circles like we usually do,” his father explained.
“Instead we are going
to just plain ask you if you want to go to the Platinum Ball with the family,” his mother said.
“Sure.”
“Now you don’t have to feel pressured,” his mother continued, unaware that her son had just agreed.
“Margaret!” His father tapped Margaret on the shoulder.
“We know you’re not crazy about this sort of thing, but with your brother getting married…”
“Margaret!”
She turned. “What is it, Douglas?”
“He already said yes.”
Matthew couldn’t help laughing at his mother’s puzzled look.
“You said yes?”
“I did.”
“So I went through all that and you’d already said yes?”
“Dad tried to tell you but you were on a roll.”
His father was laughing by then.
She hit his shoulder. “Stop that and get me another martini.”
“Now this is a first,” Matthew said.
“How so?” she asked.
“It’s the first time I’ve driven you to drink since high school.”
“You know Georgia Fielding is still single, and I’m sure she’ll be at the ball.”
Matthew groaned.
“Margaret, we just got him to agree to come to the ball. Let’s not push our luck.”
The three of them laughed together and ordered dinner. His parents knew there had to be a reason for his change of heart but Mr. Smythe made sure his wife didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Why test fate?
It was late at Siobhan’s place. Both Siobhan and Adriana tried not to doze off.
Paige walked out in another gown. “Hey you two, you’re supposed to help me pick the right dress.”
Siobhan yawned, then opened her eyes. “That’s not the one. The color is all wrong for you.”
Paige looked at the copper-colored dress in the mirror. “What do you think, Adriana?”
She sat up straight. “Your sister’s right, it’s not the right color for you.”
Paige looked frustrated. “It isn’t my color, but it would look wonderful on Jennifer. I wonder if she has a gown for the ball?”
“Her parents can afford to have a gown for every hour of the ball, so I’m sure she’s covered.” Adriana crossed her legs.
“I know, but I went to lunch with her and we had a nice talk. She’s got some mother issues.”
“Take a number,” Adriana replied.
“The line forms behind us. Coreen was no fun, though I’m sure Rosita is a close second.”
“You’ve got that right.”
Paige looked in the mirror. “This dress would be great for her shape.”
Siobhan cleared her throat. “Let’s stay on task. We’re here for you.”
“I’m sure Jennifer had a plethora of gowns to choose from for Saturday,” Adriana added.
“You’re right. I have to think about how I’m going to make an impression.”
“You will probably be the only black woman there who won’t have a serving tray. Believe me, you will make an impression.”
“Siobhan has a point.”
“That’s why I have to be gorgeous.”
“There’s one more gown in the back. It’s black and I think it might work.”
“Okay. I’ll try it on.”
Paige retrieved the gown and went to put it on. The moment the fabric poured over her curves, Paige knew she’d found the right dress.
“Okay, ladies, the search is over. I think this is the winner,” Paige announced and then walked over to the three-way mirror.
Siobhan and Adriana woke up.
“It’s perfect.”
Siobhan studied her handiwork. “I agree. It’s great if I say so myself.”
“I love this design. You have just enough boning to give it a regal air without looking like a period costume or a dressed-up dominatrix. Less the whip, of course.”
“Maybe it could use a whip. I hear those society types are a wild bunch,” Adriana teased.
They broke into laughter.
“Let me slip out of it and we’ll be on our way.”
Paige changed and met them in the main showroom.
“So you’re all set. I know you have a bag and shoes to go with it already.”
“Naturally, Siobhan. I’m one of Coreen’s grads.” She saluted.
“So will your man be there to check you out in this sexy black number?”
“Come on, Siobhan, he’s not my man per se.”
“Then what is he?”
“Sounds like the $64,000 question to me,” Adriana chimed in.
“We like each other. Can’t we leave it at that?”
“That horse left the stable at the Marriot Marquis, Paige. You have had the talk?” Siobhan asked.
“No.”
“Then you’d better rectify that as soon as possible. You’re not sixteen years old. Dating over thirty and forty might as well be the far side of the moon. At sixteen you have time to fool around; over thirty there isn’t a minute to spare.”
“God, you make it sound so romantic,” Paige said sarcastically.
“Listen, Paige, I know you’re probably concerned with the client factor but you should define your relationship for your own peace of mind,” Adriana chimed in.
Paige thought about it for a moment. “I guess you’re right. I have to bite the bullet.”
“I know no one wants to say it, but there is a race and society factor here. Matthew Smythe is a blue blood despite living and teaching in Harlem.”
“His parents support all the liberal and civil rights causes,” Adriana added.
“True, but it’s one thing to support a cause outside of your home, it’s quite a different thing when you play guess who’s coming to dinner.”
Paige knew her sister was right. “Then maybe I am better off not talking about defining our relationship. Maybe it’s just a case of jungle fever.”
“Something tells me it isn’t jungle fever, sis, so you better get ready to have the talk.”
“Don’t forget to have it sooner rather than later.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Adriana.”
Siobhan looked at her watch. “I’ve got to get home before Cole changes the décor of the kitchen.”
“He’s in the Picasso stage, just like A.J.”
“His favorite time to express his artistic side is when Daddy is home.”
“I told Joseph that he can’t read the sports section and watch a three-year-old. It’s a license to roam free and get into any and everything.”
“I remember those days. Max was my little Viking, pillaging and plundering everything in his path. Those were the days.”
“Don’t rub it in. You’re not wearing yourself out chasing toddlers.”
“I’m not rubbing it in. You should enjoy these days, because one day you’re chasing naked little butts and before you know it he’s heading to Cornell in the fall.” Paige began to get choked up.
“Oh, no, you don’t. We’ll all be crying in a minute.”
“I’m not going to cry, Siobhan. Let’s get out of here.”
“I’ll drop you by the office to get your car.”
“Thanks, Adriana.”
Adriana and Siobhan were at the door. “Ready, Paige?”
Paige wiped a tear away as she bent down. “I’m ready.”
CHAPTER 15
Paige decided to be out and about on Wednesday since the weather was a little warmer. Also it would allow her to concentrate on something other than counting the hours until she was to meet Matthew for dinner.
To kick the day off Paige stopped in one of her favorite little coffee places in Babylon Village. The Babylon Beanery had good coffee and delicious pastries. Best of all, it was quiet.
Her cell phone rang. It was the office with a 911.
“Hey, Paige. We’re in overdrive today.”
“What’s going on?”
“We have a situation with one of Cassie’s bridesmaids.
”
“What’s wrong?”
“Apparently she’s lost a lot of weight and her dress doesn’t fit.”
“Which girl is this?”
“Terri Evans. She was a 22 and now she’s a 14.”
“Good for her. They ordered the dresses from Angel Bridals, right?”
“I believe so.”
“Get Vicky or Rosemary and ask if they can fit her in today. Their seamstresses are miracle workers. Terri is available today, isn’t she?”
“According to Cassie she is.”
“Good. It’s going to cost her a pretty penny.”
“I told her it would.”
“Okay, give them a call.”
“Will do.”
“Talk to you later. If you have anything else come up you can reach me until three. After that, it’s strictly a no-fly zone.”
“You got it, boss lady.”
After Paige finished her coffee she peered into the window of her favorite bakery, Madame Butterfly Cakes. She could see Michelle and Terry were busy at work in their kitchen and she was about to leave when Michelle signaled for her to come in. She opened the door. “Hey there, stranger, how are you?” Michelle smiled as she kept a watchful eye on her buttercream frosting. Michelle Conner was one of Long Island’s premier cake artisans, and she was African-American. A beautiful young woman in her early thirties, she kept her long, curly hair in a bun like Paige and was a stickler for detail.
“I’m good, sweetie. How are you?” She kissed her on the cheek.
“I’m tired but working. In fact we’re working on two cakes for Bliss clients.”
“Yes, the Forrester and Campbell weddings. I’d say you have a right to be tired. They both ordered four-tier cakes.”
“And they wanted plenty of detail work,” Michelle said as she checked the buttercream’s consistency.
“I can see that.”
Michelle’s long-time boyfriend, Terry Houston, was making a guitar out of fondant for the Forrester’s music theme. He looked to be putting the final touches on the guitar. An artist in his own right he had dark hair and bright blue eyes and was yang to Michelle’s yin. Both were vegans and offered vegan cakes. Their vegan cakes, as well as all their other cakes, tasted as good as they looked. From concept to design every cake was a result of their artistic collaboration. They were a perfect team.
“Whew,” he said as he wiped his brow. “Sorry, I just had to finish that.”
“Not a problem. You were in the zone.” Paige kissed him on the cheek.
Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 16