Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum)

by Chamein Canton

  Avery was just a little taller than Jennifer and she had a long mane of light brown wavy hair she’d pulled into a ponytail.

  “So nice to meet you, Avery.” Paige shook her hand.

  “Likewise,” she said softly.

  Paige held the door to let them into the salon. “After you, ladies.”

  Siobhan was waiting for them inside. “Good morning, everyone. Nice to see you.”

  Jennifer kissed Siobhan on the cheek, which surprised everyone. “Siobhan, I’d like you to meet the maid of honor, my cousin Avery Markowitz. Avery, this is Siobhan, our gown designer.”

  Siobhan looked at Jennifer and Avery. “Nice to meet you, Avery.” She shook her hand. “I can see the family resemblance.”

  “Nice to meet you, too.”

  “Everyone thought they were sisters growing up,” Mrs. Klein added.

  “I can see why. They’re both beautiful girls.” Siobhan smiled.

  “Jennifer, have you made a decision on what color you’re going with?”

  “It’s between burgundy and cranberry.”

  “I like those colors,” Siobhan said.

  “I think we’ll be going with the burgundy,” Mrs. Klein piped up. She obviously wasn’t as crazy about cranberry as Jennifer or Siobhan.

  “Both colors will be great for Avery’s skin tone,” Siobhan said as she went for her tape measure.

  Paige saw Avery’s body stiffen up. She wasn’t comfortable with her post-baby body. “Avery, are you okay?” Paige asked.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Tell the truth, Avery,” Jennifer said.

  Avery flashed Jennifer a dirty look. “What are you talking about, Jen?” she said sharply.

  “Paige, she’s upset about her body. She thinks she’s fat.”

  “I am fat.”

  “So what does that make me? I’m bigger than you.”

  “Girls!” Mrs. Klein interjected.

  Siobhan and Paige looked at each other.

  “Okay, Avery. First of all, you’re not fat. Second, I promise you will find a beautiful gown to complement your shape,” Paige said.

  “What shape?” she lamented.

  “Well you’re certainly not shaped like a side of beef or something,” Paige answered.

  The usually reserved Mrs. Klein burst out laughing. Soon everyone joined in and the ice was broken.

  “Seriously, Avery, don’t worry about the tag number. Focus on how you look and feel in the dress instead.”

  “She’s right,” Siobhan added.

  “Maybe, but I want to lose at least twenty pounds by the wedding.”

  “How are you going to do that? Christopher is still nursing, isn’t he?” Jennifer asked.

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t lose some weight.”

  “You should talk to your obstetrician first,” Mrs. Klein said in that inimitable “auntie knows best” tone.

  “Besides, you look great. Let the others rock the Pez dispenser look.”

  Mrs. Klein howled with laughter in spite of herself. “The what look, Paige?”

  “The Pez dispenser look; you know, when they’re all head with a tiny body. When I think about it, they look a little like those bobble head dolls, too.”

  “I can think of at least ten people that describes perfectly.” Jennifer said.

  “I know who you mean Jennifer, just don’t say it.”

  “I won’t, Mother.”

  Avery was laughing so much Siobhan was able to measure her painlessly. As the ladies continued to chat amongst themselves, Paige and Siobhan went into the back room with the gowns.

  “Now that you have the measurements, we can get started,” Paige said as she began looking through the clothes racks.

  Siobhan looked at Paige in amazement. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always manage to get brides to relax about getting measured. What kills me is that it’s just a tape measure.”

  “It might seem like a harmless tape measure, Siobhan, but it has something on it most women dread when it comes to their bodies: numbers.”

  “Numbers are just numbers,” Siobhan said as she began going through the gown rack.

  “Not for women, they’re not. Think about it for a second. As women we’re taught to focus on numbers; height, weight, age, and size. Now while we might be quick to answer a height question, the three latter categories fall under the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.”

  “You may have a point there.”

  “We count carbs, calories, fat, trans-fats, fiber, and sodium. It’s a wonder with all this focus on numbers that more women don’t entertain careers in math and engineering when we so clearly meet the prerequisites.”

  “I never thought about that before.” Siobhan laughed.

  “Honestly, most women would reveal anything before they’d tell you how much they weighed.”

  “Now that would be a novel spy technique.”

  ‘Wouldn’t it though?” Paige pulled an Empire-style gown out. “This would look nice on Avery.”

  Siobhan looked over. “I like that one for her, too.”

  “I’ll take this one back to them while you pull a few more gowns.”

  “I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

  Paige and Siobhan eventually pulled five dresses for Avery. As expected Avery was surprised to see just how good she looked. Avery was pear-shaped like Jennifer so they chose a gown with a narrow, fitted waistline to emphasize her upper body with a formal length A-line skirt to balance her figure.

  The formerly timid Avery stood on the platform grinning from ear to ear.

  “Once again, Siobhan, I think we have a winner.” Paige smiled.

  CHAPTER 22

  In the weeks after the graduation party Bliss had more events than ever before. Business was good, and no one complained because they knew the real reason Paige had decided to increase the volume: her baby was leaving for college and she needed to stay busy so she wouldn’t dwell on it. It was late August, which meant it was time for her to check to see if there was a bridal shower in the works for Jennifer.

  She dialed Mrs. Klein. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Klein. It’s Paige.”

  “Hello, Paige. What can I do for you?”

  “I was going over my schedule for Jennifer’s wedding and, although I know she decided to only have a maid of honor, I wanted to know if there were any plans for a bridal shower?”

  “To be truthful, Paige, I don’t know.”

  “Avery hasn’t mentioned anything?”

  “No. With Avery married and busy with her husband, we seem to be lucky when she makes it into your sister’s salon for her fittings.”

  “I understand. But all brides deserve a shower. Even second time around brides have showers.”

  “I’m sure third and fourth trippers do too,” Mrs. Klein laughed.

  “You’re right. How about if I plan something for early November and we make Avery the de facto hostess. Do you think she’d be okay with that?”

  “I don’t see why not.”

  “Terrific. Maybe you can have your secretary send over a list of names to send invitations to and I’ll take care of the rest.”

  “That’s awfully sweet of you, Paige, but are you sure it’s not too much?”

  “Not at all. I can handle it. Besides, my son is leaving for school this weekend, which will leave me with a lot of free time at home. I welcome the distraction.”

  “It’s hard to let go, isn’t it?”

  Paige took a deep breath. “Yes. Harder than I thought.”

  “You’ll be okay.”

  “I know. Thanks.”

  “I’ll have Samantha e-mail you a list of names and addresses.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Klein.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a good day, dear.”

  “You too.”

  * * *

  “I can’t believe I had to wear a suit to go shopping.” Matthew pulled at his collar.

  “Listen, big brother, you’re t
he one who asked me to give you advice and I did. This is the best place for what you want.”

  “Fine.”

  “It’s not like you’re wearing a formal morning tux with tails. It’s just a suit and tie.”

  “I guess I had to dress up for the occasion.”

  “It’s a monumental occasion,” Michael emphasized.

  “You don’t have to make it sound like that.”

  “Are you kidding me? Most of us never thought we’d live to see the day.”

  “Now you’re getting on my nerves.”

  He patted him on the back. “Sorry, big brother, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Apparently.”

  “Did you tell Mom and Dad?”

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  “This has nothing to do with them. It’s my decision.”

  “Yes, but they are your parents.”

  “I know.”

  “Is it because you don’t think they’d approve?”

  “It’s not a matter of getting their approval, Michael. It’s my life and I can do what I want to.”

  Michael sat back in the chair. “I won’t say another word. It’s your call.”

  “Thank you.”

  A gentleman entered the room. “Good morning, Mr. Smythe, and Mr. Smythe. Who is the lucky gentleman I’m consulting with this morning?”

  “That would be him.” Michael pointed to Matthew. “I’m already squared away.”

  “I see. So Mr. Matthew Smythe, what can Harry Winston do for you?”

  “I’d like to see your engagement ring collection.”

  * * *

  Paige looked over the list Samantha had sent over. My God, it’s a veritable Who’s Who, she thought as she flipped the pages. This calls for a high tea theme. “Where is my binder?” she muttered as she looked through her shelves.

  “What are you looking for?” Adriana asked.

  “My book of tearooms.” She grabbed a red binder. “Here it is.”

  “Are we doing a small wedding or a shower?”

  “A shower for Jennifer. I think Lady Mendi’s at the Inn at Irving Place might be a good fit for this. What do you think?”

  “Old World Victorian elegance? It sounds good to me. What month are you shooting for?”

  “I think maybe late October or early November.”

  “Do you need me to do anything?” Adriana asked.

  Paige picked up the phone. “No, I think I’m good.”

  * * *

  Just as Matthew and Michael walked out they ran into Rutherford Brown, a friend from Matthew’s prep school days.

  “Matthew!” Rutherford extended his hand.

  He and Matthew shook hands. “It’s good to see you, Rutherford.”

  “Same here.” He turned to Michael. “Hey, Mike, I haven’t see you in forever.”

  They shook hands. “Hey, Rutherford.”

  “So I hear congratulations are in order,” he said, looking at Matthew.

  Matthew nearly turned white as a sheet. “You’re gaining a new sister-in-law.” He patted Matthew on the back.

  “Oh, yeah,” he said, relieved.

  “Congratulations, Mike. I wish you the best.”

  “Thanks, Rutherford.”

  Rutherford looked at his watch. “Well, I have to get to a meeting. We should have a drink sometime soon, Matt.”

  “That sounds good to me.”

  “Take care, fellas,” he said as he briskly walked away.

  Matthew and Michael got into the waiting car.

  Michael looked at Matthew. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You look a little green. Are you feeling all right?”

  “I told you I feel fine,” he huffed.

  “Sorry. Don’t bite my head off.”

  Matthew took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I thought Rutherford saw us come out of Harry Winston.”

  “It was a close call.”

  “And the last thing I need.”

  “I hear that, brother.”

  Matthew stared at the ring box.

  “You have the right to have sticker shock. I did.”

  “You did?”

  “Oh yeah. It’s not every day that you plunk down thirty grand on a ring.”

  “That’s true.”

  “I can tell you the shock goes away when you present it to the woman you love. Then it’s the best feeling in the world.”

  Matthew seemed to relax. “I know she deserves it. Paige has been so brave the last few months but we’re driving Max up on Saturday and I know it’s killing her.”

  “I’m sure that will help ease the pain of separation.”

  “I hope so.”

  * * *

  Paige thumbed through one of her invitation sample books.

  There was a knock.

  She looked up. “Come in.”

  Deidre walked in. “Paige?”

  “Yes, Deidre?”

  “I was just thinking.”

  “Thinking about what?”

  “The Madison/Best wedding tomorrow. I’m still nervous about it. Are you sure no one else can take it?”

  “Deidre, we’ve talked about this before. The Madison wedding is a small event. Both Marjorie and Kevin were married before. They’re having a small reception at the country club. The banquet manager will be there to help you with the reception.”

  “I just don’t want to mess this up.”

  “I don’t expect you to be perfect, Deidre. I do expect you to be a professional and to represent Bliss. Understand?”

  “I know you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right. You’re going to be fine.”

  Deidre checked her watch. “It’s almost six o’clock, and I thought you said you needed to be out of here early.”

  Paige looked confused. “It’s six already?” She looked at the clock. “So it is.”

  “Do you need me to hang around for anything?”

  “No, you go on home. It’s only Thursday. Go to dinner or watch some guilty pleasure on television. There’s no reason to make yourself nuts.”

  “I know you’re right.” She glanced at the Cornell orientation book on Paige’s desk.“Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Why is everyone treating me like I’m made of glass? Yes, I have to take my son to college, but I’ll live.” She slammed the book closed and startled Deidre. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Deidre. I’m just tense.”

  “That’s okay. The same thing happened to me when I sent Augusto to school. You’re entitled to lose your cool every now and again.”

  “I’m glad you understand. Thanks. Now go on and have a good night. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Okay, boss lady.” She smiled as she closed her door.

  A few minutes later Paige walked into an empty office. She checked the calendar to see who was set to cover which event while she was upstate and then locked up the building and went home.

  On her way home from the office Paige noticed just how many families were going through the same rite of passage. However, unlike them, she wasn’t going to spend the better part of the evening trying to pack everything into the family minivan. Instead she’d taken Susie’s advice and had all the big things shipped to the campus. This way all she had to do was pack Max’s suitcases, put them by the door, and turn in early.

  * * *

  Matthew sat on the edge of his bed and stared at the ring. It finally happened. I fooled around and fell in love.

  Prudence jumped on the bed.

  “Hello, Ms. Prudence. Fancy meeting you here.”

  The cat rubbed him.

  “That’s a sweet kitty.”

  She looked in the box and rubbed him again.

  “I guess diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Even female cats get in the act.”

  Prudence turned over onto her back to get her belly rubbed.

  Michael laughed and then he obliged Prudence. “I should have known you were going to as
sume the position.”

  He heard a tap on the door. “Sorry, Ms. Prudence, but I have to see who’s at the door.”

  He went over to the door and opened it. Mrs. Hall was standing at the bottom of the stairs. He looked down and picked up a small rock.

  “Sorry about the rock, Matthew, these legs are a little too old to make the stairs.”

  “That’s okay, Mrs. Hall. Are you looking for a certain wayward kitty of yours?”

  “Indeed I am. Is she up there with you again?”

  “Yes. I’ll get her for you.”

  “Thank you, dear.”

  Matthew picked Prudence up and went downstairs.

  “Here you go, Mrs. Hall.”

  “Thank you, Matthew.” She turned to Prudence. “You better stop flirting with Matthew, Prudence. He’s going to have a wife soon, and she may not take kindly to your kitty cat ways.”

  Matthew was floored. “What makes you say that, Mrs. Hall?”

  “I know I need larger type to read even though I wear eyeglasses. However, these eyes can still spot the signs when a man in love decides to propose.”

  “How did you know, Mrs. Hall?”

  “It’s one of the few benefits of getting older, child. You can see certain things a bit more clearly and you, my dear, are head over heels in love.”

  “Most people had given me up for a confirmed bachelor, including me.”

  “It’s amazing what happens when you meet the right person.”

  “We’ve only known each other for a short time but I feel I’ve known her forever.”

  “Time has nothing to do with love. My late husband Willis and I got married after three months. We were married for fifty-nine years when he died.”

  “Fifty-nine years together. That’s wonderful.”

  She got quiet for a moment. “It certainly was. So you see, that’s why it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known each other. People put too much stock in that. My late sister Beverly dated Caleb, her first husband, for three years before they got married. They got divorced two years later. Then she was introduced to Andrew Green at a party. They dated for three weeks and were married for nearly fifty years.”

  “Wow.”

  “So I know from experience that when it’s right, it’s right, regardless of the amount of time you’ve known each other. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, child. Take it from me.”

  Matthew hugged Mrs. Hall. “Thank you.”

  She laughed. “Anytime, my dear. Just be sure to invite me to the wedding.”