Josie set her purse on the stool behind the counter and paused to regain her balance. She walked into the back to meet her ex-husband’s fiancée and end the bizarre morning.
A tall, thin woman stood on the riser, her back to Josie. The platinum blonde standing on the riser didn’t cause Josie’s breath to disappear. That the woman wore the Jin-inspired dress created for Adriana—that stole Josie’s gasp.
“It needs to be taken in here.” The woman pinched the fabric under her arm, tightening the bodice. “Maybe extra beading near the waistline. And it definitely needs more feathers.”
Josie moved to the riser, lifted her gaze to the woman’s face and stumbled. That spark—the one she’d wanted from Adriana—glowed from this stranger. This stranger wearing the wrong dress.
Josie picked up a mantle veil from the other body form and stepped up onto the platform. She clipped the veil around the woman’s neck. “If you wear this veil, you wouldn’t need more feathers on the gown.”
That glow sparked into a flame.
Mia clasped her hands under chin. “I’m going to cry. Seriously start weeping.”
The woman pressed her palms against her cheeks, catching her tears. “You’re Josie. I’m Krystal Keller. And I imposed. I put on this stunning dress without permission.”
Mia dabbed a tissue to her eyes.
“It’s my big feet.” The woman’s face held her mortification. “I’m always overstepping.”
Josie scooped up the box of tissues from the small table and handed them to Mitch’s fiancée. Despite her swollen eyes and the chagrin in her tone, Krystal’s glow was genuine. So was her smile each time she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Josie finally understood Mimi’s advice about thinking beyond the pattern. Finally, she’d created magic.
Josie stepped in front of Krystal. “Where would you put that extra beading?”
“Here.” Krystal described the changes.
Josie nodded, accepted her design book from Mia and made notes on a blank page.
“I’ve cursed my height all my life.” Krystal turned and looked over her shoulder, studying the back of the dress in the mirror. “And my mother, too. But this dress.”
“It was constructed specifically for a woman with your height.” Josie eyed the gown, added more notes.
“How much is it?” Krystal asked.
“It’s—” Josie began.
Mia blurted, “It’s four thousand dollars.”
The tip of Josie’s pencil snapped off, along with her voice.
Mia added, “Without the veil.”
“Let me talk to Josie,” Mitch called. “Krystal, you need to change. We have to meet the wedding coordinator in thirty minutes at the hotel.”
Mia released the mantle veil and handed it to Josie. “I’ll help you change, Miss Kellar.”
Krystal glanced at herself one last time, wiped at her eyes and stepped off the platform. Mia gave Josie a double thumbs-up.
Josie secured the veil on the body form and walked back to the checkout counter.
“How does this work?” Mitch pulled out his wallet. “Do I put down a deposit or pay in full?”
“It’s not...”
Her ex-husband stepped forward, held up his hand. “We didn’t work, Josie. You always lost yourself in the creativity. And my mind belonged to my business. I can’t take back the hurt, but I can support your store.” He picked up a pen, wrote on a notepad and handed it to Josie. “That’s my offer for the wedding dress and the veil.”
Josie stared at the number. He’d more than doubled Mia’s price. She’d preached only yesterday about exclusive designs and unwritten rules in the fashion industry. She tried to follow the rules. “You and Krystal have my blessing and a wedding dress.”
Krystal rushed forward and embraced Josie, rambling her thanks. Josie waited, her arms stiff against her sides, while her ex-husband peeled away his new fiancée. Josie had never quite gotten used to spontaneous embraces. She kept her personal space well-protected. Krystal harbored no such qualms. And Josie knew then that Krystal was responsible for the changes in her ex-husband. Love suited the pair. She picked up a business card and told Krystal to call to schedule another private fitting.
Josie headed to the dressing room. Mia had already draped the gown back over the body form.
“That was awkward, surprising and terrifying.” Mia dropped onto the couch. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Krystal once she saw that dress. That was an original from your closet, wasn’t it?”
“I just made rent for the next few months.” Josie sank onto the cushion next to her friend. Krystal’s hug still clung to her like static, although she was oddly calm.
“Congratulations.” Mia tipped her head toward Josie. “You just sold a Josie Beck original.”
“I just sold Adriana Taylor’s exclusive gown.” To the highest bidder.
Mia covered her mouth. Her shock and horror evident. “What can I do? This is my fault.”
“I sold out for money.” Josie dropped her head back. “This is all on me.”
“Call Mitch. Tell him that he can’t have it,” Mia said. “Make up something about not being able to do the alterations in time.”
Josie shook her head. “I already ran his credit card.”
And trimmed Adriana’s choices down to two: her grandmother’s and the other exclusive—the one that neither Taylor sibling liked.
“What now?” Mia asked.
Josie stood up. “I get to work.”
Most specifically on her persuasion skills. First, she had to convince Adriana to cancel her afternoon fitting. Josie needed to stall until later in the week and a promise to talk to Theo about their grandmother’s wedding dress should be enough for Adriana to agree. That part was easy.
The real problem: she had no idea how she was going to convince Theo to embrace his past.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“WE REALLY LIKE the idea of revamping both Josie Beck and her boutique, The Rose Petal, on the TV show.” Foster tweaked his candy-cane-striped bow tie.
“We conducted a deep background check—foster child. No siblings. No parents to file claims for royalty rights.” Barry pulled out a thick folder. “Josie checks quite a few boxes as an audience favorite.”
“I secret-shopped the boutique this morning.” Caitlyn spread both hands out in the air. “We’d like to stretch Josie’s segment out over the entire first season.”
“Her original work will need to be put away.” Foster smoothed his palm over the projected financials like a magician improving the already generous profit line. “And then the dresses can be revealed at the end of the season.”
“One of the gowns has been sold.” Their assistant’s voice was mousy, her flared glasses less obvious, making her look like Cat Woman’s younger sibling.
Theo nodded, assuming that was one of Adriana’s gowns. Gowns he’d yet to view after his sister had canceled the fitting yesterday. The minister wanted to meet with Ryan and Adriana. His sister informed him that the church took precedence. After all, without the minister, there would be no vow exchange or blessing of the marriage. The fitting had been rescheduled. Theo added, “Josie doesn’t display her original work at her shop.”
“Then the few gowns that we saw can be easily removed.” Caitlyn grinned. “None of her original creations can be sold or worn until after the first season airs.” Caitlyn swirled her chair toward her admin, instructing her to add that stipulation to Josie’s contract.
Once Josie signed the contract, Adriana could not wear one of Josie’s gowns. That ended one deal. But the TV show was a far better option for Josie. The upside was limitless. The money too good to turn away from. He stilled. “What about her upscaled consignment gowns?”
“Again, those can be sold, but not worn until after the season airs.” Caitlyn nodded to her
assistant. “We want the most impact on the TV show. A reveal too soon lessens that, even if it occurs off-camera.”
If Josie signed the contract, Shanna lost her wedding gown. He wasn’t even certain how many other women might lose consignment gowns, too. A dull thud knocked against the back of Theo’s eyes. He slipped on his reading glasses as if his poor vision was the problem.
“There’s much to be gained from this particular segment, particularly with Josie,” Foster said. “We’ll showcase her transformation from a seamstress to a fashion designer in the first season.”
“Did I mention Josie lived in more than six foster homes?” Barry emphasized. “Having the used-gown seller grow into an original fashionista on camera will play well to the viewers. It’s a success story.”
Theo held up his hand, silencing Barry from revealing more of Josie’s personal history to the entire room. A room of strangers. Why wasn’t the quietest one in the conference room keeping quiet? “I think we all agree Josie Beck is an ideal candidate for the show.”
Theo usually appreciated all the information his team collected. Prided himself on having the most information in any business transaction. It put him in a position of power. Informed was forearmed.
But Josie... He’d invaded her privacy. He wanted her to share with him. To trust him enough to reveal the full truth.
That thud slammed into a throb. Theo slipped his fingers under his glasses and squeezed the bridge of his nose.
“We have a preliminary filming schedule. We’ll shoot at Adriana’s wedding venue, then again at the reception hall.” Caitlyn clicked on a slide. “This will showcase the launch of Coast to Coast Living’s new products for the premiere episode.”
And prove to Theo’s potential shareholders that Coast to Coast Living could compete in the wedding business. Theo had positioned the company to become publicly traded. Yet only Theo and his legal team knew that information. The potential shareholders wanted Coast to Coast Living to have a foothold inside several key markets in the retail sector. The wedding had to be perfect. The deal depended on a flawless reveal. Once Coast to Coast Living went public, the company could reach a new level of success. That would ensure his family’s happiness and well-being. And Theo would have nothing to regret.
“We’d like to start filming inside Rose Petal before Christmas.” Caitlyn advanced to another slide. “We’ll finalize the contract and have it to you by the end of the week.”
Theo just had to confirm Josie’s consent before then. “Josie will want to review the contract with her lawyer.”
“She doesn’t currently have one on retainer.” Barry tapped Josie’s personal file. “Or the funds to hire one.”
Theo could remedy that.
“The contract will have been vetted by our legal team,” Foster said. “She’ll want to sign quickly. We’re two weeks until Christmas day.”
Theo had to act quickly, too, and get Josie to agree.
“I’ll assume copies of all contracts will be forwarded to my legal team, as well.” Theo made a mental note to have Fran follow up on the contracts. He stood, shook hands with the producers and left the building.
Outside, he inhaled. The bite in the air only prodded that insistent throbbing in his head. His phone vibrated. Thirty new emails had arrived during his meeting with the producers. A series of texts and several missed phone calls. Josie’s name wasn’t on the call list or unopened texts. And she was the one he wanted to talk to. The one he wanted to see.
His phone vibrated again. He didn’t recognize the caller, so he sent the call to voice mail and turned off his phone.
Of course, he wanted to see Josie. He wanted to share the good news about her impending celebrity on the TV series. And it was good news. She had to recognize that. Theo strode down the block, heading toward the boutique. Everyone wanted more status and more notoriety. Then more doors opened. Bigger opportunities came along. Business rose. There wasn’t a downside.
Theo quickened his pace but couldn’t quite dodge his doubt.
Shanna and perhaps a few others would suffer setbacks. Surely new gowns could be purchased from another bridal salon in the city. Theo would pay—he’d offer no limit on their dress budgets. Who wouldn’t want a brand-new wedding gown?
But that tiny voice of opposition barreled into him. Josie.
It always came back to Josie.
Theo turned the corner, saw her and smiled. Simple as that. Uncomplicated as that.
Josie Beck made him smile.
She stood outside her shop, fumbling with a bag and yanking on her door. One more point in the upside column: a complete renovation to include the exterior and a new working door.
One last tug and Josie yanked the door closed before Theo reached her. She locked the boutique’s door and turned toward him, skipping past a greeting. “Where’s your car?”
Theo glanced into the boutique and back at Josie. “I walked.”
Josie checked her phone. “The nearest car is eleven minutes out.” She eyed the street up and down quickly, then glanced at his shoes. “We can walk faster.”
“Walk where?”
“Sugar Beat Bakery.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and watched her. What had he missed? She typed frantically on her phone. “What are you doing?” he asked.
“Pulling up the address on my map.” Her tone was twitchy and curt.
“It’s on Gate Street, across from Roadside Burgers,” he said.
“Perfect.” Josie stuffed her phone in her tote bag and took off down the sidewalk. “Let’s go.”
Theo shook his head and jogged after her. This was not how he’d pictured this meeting unfolding. “Why are we running there?”
“Didn’t you get your sister’s texts and voice mail?” Josie huffed.
Adriana was standing in for Theo at the Children’s Hospital. He’d had to take a call from his lawyers and capital-firm advisors. Then met with the producers. Adriana was presenting a large donation check to the hospital and staying for the press conference—a task she excelled at. There shouldn’t have been any problems. “My phone is off.”
Josie stopped and set her hands on her knees. Winded from the run or his revelation, he couldn’t be sure.
Her words came out in a pant. “You turned off your phone?”
“It’s no big deal.” Theo started across the street. “I needed... I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine,” Josie called out and joined him at the corner. “But we have to get back to you later. I promised Adriana first.”
“Promised what?” Now he was starting to get agitated. He’d clearly missed several steps during his walk. He pulled out his phone and pressed the power button.
“To stop your mother, although I don’t know how to exactly.” She shrugged, then considered him. “But you’re here now, so you can handle it.”
“My mother!” He clutched his phone. Stopped smiling completely.
“You would know all this if your phone was on.” Josie flung her arms wide. The twitchiness turned to full distress. “Your mother and her current date are at Sugar Beat sampling Adriana’s cake choices and making new suggestions.”
Theo shoved his phone in his pocket and ran. He stopped once for a red light. And slowed only to avoid a collision with a dog walker and baby stroller. Theo yanked open the door to Sugar Beat Bakery, motioned Josie ahead of him and wrestled to regain his breath.
Josie stepped to the side counter, filled two paper cups with water and handed him one. Theo scanned the bakery and choked on his lemon-infused water. His mother sat at a small table in the back corner, cake samples and menus spread out before her. Two plates. Two glasses. Twin forks filled the rest of the square table. She’d been there a while.
Theo crushed the paper cup and gathered his courage.
Trudy Riggs, the owner of Sugar Beat B
akery, stepped through the swinging door, her gaze harried. Her gray hair stood out beneath her cap like broken straw. Trudy’s focus landed on Theo. The poor woman almost dropped the plate of cake samples she carried. She righted herself and lifted the platter. Theo shook his head. His mother had had more than enough sweets for one afternoon. Trudy danced back behind the swinging door, a smile flitting across her weathered face.
Theo started toward his mother’s table.
Josie set her hand on his arm and stalled him. “Don’t be too hard on her. I think she means well.”
“If meddling is well-meaning, then she excels at it.” Still, Theo couldn’t quite catch his sigh.
One that Josie heard, too, if her grin of victory was any indication.
Theo stepped up to the table, greeted his mother and nodded toward the box of tissue. “Have you developed a food allergy?”
“Those are for Marshall.” His mother shook her head, her voice forlorn. “Unfortunately, he’s not quite over his divorce.”
“Where is Marshall?” Theo glanced around the bakery. A mother and her child ate chocolate cupcakes at a nearby table.
“Restroom.” His mother waved her hand over her shoulder then smiled at Josie. “Josie, remind me to tell Daphne to add a date range for widowers and divorcées. You don’t want to choose any potential matches under the one-year mark. Most aren’t over things yet.”
“I’m not—” Josie said.
“You’re right,” his mother interrupted. “It’s best to keep to the ones without too much backstory. Unfortunately, at my age, we all have backstory. But you’re still young enough. Here’s Marshall now.”
A silver-haired gentleman in dress slacks and a button-down shirt took Josie’s hand. Marshall covered their joined hands with his free one. Then he surpassed good manners, holding onto Josie entirely too long. Theo scowled. His mother quirked an eyebrow at Marshall.
“Just because your ex-wife went younger, you don’t need to follow.” His mother tapped Marshall’s arm until he released Josie. “We discussed this earlier. Desperation never looks good on anyone at any age.”
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