by 33 authors
“I hope so.”
Seva noticed an attractive man wearing a tailored business suit and a small girl holding on to him with one hand while touching each piece of clothing on the racks with her other small hand as they walked past.
“Ms. Jones from the dance studio sent us. I understand we can find a dance outfit for my daughter’s recital.”
“Of course, I know the exact outfit you need. It’s right over here.” Seva motioned for the two to follow her across the floor. “All we need to do now is find your size. I would say you would probably wear a size four.” Seva held the outfit up to the girl. “What do you think? Do you like it?”
The little girl nodded her head, causing one of her golden blonde ringlets to fall in her face. “Your hair is very pretty. Are you going to wear it pulled up for your recital?"
“Ms. Jones said she would help me with my hair.” The little girl brushed a ringlet from her face. “Daddy’s not good at it yet.”
Seva noticed that the girl’s expression changed as she looked down twisting her foot on the toe of her shoe.
“Four sounds about right,” the man said.
As he rubbed the back of his neck, Seva caught the puzzled look on the man’s face. She could tell he wasn’t experienced in this area either. “If you would like to try this on, there's a dressing room over here.” She pointed to the doors behind the tied-back curtains.
“We are running a little late today. If you could show me what else she needs, we’ll take this one. We can return everything if it doesn’t fit, right?”
“Yes,” Seva paused. “Of course, save your receipt and bring it back with you. Let me find some tights and the rest of what you need. I’ll ring you up at the counter.” Seva picked up a pair of tights she was sure would fit the little dancer along with a hair bow and some gloves. “I think this is everything.”
Seva rang the total on the cash register. “Your total will be forty-nine dollars.” She swiped his card but not before catching the name. He signed the merchant copy and she handed him one of the receipts. “This is your copy, Mr. Peterson. If you need to bring anything back, please bring this with you or have her mother bring it back with the items you wish to return.”
“My mommy is in Heaven.” The little girl took hold of her father’s hand and looked up at him with her beautiful brown eyes. “Right, Daddy?”
Placing the receipt in his wallet, the gentleman picked up the bag. “Thank you. You’ve been very helpful.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Peterson. If your daughter needs anything else for her recital, please let me know. I hope I didn’t say anything wrong.” Seva noticed his daughter must have inherited her eyes from him along with the dimple in her right cheek.
“It’s fine. We’re adjusting…or trying to. Thank you again.”
As they walked out the door, Seva’s eyes filled with tears as memories of her own mother dying when she was a little girl came crashing back. Her heart broke for a child losing her mother at such a young age, and for a father losing his wife.
* * *
CHAPTER TWO
“Good morning, Linda.”
“Seva,” Linda Jones looked up and smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you until tomorrow.”
“I was in the neighborhood and wanted to drop off some more coupons for you to hand out to your dancers. I appreciate you recommending the Pink Hippo.”
“You’re welcome. How is the new business doing?” Linda asked.
“It’s a slow but steady flow of customers. I’ve received some new inventory which seems to be a hit with all the little girls. Speaking of, last week a Mr. Peterson came in with his daughter and bought an outfit for her dance recital. Did everything fit all right? He seemed unsure of what he needed to buy.”
Linda shook her head sadly. “It’s such a shame.”
“What do you mean?”
“Tammy losing her mother at her age and Michael losing his wife. He’s doing his best at being a single father, but it’s taking him a little while to get the hang of it. Of course, all the single mothers around here are offering to help in any way they can.” Linda smiled.
“What happened?” Seva queried.
“Breast cancer.”
“How awful. She must have been so young,” Seva said, wanting to know the entire story.
“I guess she found a lump when she was pregnant with Tammy. She had a family history of breast cancer. I believe Tammy was three when she passed away.”
“That's so sad. Mr. Peterson asked if he could bring anything back that didn’t fit, and I haven’t seen him. I wanted to make sure Tammy had everything she needs for the recital.”
“We have a dress rehearsal this evening and Tammy will be here in costume. I’ll make sure everything fits right and let you know. Or better yet, why don't you come help me with fittings and hair? Carla can’t make it tonight, and I could use the help.”
“I’d like that. What time do you want me here?”
“Around six. Will you be closed by then?”
“I’ll make sure I am.” Seva placed an envelope of coupons down on the table. “Let me know if you need any more.”
“I will, and I’ll send you an email soon with information on the outfits we need for the next recital which is in a few months.”
“I’ll be watching for it. See you tonight around six.”
* * *
“Six o’clock on the nose.” Seva checked the time on the dash as she pulled into the dance studio’s parking lot.
“I’m glad you made it.” Linda met her at the door. “We have a lot of little girls who need help with their hair and makeup.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” Seva said and followed Linda to the dressing room.
“Why don’t you start with Tammy?”
“Hi, Tammy. Do you remember meeting me a few days ago?”
“Yes, you’re the Pink Hippo lady.”
“That’s right. My name is Seva. Can I help you with your hair?”
“I’d like that. Can you help me with my makeup too? I’m not sure how to do that part.”
“I would love to. Why don’t you sit down here in the chair and we’ll get started.”
Seva carefully ran her fingers through the ringlets in Tammy’s hair pulling it up on top of her head, clipping a bow in place. Next she brushed some blush on Tammy’s cheeks, added a little eye shadow then stepped back to admire the results.
“You are one beautiful dancer.”
“Thank you, Seva. I can’t wait for my daddy to see me.” Tammy skipped off to join her friends and Seva started on the next girl.
* * *
CHAPTER THREE
The ding of the front doorbell brought Seva from the backroom. “Mr. Peterson.” She was surprised to see Michael Peterson again so soon. He looked nice in his jeans and t-shirt which hugged his massive chest muscles perfectly. The sleeves pulled up far enough to show off his tanned arms. It had only been a couple of weeks since he was here and there was nothing in his hands to return. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Please call me Michael.” He stepped forward and offered his hand to shake.
“All right, Michael. I’m Seva. Seva Franklin.”
“I wanted to thank you for helping Tammy with her hair and makeup. You were all she could talk about when I picked her up.”
“I’m glad I could help her. You have a beautiful daughter.”
“Thank you. She’s a strong little girl," he said quietly, "but she's growing up way too fast. Speaking of, I’m afraid I need your help again Seva.”
“Of course, I'd be happy to help with whatever I can do.”
“You did such a great job fitting Tammy for her dance recital. Her birthday is next week and I have no idea what to buy her. My mother has always helped me in the past, but she's out of town until next month.”
Seva could tell Michael was uncomfortable asking for her help. She wondered why such an attractive single man didn’t have his choice of women. Wh
ere were the single women Linda said were falling all over him offering help?
“When Tammy and I were here before, I noticed that you carry little girls’ clothing. I know she is outgrowing everything, and I would really appreciate your help finding her some new outfits.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” Seva smiled warmly. “Does Tammy have a favorite color? Does she like animals, flowers or hearts?”
“I’m really not sure. I do know pink is her favorite color. She was so excited to come to your store because of the name Pink Hippo.”
“It’s my favorite color also.” Seva smiled.
“Is that where the name came from?”
“Actually, my favorite children’s book is titled The Pink Hippo. When I decided to open a children’s store, I couldn’t think of a better name.”
“I’ll have to find a copy of that book for Tammy’s birthday. Can I find it at the bookstore?”
“Yes, but if you'd like an autographed copy, I can help you out.”
“You know the author? That would be fantastic. Tammy would love it.”
“I’m the author. I write children’s books along with owning the store.”
“I’m impressed. You’re one busy lady. How many books have you written?”
“Five. I’m working on my sixth.” Seva spared him the conversation of how the store and her writing were her life because she didn’t have a husband or children. She had more free time than she cared to admit.
“Add a copy of The Pink Hippo to my purchases, autographed, please.”
“I’d be happy to. Now let’s find some clothes for Tammy.”
Picking out several outfits and the accessories that all little girls need, Seva rang up the items stopping to autograph a copy of The Pink Hippo for Tammy.
“I hope she enjoys her presents,” Seva said, handing the bag to Michael. “I added some extra bags and tissue paper so you can wrap them easily. Can I help you with anything else?”
“There is one more thing,” Michael paused. “Would you come to Tammy’s birthday party next Sunday afternoon? I found someone who throws princess parties. I thought it sounded like the perfect solution since I have no idea how to throw a five-year-old a birthday party.”
“Are you sure?” Seva asked.
“Yes, I’m positive. Tammy and I would enjoy having you there.”
“As far as I know, I’m free. I would love to come to her party.”
“Great.” Michael pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket. “Here's an invitation with the time and address. It has my cell phone number in case you get lost.”
“Thank you. It sounds like fun.” Seva took the envelope from his hand and opened it.
“Thank you again, Seva. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.”
Seva smiled as she watched him walk out the door. “This should be interesting.”
* * *
CHAPTER FOUR
Pulling into the circle drive, Seva’s GPS was telling her she had arrived at her destination.
“Wow.” She continued up the drive until she was stopped by a young man in a crisp white shirt, black vest, slacks and bow tie. “Parking valets?” She stopped her car, shifted it to park and waited for the young man to open her door.
“You can leave it running.” He handed her a numbered card. “Give this to one of the valets when you're ready to leave. Enjoy the party.”
Seva stepped back as the young man climbed into her car and drove off. She couldn’t change her mind now.
Seva took a minute to survey the house. It was a mansion, a house she could only imagine in her dreams.
When she was a little girl, her father would earn extra money doing yard work for people who lived in houses like this. She and her younger sister would tag along, trying to stay out of the way. Every now and then she would go exploring, wondering what it would be like to live in a house with a double staircase that led down to a foyer larger than her entire home. What it would be like to have a maid cook your meals, clean your home and do your laundry instead of her and her sister having to be responsible at the ages of nine and ten.
Following the crowd through the open doorway, Seva was met by a butler collecting birthday gifts and giving directions through the living room to the backyard. Not only was the house impressive, but the backyard had been converted into a child’s dreamland.
The party was every little girl's dream. In one corner of the yard there was every princess straight out of their favorite fairy tales, while in the other corner stood at least five Shetland ponies waiting to give the children a ride. Another area was decorated like a carnival, complete with several people dressed the part of a carnie trying to pull the guests in with games where you could throw a baseball at milk bottles or burst a balloon with a dart. Seva was sure your chances of winning these carnival games were one hundred percent better than at the local fair.
“Seva.”
Michael’s voice called to her from across the grounds. Her heart beat faster as he came running up wearing a pair of cargo shorts, his tanned legs showing every muscle, and a tight fitting white t-shirt that hugged his well-formed chest and abs.
“I’m glad you made it. Tammy will be excited you’re here.”
“I’m impressed, Michael. This is fantastic! What little girl wouldn’t be happy with this birthday party?”
“Thanks. I wish I could take the credit but all I did was pay the bill. I wanted Tammy to have a great birthday. She deserves it. Let’s go say hi to her.”
Seva could feel a slow simmer begin in her core as Michael took her hand and led her across the perfectly manicured yard.
“Tammy, look who came to celebrate your birthday.”
“Hi, Seva.” Tammy’s little face lit up as she smiled, waved and ran to her father.
“Happy birthday, Tammy.” Seva said, smiling down at her.
“My daddy said he invited you to my party. Thank you for coming.” Tammy brushed a few strands of hair from her face. “Do you want to be a princess?”
Seva’s heart melted as Tammy took her hand. “I would love to be a princess. Can you show me how?”
“I sure can. Come on.”
Seva glance back at Michael and grinned, letting Tammy lead the way.
* * *
“You both look beautiful,” Michael announced, walking up behind Seva and Tammy.
“Thank you, Daddy. This is fun, isn’t it Seva?”
“Yes, it is fun and you look like a real princess.” Seva hugged Tammy. Both of them wore eye shadow, lipstick and their hair had been styled in an updo, topped with sparkling tiaras.
“So do you, Seva. Can I open presents now, Daddy?”
“You sure can. Let’s get everyone over to the table. We’ll open presents and have some cake and ice cream.”
“I love cake and ice cream.” Tammy took off running, gathering all of her friends along the way.
Seva waited for all the children to find a place around the table before she took a seat. Tammy took one present at a time from Michael, trying her best to read each card and then carefully opened the gift. She also thanked each person before opening the next present. Seva was impressed with what a well-mannered young lady she was. Tammy liked the purse and journals that Seva gave her, and made of point of giving Seva a hug after she opened them.
“Every little girl needs a cute purse and a few journals to record their thoughts and dreams,” Seva said to Tammy. Seva’s own childhood journals weren’t as nice as these, but they had served the purpose and were the start of her writing career.
The last gifts Michael handed Tammy were from him. She loved all the clothes and from what Seva could tell, they would fit her perfectly. The last present Tammy opened was Seva’s book, The Pink Hippo. Tammy read the title then looked at Seva, puzzled.
“That’s your store.”
“Yes, it is. I named my store after that book,” Seva explained. “I wrote it.”
“You wrote my book?” Tammy hugged the book tight
ly. “That’s cool.” Tammy ran to give Seva another hug. “Can you help me write a book?”
“You want to write a book? About what?”
“I want to write a book about my mother so I won’t forget her.” Tammy’s expression turned somber.
Seva hugged her tightly. “I lost my mother when I was ten years old. You won’t forget her, sweetheart. I’ve never forgotten mine.”
“Are you sure?” Tammy asked.
“I’m positive, but I would still love to help you write a book about your mother.”
“Oh, thank you Seva. Can you read me your book?”
“Now?”
“Mommy would always read to me before I feel asleep and I miss her. Can you read to me before I fall asleep?”
“Let’s ask your father and see if it’s okay with him.”
“Daddy, Seva is going to read my book to me before I fall asleep," Tammy declared. "I want to go ride a pony now.”
“Let’s go. It’s your birthday. Today we do whatever you want.”
“Come on, Seva. You can come too.”
“I would like that but I think I’ll watch you ride.”
“Okay.” Tammy jumped up and began running toward the ponies.
“You are going to be exhausted by the time this party is over,” Seva said, trying to keep up with Michael as they followed Tammy.
“I’m going to need a nap, that’s for sure. She keeps me on my toes.”
“I can see that.” Seva wasn’t sure if she should bring up the topic of him being a single father. She didn’t want to ruin the fun he was having with his daughter but she didn’t have to worry. He brought it up for her.
“I wish her mother could see her having such a great time.”
“I was sorry to hear about your wife. I know it must be hard for you and Tammy.”
“It’s really hard," he admitted. "I’m trying to do the best I can for Tammy and for myself.”
“I think you are doing wonderfully. I know it was hard for my father when my mother died. He raised two little girls by himself.”
“I heard you tell Tammy you lost your mother when you were ten. I’m sorry to hear that.”