Once Within A Lifetime

by Rose, Phyllis Georgina

  She arranged her line of fashions as she wished them presented, deciding which models would bring life to certain outfits. She was keen to the features each model possessed and could use them the best way to show off each piece of her fashions in a unique way and planned the line-up to be accurate and effective. She was eager for the program to begin. As it unfolded, she beheld the interest in the eyes of the spectators and studied their faces to learn what brought smiles, frowns, or disinterest. This filled her with electricity and bounce. Watching the fashions modeled gave her a fresh perspective, alerting her to changes which could improve her future groupings. She tried to view things as if she were a potential buyer. She was involved in a special art which took an alert and keen eye.

  Being aware of her inability to work well without proper sleep, she decided to get ready for bed and folded up her portfolio, now all ready for the presentation. As she got into bed, into soft, delicate satin sheets, she easily drifted off to sleep hoping to dream of future ideas and fashions.

  She awoke at six o'clock, rose and ordered breakfast. Knowing that a fresh pot of the delightful coffee she liked so well awaited on the small table outside the door, she opened it, brought in the coffee with its accompanying cup and took it to the patio. It was a gorgeous day and she ate on the patio, watched the sleepy city come alive and heard the sounds of the day already underway all around the area. She glanced through some fashion magazines she brought with her and lingered a while soaking up some of the warm sunshine, to recharge her to face the busy day. This was her regular custom. Gentle breezes stirred and she could sit and relax for a while for she still had lots of time yet before she must depart for her day. She continued watching the birds going about their business, taking full advantage of the abundant flower paradise.

  She planned to leave at eleven o’clock to meet her friend Phylicia and the new buyer for a luncheon at the cafe in the Pavilion. She planned to wear one of her latest creations, though not one from her present collection. These she left for the models to do the first display. Her dress was lovely and made her feel especially feminine and elegant. It was a cool-looking teal color which would dramatically show off her dark hair and ivory complexion to its very best. Capped white sleeves, edged with delicate lace, hugged her arms. The bodice was fitted and the skirt had a gentle flare. A v-neckline topped a row of many small buttons down the front of the dress to an opening about eight inches from the bottom. She brought a matching hat which made her look pretty and added to her femininity. She could not have chosen a better color or style to make her look attractive and she felt comfortable.

  At ten o'clock in the morning she began to get ready, took a shower, fixed her hair and applied her perfectly matched makeup. She adorned herself in her stylish dress, carefully pulled on her sheer nylons, and her teal-colored shoes finished her total look. Her choice of clothes pleased her, giving her confidence to face the day. She could relax totally now and concentrate on matters at hand.

  She arrived at the cafe about ten minutes early, stood by the window, and looked out at the sparkling blue water gushing up from the fountain just outside. The sun caught the ripples and made it look like strands of diamonds on a sapphire background. She heard her name called from across the room and turned to face her friend, Phylicia, who introduced her to the new buyer, a tall, dark, handsome young man in a dark blue suit made of fine summer wool, a perfect choice for his coloring which made him look dashing indeed. A well-chosen tie added life to his suit and she could tell he was adept at style and wardrobe planning. She thought his taste was impeccable. His dark hair waved at the top and temples and his dark mustache was neatly trimmed and sharp-looking. She was definitely impressed with his overall demeanor and attitude. Her heart skipped a beat and she blushed but hoped it would not be obvious.

  “Hi, Triessa, this is Todd Noble,” Phylicia told her excitedly. “Todd, this is Triessa Barrett. I told you a new buyer was coming today. I met him at a previous show and told him I was coming here to see your spectacular fashions. He was very interested, so, here he is.”

  Triessa smiled at him, “Hello, I am pleased to meet you. I hope you will not be disappointed in the show and that you may find some things to pique your interest. Please let me know if anything in particular appeals to you and if I can help you with any information.”

  “Thank you, I will do that.”

  They went to the table near the window in a spot from which they could view the fountain. The sun was bright and made little rainbows in the arches as the water rose into the air. Todd held Triessa’s chair to seat her, helped Phylicia get seated, then he sat between them, turned toward Triessa and asked her about her line of fashions.

  His interest pleased her. “It is a new line with which I am particularly pleased and hope you will like them as well.”

  “Where are you from?” asked Triessa. “Are you in the fashion business?”

  He replied, “No, I am a jewelry salesman, but have taken an interest in clothing designs to help me with my line of work. The two could go very well together, don’t you think?”

  “Well, yes, I can see where there could be a direct connection, especially in matching jewelry with the clothing,” she answered.

  “Have you two known each other long?” she asked, turning to Phylicia.

  “No, we met recently at a fashion show where he’d come up with the idea of fashion being a clue to jewelry sales. This inspired him to check out your show,” Phylicia replied.

  His amazement showed as he looked at her, “I am sure I will find some interesting items and am desirous to see them. May I sit near you during the showing so that I may ask any pertinent questions which may come to mind?”

  “Certainly,” she answered, “I will be glad to help you in any way I can.”

  The food was delicious and they talked as they dined. Then he helped the ladies up, escorting them to the showroom. There was just enough time to get settled down before it began.

  “You certainly have a great class of models who are doing a fantastic job with your fashion line,” he told her.

  “Thank you, I looked for the best because it makes all the difference to the fashions to have them presented in the proper light. A good model can sell the item and she is worth her weight in gold. I am pleased that you noted the connection.”

  “Yes, I can see that,” he replied. “It is a well-planned delivery. You have a talent for that as well as the fashion designing.”

  “Thank you,” she responded with a smile. “I feel a love for my work; it is the prime quality for doing a good job.”

  At the end of the show they discussed the items of interest. “It is difficult to make a few selections from such a lineup and I will take one of each,” he exclaimed. “I will be taking them back with me to discuss with some shop owners in my area.”

  She was pleased with his interest. “Thank you, I will have arrangements set up for your order. I’ll be right back.”

  He watched her walk away and felt this had been a really special day in his life. Triessa felt the same and was very impressed with him.

  As they started to walk out of the room, he turned to her and asked, “May I take you for a drive and show you some of my favorite sights? I am sure you will love them. It is still a beautiful day and it would be sad not to use it for something very special.”

  “I would love to learn more about this beautiful country,” she smiled. They walked to his car and she was delighted to see a beautiful red 1952 MG-TD parked in the drive in front of the Pavilion. It had been kept in mint condition. She exclaimed delightfully, “How did you know this was one of my favorite cars? And the color is magnificent. I have always liked them. What a truly special delight it shall be to ride in it.”

  He opened the door for her, she got in, removed her hat, and arranged her teal silk scarf over her hair. It matched her outfit setting off the blue color of her eyes in a special way because they were already sparkling with all the excitement of the day and her chee
ks were very rosy. The whole time since her arrival had been just too wonderful for words. She had never felt so overwhelmed by anyone.

  He looked at her and remarked, “You look lovely and very excited. I am so glad I met you, and feel as if I have known you for a long time. I hope this doesn’t upset you for, after all, we just met today. Please understand that I am not trying to be bold or forward, just sincere. I am simply very impressed with you and all you’ve done.”

  “No, I don’t mind your telling me this,” she told him honestly. “I strangely feel the same way. Why shouldn’t I just take you at your word? You do seem sincere and I appreciate that in a person.”

  They drove down the hill and around the edge of the city to take the road to another slope which faced the opposite direction from her hotel. As they got part way up the hill, a majestic waterfall cascaded down the craggy hill into a ravine below which was bubbling, frothy white and boiling. The sight was simply breathtaking. Gorgeous wildflowers adorned the hills and the aroma was like a delightful perfume, reminding him of her new scent that she wore today.

  “Your perfume makes me think of the aroma from all the wildflowers. It was as if you had been here, bottled it, and captured and blended the rich smells together, yet they seem to stand out individually. When I met you, your perfume reminded me of this place so I wanted to bring you here and have you see it and smell the flowers. What is the name of your perfume?” he asked meaningfully. “I felt you would be enchanted and now I can see it in your face and appearance. I’m so glad I could help you experience this.”

  “My new perfume is named Presence. It seemed to fit my idea of it fitting into any situation.”

  “Why, that is a very good idea. I can see how it could apply,” he replied.

  She looked around for a moment, “It is breathtaking and wonderful. How enchanting, I want to soak it up to keep it vivid and alive in my memory. I had no idea such a grand place existed. How very nice of you to bring me here to experience this. I have always loved this place but felt there was so much I did not know about it, but I am beginning to learn now because I have met you. Thank you for coming to my show and into my life.”

  It is I who am grateful for such a marvelous opportunity,” he remarked slowly with great feeling in his voice. “But let’s drive up to the top to see even more of the splendor from there.”

  They got in the car, drove to the top of the hill, and parked at a lookout point to watch and listen to the near thunder sounds as the water tumbled down to join the already busy, frothy water below. Rocks moved around from the mighty force of the water as it fell and caused them to strike each other from time to time. She had never been here before but loved it very much. The breezes were warm and gentle carrying the mist across the hill, barely discernible in the air where they stood, though a fine spray added dampness to the air making it cool. He put his jacket over her shoulders. As she snuggled into it, she smiled up at him.

  “Let me know if it gets too cool for you. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in any way,” he related to her.

  “I will be fine now,” she answered snuggling deeper into his jacket. “This is nice and warm. But won’t you be too cool?”

  “Oh, no, I am fine. I am used to it. I come here often. I am not so sure the jacket matches your outfit, though,” he laughed teasingly.

  She, too, laughed, and he put his arm around her to add warmth.

  They talked about their interest in the area and of their visits here. It seemed only fitting that they should have met here at this very time. They lingered until dusk began to settle in, then he helped her into the car and they started down to the city.

  “Are you hungry? I know a charming place to eat. We can go there now if you would like.”

  “It sounds delightful. I do feel quite hungry, maybe it is from being outside in the air. I am rather eager to eat.”

  Beside the water, in the direction of her hotel, he took her to a quaint little restaurant for dinner. Inside the candles were lit and the waiter, who knew Todd, took them to a very private table which overlooked a garden and a fountain. He could read the feelings on their faces and knew they wanted to be alone to talk and get better acquainted. He had never seen Todd here with a woman before and found this quite interesting.

  Todd assured her, “You will love the food here, it is scrumptious. I am sure you can find something very enchanting and pleasing.”

  “I am sure I will. What a charming spot. I love it; the view is heavenly.

  How nice that we got here before dark to see how it looks, though I am sure it will be delightful after dark as well when the lights come on.”

  “How long have you been in this business?” he asked, smiling at her.

  “About five or six years. I got out of school at age seventeen and began right away with my design studies. It has always fascinated me.”

  “I have been in the jewelry sales about the same length of time, maybe a little longer, about seven years,” he replied.

  The waiter came back and took their order. It was amazing to feel so comfortable and pleasant when you had just met someone a few hours ago, but that was the way they felt about each other. French music played softly in the background and it seemed difficult to think of ever leaving such splendor and peace.

  As they ate, they talked, laughed, and enjoyed the evening immensely. But, alas, as with all things, it became time to go. He helped her up and escorted her to the car, took her to the hotel, saw her to her door, and asked, “How long will you be here in the city? I would like to see you again. I have enjoyed being with you and want to get to know you much better. You fascinate me and I want to learn much more about your life.”

  She smiled and replied, “My trip is shorter than usual this time because I have to return home to work on some marketing details for my designs. But tomorrow I plan to visit the area of the city where I can find some exquisite fabrics and have them shipped to my home to use in designing and making my fashions.”

  “Do you mind if I come with you to observe the buying end of the fashion business?” he queried. “I would truly enjoy seeing how it is done and never expected to get in on the ground floor like this. How wonderful. You can help me understand a lot more about your world and I would love that, as well.”

  “I would enjoy having you go along with me. It is nice to do things with someone and it will be a pleasant change for me. I have always been alone on these trips so truly appreciate your interest. I would love to explain it further to you. Meet me early here at the hotel so we can catch a bus to the shops and have plenty of time to look around. We can stop to eat on the way. Dress casually to be comfortable because we will do a lot of walking.”

  “Surely, I will be here in plenty of time so we can leave when you are ready. I will dress in comfort; it will be a pleasant change after having to wear a suit so often. Why don’t I take you in my MG? You really like it, and it would be much more convenient.”

  “That sounds like a great idea. That will be such fun. Do you think we will have room for all the packages I will be picking up? Oh, but then, most will be shipped.”

  “Oh yes, there will be lots of room. We have the back seat and trunk which is larger than it looks. Don’t worry another minute; it is settled then. It will be such fun helping you take care of your purchases. Good night, I will see you in the morning and we will have a grand day together.”

  He left and she went into her room and got ready for bed. She felt such a flush of excitement and knew that sleep would not come easily or right away tonight. A new element had entered into her life and suddenly many things were quite different.

  Finally she slept and awoke to a beautiful day with pleasant temperatures. She showered, dressed, and went downstairs to have coffee and a croissant with cream cheese before she left. She brought her portfolio and samples container with her. It would be a busy day by the time she found all she wanted in the fabric shops. She usually did this at a slower pace but, with limited time, that
would not be possible this time. The pace would be a little more hurried. She was so eager for Todd to get here. What a pleasant situation this was turning out to be.

  Todd arrived and they went to a small cafe nearby and had breakfast. They finished and got in the car to find the fabric stores. They strolled down the sidewalk to begin her search and soon they found a small looking shop which seemed to expand once they entered. Colors, patterns, pastels and solids abounded, all arranged in perfect order and the colorful arrangement was most pleasant and striking. After looking around, she found some Pure Wool Crepe Georgette in white, outstanding coat material, and a floral pattern in white Crepe Georgette with large, delicately etched flowers which looked like they had been painted by hand.

  “These will give me some nice ideas for a new line of fashions,” she explained to him. “I am so glad to have you with me today. It is pleasant to show you how I do the buying.”

  “I truly enjoy it as well,” he remarked. “I appreciate being able to see your mind working on putting the materials together. Do you have to do this often?” he asked.

  “It depends on how much fabric I buy ahead,” she replied. “I still have a pretty large amount of fine material left at home.” She chose another selection of white Crepe Suzette strewn with branches of stylized pink flowers. She made several more selections and set up arrangements for delivery so they would arrive after she returned.

  The second shop had fewer selections which appealed to her, but she ordered two bolts of Satin. A Silk Crepe Jacquard with tiny flowers spaced close together appealed to her and she ordered some. A Fantasy Silk Jersey would be elegant in a special occasion dress. Fine red Pure Honan Silk was also added to the collection. These brought some ideas for a new style which would fit perfectly with this material, a rich specialty item, and she was very pleased to have found it at this time in just the right color.