by Julia Kent
Smiling as I approached them, I extended my hand while holding on to my tablet with the other.
“Hi, I’m Deborah Hansen. Thank you for allowing me into the contest, I know it was last minute.”
“Well we didn’t really have much choice now, did we? I’m Claudine Calvin,” said the woman with the tight bun, “Director of Acquisitions. I believe this has been the worse turn out to this contest in years. Kylie at the desk out there likes to talk, I’m sure she told you what happened to the last contestant.”
I smiled, not wanting to answer and get Kylie in trouble.
“Yes, the turn out has been surprising, Claudine,” Amanda said. “So when Human Resources called to enter you and said you were a friend of Joshua Cane’s, lets just say I was hopeful.”
“Is that why Hargrove’s hasn’t had a collection at Fashion Week in three years?” Tim asked.
“Precisely. I wasn’t going to have one of my designers create a collection and then dash their hopes in going if we had an amazing winner. And I refuse to show more than one collection at Fashion Week,” Amanda said. “I believe you show one fabulous collection and leave them wanting more. Now Miss Hansen, will your designs interest us or leave us cold?”
“My collection is perfect for Hargrove’s,” I said stepping forward and resting my tablet in front of Tim where they could all see it. “Even though its a mixture of day and evening looks, the overall cohesiveness works. I chose colors inspired by nature and styles that are flattering to all body types.”
Swiping the screen slowly, I showed them each of the pieces I created and how some of them could mix and match with others. While I assumed Amanda and Claudine would make the decision, my focus was on Tim Ross who nodded and smiled as he looked at my sketches. At the end, I let the tablet do a slideshow of the images to give the impression of them walking down a runway.
“Very impressive Miss Hansen,” Tim said and I fought the urge to jump up and hug him. “I especially enjoyed that show stopper gown at the end. Did you also design the dress you’re wearing?”
“Oh you have no idea how much that means to me, Mr. Ross. Your designs have been so inspirational. I did design that gown with you in mind and yes, this dress is mine too.”
“Beautiful work. I can see you have an eye for detail.”
“Can you get us samples next month?” Amanda asked.
“Samples?” My head spun. Samples meant I needed to buy fabric and create each of the pieces. The cutting and sewing wasn’t the hard part, I could create samples fairly quick, they didn’t need to be fit-on-model perfect, but they did need to be well constructed. The problem was I didn’t have money for fabric. I’d have to figure something out. “I could get you samples next week,” I said confidently.
“Perfect,” Amanda said. “We have several other contestants to meet with this week, but based on what we’ve seen so far I’m pretty sure we’ve found our winner.” She turned to look at Tim and Claudine and they both nodded. “Kylie will be in touch with you to schedule the sample viewing.”
“Thank you! Oh thank you so much!” I was so excited I ran to the other side of the table and hugged each of them before picking up my tablet and exiting the room before they could change their minds.
“Sounds like they liked you,” Kylie said as I left the conference room.
“I knew they’d love my designs. Now I just need to make the samples. Guess I’ll see you in a month!”
Stepping out of the elevator, I floated on air as I walked back to my department. I purposefully walked past each of the women’s departments and imagined my designs on the mannequins. It would be a dream come true to see my collection in the store but there was one big hurdle—money.
If I worked extra hours, I could borrow from my rent money now and be able to pay rent with my next pay check. I’d have to make sure with Dianna that there were extra hours available, but I was positive she’d figure out a way to get me them. I knew the days would be long and I’d have to work on the samples late at night, but a little less sleep never hurt anybody.
“You look happy,” the deep voice of Mr. Sexy coming from behind me startled and excited me at the same time.
I spun around to face him. Looking gorgeous as always, this time he was in a classic three piece brown suit with tan pin-striping. Still on my high from the interview, I hugged him. I probably would have kissed him if he wasn’t so damn tall.
“The most amazing thing happened! They want to see samples of my collection!”
I spoke too fast because I was so excited but he didn’t seem to mind. He just smiled and looked happy for me too.
“I’ve been looking for you,” he said.
“Well you found me.” I wanted to say its about time but didn’t want to lose him because of my snark. Best to let him get to know me and then he can realize I’m a wise-ass.
“I’ll pick you up tonight, at 6pm,” he said then turned to go.
“Wait, what?” I asked confused.
“We’re going on a date. I’ll pick you up at six.”
“No, I can’t.”
I couldn’t believe the words came out of my mouth. How could I say no to a date with Mr. Sexy? It’s not even like it was a question. He expected me to just go with him…and I didn’t have a problem with that.
“What do you mean no?” He asked obviously not used to hearing the word no.
“I need to work. I need some extra hours so I can cover the rent money I’m taking to make samples.”
“I’ll give you the money. See you at six.”
He began walking away while I shook my head. “No!” I called out to him. He turned back and looked at me confused. “I’m not going to take your money, Will.”
“Fine, but I’ll still be here at six.”
I stood there dumbfounded as he walked away, cutting his way through the crowd as they parted before him.
“Was that him? The elusive Mr. Sexy?” Dianna asked as she approached.
“Yup. That was him,” I said numbly.
“Hmm he looks familiar. Maybe it’s just the suit. What’s wrong? You don’t sound happy.”
“I am happy. Today’s been one of the best days of my life. He’s taking me on a date.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“I was going to work late, I need some extra money. I’m a finalist in the competition and I need to have samples ready for next month.”
“Awesome! Go out tonight and celebrate with Mr. Sexy. You can worry about real life tomorrow.”
Chapter Seven
Will
“Stewart, I am going on a date. Do you realize how ridiculous I’ll look showing up with you?”
In my large, sparsely furnished bedroom, I paced the dark marble floor annoyed to have this conversation about my date.
“Will, sir,” he said sarcastically. Stewart never liked when I disagreed with him. “No woman is going to turn down a limo ride. If she knows who you are then I’m sure she’s expecting it.”
“This girl is different. But no, she doesn’t know who I am. Not exactly at least.”
“Don’t you think she should know?”
“It’s not important. I’ll tell her when I’m ready.”
“But sir—”
“Mind your place, Stewart!” I growled at him.
“My place in this matter isn’t as your driver and head of security, but as your friend.”
I didn’t say anything. What could I say? Stewart was my confidant and had been there for me my entire life.
“Fine, you’re right. Maybe she needs to know, but not just yet. Please, let me just enjoy this date.”
“Did you do what I asked?”
“I know you’re trying to protect me, Stewart. Eventually you need to realize I need to have a life. I’m tired of being alone and I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since I met her. If someone is going to kidnap or attack me while I’m out then maybe its just meant to be. You can’t protect me from everything.”
>
“You don’t know what you’re saying. I’ve dedicated my life to protecting you from harm. There are people out there you could never begin to understand.”
“I’m done discussing this. I am taking Deborah out on a date. This is the first woman I’ve ever wanted to know more than just physically. Will you back off?”
“Answer my question. As head of your security, did you do as I asked?”
“Yes, but not because you asked. It was the only way I could get the table I wanted on such short notice.”
“And driving?”
“If it will get you off my back, then drive. It’ll give Deborah and I a chance to get to know each other better anyway.”
Chapter Eight
Deborah
At 6:00 on the dot I made my way to the time clocks to check out of work. The employee only area was on the second floor, in the back of the store. After being in the bright lights and glistening floors of the sales floor, the employee area looked drab and dirty by comparison.
A dark rust colored rug lined the long corridor to the twin time clocks. As I approached them I saw an envelope taped to one and guessed it was out of order. I was wrong.
With neatly printed letters, the cover of the envelope had my name on it. I quickly looked around, but as usual there was nobody near the time clocks but me. Pulling out the off-white card inside, my heart raced in anticipation.
Deborah,
Please meet me at the main entrance.
Will
How did he get back here? I slowly realized he didn’t need to come back here at all. Just because the card was from him, didn’t mean he even wrote it. I knew how rich people worked, they always hired someone else to do their dirty work.
Geez, get a grip on yourself. I had to admit I was a little more than offended that he offered me money. Who did he think he was? Did he have to get his own way that much that he was willing to pay for it?
I sighed as I headed towards the main entrance. As usual I was overreacting. He was only trying to be nice. I just wish he chose a different way of going about it.
Easily spotting him standing in the crowd of people moving in and out of the store, all my annoyance melted away. Dressed in that chocolate brown three-piece-suit, with the buttoned vest peeking out from the jacket, he looked good enough to eat. Something about the suit made me think of couples going out to a speakeasy and sneaking some alcohol, but it suited him perfectly.
Will had the same cold expression on his face as he did when Sara tried to helped him. I began wondering if it was his normal expression and if the smiling, flirting man I was getting to know was something only I saw.
“Hi, I hope you weren’t waiting long.”
“Let’s go,” he grumbled as he took me by my elbow and guided me towards the door. “I hate crowds.”
“Sorry, its the time. There’s always an afterwork rush.”
He steered me through the double glass doors of Hargrove’s and outside where a long black limo waited at the curb. An athletic man in a black suit and driver’s cap opened the back door and waited.
“Is that for us?”
Will grunted. The driver nodded at him as Will took my hand and helped me get into the car. I slid over as far as I could on the long black leather seat that made up the rear of the limo. Along one side of the limo was another long couch, while across from that was a small bar. I had never been in a limo before in my life. I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed or not.
“Is this how you always travel?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Why do it if you don’t like it?”
Looking at me, he sighed as he thought about the question. His face softened slightly before returning to stone cold.
“Its complicated and not something I care to discuss.”
As the car began driving, Mr. Sexy grew quieter. I didn’t know what to say, but I had to say something. The silence was unbearable and I’d be damned if my date with him was a bust.
Gazing out the window, I looked for something to talk about. I recognized the canyon road leading out of the city to the beach. The colors of the canyon and the sky inspired my collection and I couldn’t stop thinking about the samples I needed to create. As we entered the quaint beach area of Canyon Cove, I recognized a street name.
“Oh there’s Laguna Way. I should’ve known it would be down here,” I accidentally said out loud.
“What’s on Laguna?”
“A fabric shop I’ve heard about called Make It Work. They have a lot of fabrics and trim you can’t find anywhere else in the United States. I’ve always wanted to go there.”
He leaned forward and hit a switch in the ceiling and the divider between us and the driver, lowered.
“Stewart, can you turn around? There’s a fabric shop back there Deborah would like to go to.”
“Oh no, really. We don’t have to go,” I said. “I don’t have the money to buy anything anyway.”
“We’re on a date, Deborah. Call me old fashioned but a woman doesn’t pay when she’s asked on a date. Let’s go look at the fabrics. I should’ve bought flowers for our date, let this be how you let me make that up to you.”
I stared at him in shock. This wasn’t much different than him offering me money earlier for the fabrics, but at the same time it was. I didn’t know if it was the leather of the seats that did it, or the simple fact that I knew we all needed help sometimes, but I nodded and gave the driver the address.
“You have no idea what this means to me. You know I need fabric to make my samples. I honestly don’t have the money though. This is really just the most amazing thing anyone has offered to do. I promise when I can I will pay you back.”
“Nonsense, you don’t pay back gifts.”
“Sir,” Stewart said as he pulled up in front of the simple white clapboard building that housed the store, “you’ll be safe in the car. I’m running in to do a quick sweep of the building.”
Will sighed and looked out the window as his driver’s words hung in the air. I didn’t know why there was such a huge concern over security. Canyon Cove had very affluent sections with plenty of wealthy people, even billionaires, but I never heard of any crimes against them.
“I can go in alone. I don’t mind. And—” I said until I got interrupted.
“No!” Will interrupted me with a growl. “Stewart, Miss Hansen and I are going into the store.”
He opened the door and got out in a huff. I expected Stewart to argue but instead he looked forward and raised the divider. Will held his hand out and helped me out of the car, not letting go of it as we started walking into the store.
As with most shops on Canyon Cove’s coast, the building exteriors were older and plain. Above the door was a blue sign with the shop’s name in a stylized handwritten lettering. A chime played as we entered the door.
“Welcome to Make It Work,” said a heavy set man with a shaved head and several piercings. He in the center of a large combination check out and fabric cutting area. He was flipping through the latest issue of Vogue and didn’t bother to look up from the magazine.
Behind him aisles of fabrics dominated the store from floor to ceiling. Broken down by type of fabric, it would’ve been easy for me to find what I needed for the samples, but I wanted to look at everything. With my unreliable car, the coast was too far for me to drive. I didn’t know if I’d ever get back there.
“You’re sure you’re ok with this? I know what I’m looking for but I really wanted to look around too.”
Will nodded. “The restaurant can wait,” he said. “I know how important this is to you.”
I could have stayed in that store forever, but I wasn’t about to waste my first date with Mr. Sexy shopping for fabric. Like Dianna said, tonight was about my date, real life could wait for tomorrow.
I managed to get the fabrics I needed for my samples. My favorite was an ocean blue delicate chiffon with a faded white print that resembled wave crests for the gown. The chiffon
was so light and soft I knew it would flow beautifully.
Other fabrics I got were a black-brown textured brocade that was perfect for a jacket, a silk-wool with abstract purple watercolor flowers with pale green stems that would make a breathtaking skirt, and silk jersey in several colors because I loved how easy it was to drape.
The limo was still parked at the curb when Will and I left Make It Work. Stewart didn’t open the door for us or say a word the rest of the night.
“It shouldn’t be a far drive to The Breezes from here,” Will said.
“The Breezes? Is that where we’re going?”
“Yes, it’s the best place to watch the sunset into the ocean. Plus their food is pretty good. Have you ever been?”
“No. I don’t think I even know anyone who has. Am I dressed ok? I would’ve changed clothes if I knew we were going to such a fancy place.”
“You look stunning. Trust me, you’re perfect just the way you are.”
“Won’t I stand out? I’m sure the other women there will be really dressed up, or maybe more conservative.”
“There won’t be other women there. There won’t be anyone else there. I value my privacy above all other things. I bought the restaurant for the night.”
“Serious?”
Instead of answering, Will motioned for me to look out the window. We were pulling up the steep circular driveway of The Breezes and there were no other cars around. Known almost more for the line of cars that extended around the block, than for it being the most prestigious restaurant in all of Canyon Cove, The Breezes had a waiting list that some said was close to a year long.
The restaurant sat on the top of a cliff, along the shoreline. It was a Spanish style white stone, one story building with gardens of lush tropical flowers and trees surrounding it. When our car stopped at the main entrance, an attendant stepped forward and opened the door to the limo.
“Good evening, Mr. King,” he said as we stepped onto the walkway in front of the building.