by Mona Ingram
Lily couldn’t bring herself to play games. “Yes, that would be fine.” She glanced at the wall clock. “What time will you be here?”
“About two, if that’s all right.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Lily wondered if she sounded as nervous as she felt, and decided to amend her comment. “I’ll look forward to seeing Annie.” She hung up and looked at her shaking hand. If she was going to finish cutting that fabric, she’d better get herself under control.
MADDIE TOOK FOUR MORE orders in the space of an hour; it was a good thing Zelda would be starting soon. The young woman’s enthusiasm and ideas had given her a much-needed lift; she was surprised at how much she was missing Brent. She’d known him for such a short time, and yet every time she thought about him, she smiled. And he’d said he’d like to see her when he got back...
Her phone rang again. She’d downloaded Dashing Through The Snow as her ringtone and it was getting old already. She put a smile in her voice. “Hello. This is Maddie.”
“Maddie.” The husky voice made her heart beat a little faster. “How are you?”
She glanced around the lobby and lowered her voice. “I’m fine, how are you? I didn’t expect to hear from you this soon.” She gave a low, intimate laugh, not caring if he could tell how happy she was to hear from him. “But I’m glad you called.”
“Maddie?” the voice changed, and her heart sank when she realized that it wasn’t Brent.
“Allan?” Stunned to hear from the man who’d so brusquely dumped her six months prior, she couldn’t think of anything to say.
He gave a nervous laugh. “I wasn’t sure you’d remember me.”
What a stupid thing to say. What kind of games was he playing? She allowed some anger to creep into her voice. “What do you want, Allan?”
He cleared his throat. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot recently, and I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
Was he kidding? Jumbled thoughts chased each other through her mind. She was angry at him for not being Brent, but she was also angry at herself for having given him her phone number. He’d asked for it when she first moved, back when she’d still felt a connection to Connor, and she’d given in.
“Excuse me, Allan, but I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that you have a fiancée. It’s bad form to be thinking of someone else.”
“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Marie is a lovely girl, but that was a mistake.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I’d like to come and see you.”
“No!” She didn’t have to think twice. “Definitely not.” She noticed a couple of people in the lobby staring at her; she must have raised her voice. She reeled in her temper and forced herself to speak calmly. “Don’t do that, Allan. Don’t come here. There’s nothing between us.”
“Can’t we at least be friends?”
Maddie pressed the fingers of her free hand to the center of her forehead. She was starting to get a headache.
“We are not friends, Allan. Friends don’t date you for over three years, act as if you have a future together and then turn around and announce that they’re going to marry someone else. That’s not what friends do.” A customer walked up to her shop and picked up the brochure outlining her services. “Listen, I have to go. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you, but as far as you and I, that was over the moment you dumped me.” She didn’t wait for him to respond. “Goodbye, Allan.”
She disconnected, gripped the counter to steady herself and smiled at the customer.
“Hi, I’m Maddie. Let me know if I can answer any questions.”
Chapter Ten
“UNCLE CHASE, THIS IS so exciting.” Annie had been vibrating with enthusiasm ever since Chase told her they were going to visit Lily’s studio. “Do you know how to find it?”
He pointed to a folded piece of paper in the console between the seats. “I printed out a Google map. You could help me navigate if you like.”
Lily’s business was located in the industrial section, in a plain white building. The business name appeared on a discreet sign beside the entrance door and a small loading bay sat off to the far side of the front of the building.
Chase parked in a stall marked “Visitor” and grinned at Annie. “Ready?” he asked, acknowledging to himself that his question was as much for himself as it was for Annie.
They stepped into a small but tastefully furnished reception area. A receptionist looked up and welcomed them warmly. “You must be Annie and Mr. Drummond.”
Chase extended his hand. “We’re a few minutes early, I hope that’s all right.” The wall behind the receptionist was mostly plate glass and overlooked the production floor. He scanned the space, looking for Lily. Annie squirmed at his side and was about to say something when the door opened, and Lily came out. She glanced at Chase and then smiled at Annie. “I’m so glad you could come. Welcome to my shop.”
Chase couldn’t stop smiling as Lily greeted Annie. They were soon chattering together like best friends. He didn’t know which one made him prouder, the woman he’d fallen for or his niece.
Lily raised her head, and he was treated to the full effect of her amazing eyes. There was something different about them today. There was no mistaking the wariness there, but the gaze she gave him was softer, more receptive. A glimmer of hope took up residence inside his chest.
“You can wait out here if you like, or you can come with us.” She smiled at him. “I’m not sure if you’ll find it very interesting.”
He managed to find his voice. “I’d like to tag along, if you don’t mind. I already have a question.” He held open the door to the work floor, and she stepped under his raised arm.
“What is that?” she asked, touching Annie on the shoulder, keeping her part of the conversation.
“That odd-looking rectangular contraption over there.” Chase pointed to a metal rack that held fabric suspended from fine hooks. “What’s going on with that?”
Lily nodded. “It looks like some sort of a torture device, doesn’t it?” She was relaxed and in her element. “We use it for the velvets, mostly. Keeps the fabric from getting crushed.”
It was Chase’s turn to nod. “Makes sense.” He stepped back. “You and Annie go ahead. I’ll just tag along.”
He followed while Lily took Annie through the various processes. The child was particularly fascinated by the way the screens for multi-colour projects fit together. Lily had set up a screen with a design from the Calgary Stampede and showed Annie how to produce a t-shirt. The child watched carefully and then asked if she could try to apply the last colour. Chase stood back and watched as the two heads came together, Lily’s hair shimmering black and heavy, and Annie’s fine and red. Lily spoke to Annie as an adult, and he could see the child’s confidence growing as Lily carefully explained the different processes.
“And over here is our fashion department.” Lily led them through a door into a long, narrow room. Sketches and fabric samples adorned one wall and stacks of fabric, all carefully labeled, filled a massive set of shelves. Chase counted six industrial sewing machines, but only three were in use.
Lily noted the direction of his gaze. “We haven’t started our spring production yet.” She waved a hand. “Actually, a large percentage of our garments are produced by piece work.”
Chase’s business instincts came to the fore. “Do the workers ever let you down?”
Lily smiled sweetly. “Not twice.”
He grinned down at her. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”
Her lips twitched, and she tilted her head, acknowledging his remark. Then she turned to Annie. “There’s not much else to see, but do you have any questions?”
The child looked around, wide-eyed. “Only about a million,” she said, looking from Lily to her uncle and then back to Lily. “There’s so much to see.” She touched one of the sewing machines reverently. “I’m going to start saving my allowance so I can get a sewing machine.”
“Good for you. Let me know when you get it, and I’ll show you some of the basics.”
“Would you?” Annie wrapped her arms around Lily’s waist then stepped back, embarrassed. “That would be so cool.”
“Of course I will.” She pulled Annie to her side and shot a look of defiance at Chase. “I’ll have you sewing in no time.”
Chase felt as though he’d missed part of the conversation, but let it slide. “Well ladies, if the tour is over, can I take you out for tea? I understand there’s a little place a few blocks away. It’s not fancy, but they make their own cakes and pies.”
Annie tugged at Lily’s hand. “Please come,” she said. “It’ll be fun.”
Chase held his breath waiting for her response. Something flared in her eyes as she looked up at him. “Okay,” she said, returning her attention to Annie. “That sounds like fun.”
Annie crawled into the back seat. Chase held the door for Lily, and her scent invaded his nostrils. “Thank you,” she murmured. Once she was settled he handed her the seatbelt and their fingers brushed together. A spark of static electricity startled them both; she looked up at him under dark lashes, and his heart lurched inside his chest.
Annie peppered Lily with questions during the short drive to the small coffee shop. Lily turned sideways in her seat to answer, and they talked as though they’d known each other all their lives. A warm sensation washed over him. Perhaps he was being foolish, but he didn’t think he’d ever been this contented.
They sat in a corner booth, an old-fashioned semi-circle. Placed between the two adults, Annie beamed with pleasure as she ordered banana cream pie.
“And for you?” Chase tried not to stare at Lily, but he couldn’t help himself. She’d removed her work smock before they left the studio, revealing a blousy white silk shirt which she’d cinched at the waist with a thin black leather belt. Her luxurious hair was down and she shoved it back, revealing simple gold hoops. He’d better stop staring before she pulled away from him again.
“I think that double chocolate cake sounds good.” She gave the waitress a dazzling smile. “And some Earl Grey tea, please.” She leaned into Annie. “What about you? Shall we share a pot of tea?”
“Yes, please.”
Chase ordered coffee and apple pie with a slice of cheddar, then turned his attention to Annie. “So what did you think of Lily’s studio?”
Annie rolled her eyes, back to being a typical ten year old. “It was amazing. I can’t wait to tell my friends.”
“Remind me to run in and get that t-shirt for you when your uncle drops me off. I made it for you.”
Annie beamed her pleasure. “Thank you.”
The food arrived, and Lily dug into her chocolate cake. “Good,” she murmured, patting the edge of her mouth with a napkin and going in for another forkful. Her movements were decidedly delicate and feminine, and yet he sensed she could challenge a trucker to an eating contest.
He recalled the last time he’d dated Laurel Carmichael. She’d pushed her food around her plate, trying to make it appear as though she was eating. When he’d inquired if she would like some dessert, she’d looked at him as though he’d lost his mind. A few weeks ago he’d agreed to accompany her to an upcoming wedding of mutual friends. He regretted that decision now, but he didn’t see how he could cancel. It would be agony to be with Laurel when the only woman he wanted was sitting across from him.
Chase waited until Lily had finished her cake, then leaned forward. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you provide all the t-shirts for the Calgary Stampede?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Just some specialty items.” She scooted forward on the bench seat, completely changed as she talked business. “I looked into it a few years ago, but the numbers are staggering. Not only from the production standpoint, but price point. They can buy so much cheaper elsewhere.” She lifted her shoulders. “I can’t blame them for that. I’d do the same.” She tapped the side of her cup with her fingernails. “There are probably t-shirts being produced right now for next year...somewhere.”
He watched her reaction. “You don’t resent that?”
“Not really. I can only be competitive on orders up to around five thousand, and even that’s pushing it.” She smiled at Annie to include her in the conversation. “Just think. If I committed myself to massive numbers like that, I’d never have branched out and designed my resort wear line.” She nodded to herself. “And my staff would be bored in no time. I’ve never wanted to work in an environment where I had to do the same thing every day.”
“Wait a sec. Did you say you designed the resort wear?” Chase’s respect for her was growing.
“I probably shouldn’t admit this, but it wasn’t that difficult. It’s not haute couture, and I’ve been on the fringes of design for most of my life.” She held up a finger. “I did hire a pattern maker, though. That’s a special skill.”
“I wonder,” he murmured, mulling over an idea in his head.
“You wonder what?” She was looking at him with a challenge in her eyes.
“Sorry. I was wondering about a charity event I’m involved in.” He was having a hard time concentrating, but this opportunity was perfect.
She remained silent, waiting for him to speak.
“I’m on the board of a low-key charity that supplies sporting equipment to children who can’t afford it.”
Lily’s eyes lit up, and he continued.
“We don’t get a lot of press. We don’t want any, to tell you the truth.” He gave her a quick smile. “There were just a few of us involved when we first started, but now there are...oh...two dozen active members. It’s only in Alberta, and our sole purpose is to help out kids in need.” He gazed into the distance for a moment. “You’d be surprised how much money it takes to outfit a kid for hockey, not to mention the costs to be involved in a league. Two years ago we added the same service for girls as well. There’s been a surge of interest in hockey by young girls since our Olympic success.”
“And by doing this, you’re encouraging them to be physically active.”
Chase grinned. “Exactly.”
Was that respect in her eyes? He didn’t know, but there was definitely a change. “So what were you wondering about?” she asked.
“We’re having one of our big annual fundraisers in a couple of weeks. It’s a fashion show and silent auction. It’s short notice, but if I can arrange it, would you be interested in showing some of your resort wear?”
“Absolutely.” He could see her mind working. “We could offer to custom make the pieces.” She twirled a piece of hair around her finger. “I’ll probably sew them myself, but we don’t have to say that.” She looked at Annie. “What do you think? Good idea?” She held up her hand, and Annie gave her a high five.
Chase tried unsuccessfully to hide a smile. “Okay. I’ll check with Nate as soon as I get back to the office. His wife is co-ordinating the fashion show.”
“Great.” Lily turned to Annie again. “Which pieces do you think I should show? That was my entire line in the fashion show the other week.”
The child didn’t miss a beat. “All of them.”
“Yeah. That’s what I was thinking.” She looked directly at Chase. “This is an opportunity for me, as well. The type of people who attend something like that will be great for word-of-mouth advertising.”
“Then it’s win-win.” Chase’s expression softened as he looked at her. “Will you come with me? As my date?”
She hesitated for a moment, then gave him a smile that almost stopped his heart. “Yes, I’d enjoy that.”
Annie looked from one to the other, grinning widely. “Cool.”
LILY WAS SURPRISED to see Maddie curled up on the couch when she got home. Her roommate looked flushed and was wrapped up in one of the soft throws they kept in a basket in the corner.
“Are you all right?” She strode across the room and placed a hand on her friend’s forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever.”
Maddie shook her head. “No, I’m not sick.” She threw off the blanket, stood up and paced back and forth in front of the full-length windows. “I’m just upset. Allan called me today.”
“Allan! What did he want?” Lily had never made a secret of her dislike for Allan.
“Apparently he’s not engaged anymore and he had the nerve to ask if he could come here.” She stopped and stared out the window without seeing the view. “He wants to be friends again.”
Lily made an un-ladylike sound. “I hope you told him what he could do with his friendship.”
Maddie gave a weak smile. “I think I made myself pretty clear.” She stopped and looked at her friend. “You look different...oh my gosh, Lily, I’m sorry. I was so wrapped up in myself that I forgot to ask you. Did Chase and Annie come out this afternoon?” She smiled as Lily nodded. “You should have seen the look on his face when I told him about going out to your studio.” She pulled her friend over to the counter and sat down. “Tell me all about it.”
Lily shrugged. “It was okay. I showed Annie around and then the three of us went out for tea.”
“Oh no you don’t! I know you too well, Lily Hsu. Don’t play the inscrutable Asian with me.” Maddie made a “gimmee” motion with her fingers. “Come on, tell me everything.”
“...and so I’m going to go to the auction with him. As his date.” Lily lowered her head. “I hope I don’t regret this.”
Maddie sucked in a breath. “Sometimes I don’t understand you, you know that? Anyone can see that the man is seriously interested in you.” She leaned forward and spoke firmly but gently. “He’s not that creep who used you, Lily. I don’t pretend to know Chase, but give him a chance. Okay?”
Lily nodded.
Maddie continued. “What was it like between you? Did you feel that same connection?”
“Oh, yeah.” Lily’s eyes took on a faraway look. “There’s definitely something there.”
Maddie sighed. “Then let it happen, Lils. Just let it happen.”