“Now for the outseam.” Madame Pelletier ran the tape down from Georgia’s waist to her ankle. “I’ll shorten the side ties, hem above the ankle … cotton twill fabric with an adjustable neck strap should do the trick. Well done, dear.” Madame Pelletier looked up. “Next!”
The closest Sylvie had ever come to a fitting was the day her parents bought her skateboard. The guy at the store had measured her feet before choosing the width of the deck.But this isn’t the same.Sylvie squeezed toward the back of the line and noticed Flora standing in a corner, lost in thought. She’d seemed distracted since the moment she saw the wanted bulletin. Whatever was going on, Sylvie wondered if it was somehow connected to August Strange.
“Next!” cried Madame Pelletier, making her way through the line. “Canvas apron, extra-large with a double stitch,” she trilled, sizing up Big Shawn.
Adara got textured cotton with a wide hem.
“Denim with a leather neck strap for added durability,” she said as she wrapped the tape around Darius.
Sylvie swallowed hard as Madame Pelletier stared at her. “Well, come on, dear. I don’t bite.”
Sylvie forced herself forward.
“Hmm …” Madame Pelletier lifted the tape. “Definitely small! In fact, I may have to take the hem up … three inches. No … better make it four.”
So humiliating!
Darius gave a snigger. “Part Scullery and part dwarf.”
Sylvie gritted her teeth and forced a smile. “You realize dwarves aren’t real. But in folklore, they’re highly skilled creatures. So thanks for the compliment!”
Darius stood there, mouth open, as he tried to come up with something clever to say. He glared at Sylvie. “Think you’re being funny, Jones? You shouldn’t even be here.”
Madame Pelletier gasped. The room grew quiet. Sylvie’s hands clenched into fists.
“That’s quite enough!” Kitty stepped forward. “Mr. Maxwell, please collect your tool kit and wait for me outside.”
“Fine by me.” Darius yanked a toolbox off the counter and strutted out.
Georgia stared after him, chewing on a nail. Sylvie couldn’t help but wonder if something was going on between them.Maybe she has a crush?That would certainly explain the timid stares and anxious gnawing. Although Sylvie couldn’t imagine anyone swooning over an arrogant snake like Darius.
Madame Pelletier finished measuring Sylvie and clapped her hands. “Pips! You are now free to collect your tools. After you get your kits, take a checklist and make sure all essential items are inside. If you have everything, sign and initial the paper. I’ll call your name when your apron is ready.”
Sylvie set aside her thoughts. After all, she had more important things to think about than whether Georgia liked a boy. She grabbed her tool kit and ran through the checklist.
Allium goggles
Piping bags
Star tips
Tylose powder
Luster dust
Offset spatula
Balloon whisk
Plating tongs
Candy thermometer
Flower nail
Sylvie continued down the list. Everything was there.
“My allium goggles are missing,” said Adara, with a frown.
