There’s a somberness about her that makes me wonder about her circumstances, but it’s her story to tell. I’m hoping wearing a pretty dress will bring her a sense of joy.
“Alright. I’ll try my best. Thank you.”
I go over to the show rack and pull two garment bags containing the pale pink dresses. “Here, try these on and let me see how they fit.”
After a few minutes, they both exit the dressing room, holding up the skirts of the dresses so they can walk without tripping.
Regina compliments them. “You both look stunning! Take a look in the mirror.”
The dresses fit perfectly, except for the length. And I see a spark in Hannah’s eyes that wasn’t there before. As I grab my tape to measure for alterations, Hannah says, “Desirae, I could hem these for you.”
“You sew?”
“Yes, ma’am. My mother taught me. I’d be happy to help out if you’ll allow me. It’s the least I can do.”
“Honey, you’re a godsend! I’ve got so much work to finish before the show. Thank you so much!”
Several days later, the steady whir of my sewing machine and the music I’m playing on my phone provide a soothing backdrop as I pull another late work night. When Hannah completed the alterations on the two dresses and brought them by for a final fitting, I was so impressed with the quality of her work, that I offered her a job here at the boutique. Seems she and Hailey are looking for a fresh start, and Pelican Point is the perfect place for that.
Apparently, I’m not the only one working late into the night, as Stone has been texting me from his office. When I told him about Hannah and Hailey being in the show, and possibly moving to Pelican Point, he thanked me, with absolutely no mention of his own efforts to assist them. My admiration for him just rose another few notches.
CHAPTER 10
STONE
Ienter the Pelican Point town hall to find a packed house, every seat filled, and folks standing up lining the walls. Like the Reilly building, the town hall is one of the oldest buildings in Pelican Point, a brick two-story structure with stately white columns and the original casement windows opened wide to allow a cool breeze to flow through the crowded room. As Kyle and I make our way to the front, all eyes are on us, as if we’re the bad guys here to shut down the town.
The community meeting was set up, along with a circulated questionnaire, to gain perspective from the citizens about the project. The tension in the room is palpable, as residents and business owners voice their concerns. My attention keeps drifting to the back row where Desirae is sitting, her expressive face reflecting her feelings. She’s clearly an empath, her emotions resonating with each speaker.
Over the last few weeks getting to know her, combined with learning about the importance ofpreserving the town’s history and the personal accounts of families and the small businesses that drive the seaside town, my vision for success is definitely starting to look different.
Finally, it’s Desirae’s turn to speak. Instead of joining us in the front, she stands in place, elegant and poised, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The picture of resilience and grace, her words about preservation and progress finding a balance resonate within me, causing me to question everything I thought I wanted, thought I needed, to be considered a success.
As we drive back to West Palm, I seek out the advice of my best friend and right hand in the business.
“So what are your thoughts on what you heard tonight?”
“Are you asking in general, or specifically about what one individual had to say, namely Ms. Desirae Russell?”
Shit.“Is it that obvious?”
“Maybe not to everyone else. But I know you too well. And you, my man, definitely have a thing for the lovely boutique owner.”
“It really doesn’t matter how I feel, because according to her, I’m the enemy.”
Kyle laughs. “Well, I guess you’ll have to figure out a way to convince her otherwise. But seriously, man. Unless your charity event can garner some goodwill and change some minds, this project is dead in the water.”
“Tell that to the board. They’re adamant that their way is the only way.” I chuckle ironically. “I thought those two little old ladies from the Pelican Point garden club were going to take pitchforks after us becausesomeone told them we were going to remove all their flowerbeds and replace them with concrete. I imagined this project was going to be the best thing for this town. But now, I’m not so sure. Those were real people we heard tonight, real stories. Hell, they were who you and I identified with growing up. Never thought I would be saying this after all we’ve struggled through to get here, but I’m starting to realize some things might be more important than profit margins.”
“Damn, dude, you’re going soft on me. What happened to that ruthless CEO who’d do anything to come out on top?” I know Kyle’s kidding, but I find myself asking the same question.
CHAPTER 11
DESIRAE
I’m treating this charity event just like a New York fashion show, which means we’re having a full on dress rehearsal. Backstage is chaos—the good kind—with dresses on portable racks, make-shift partitions for quick changes, the run of show tacked up on the wall with last minute additions penciled in. My friend Isabella is a trouper, helping out with makeup and hairstyles; Emma’s taking charge like a drill sergeant, making sure everyone is lined up and ready, despite being in the show herself; and Joselyn is out front barking orders into a walkie-talkie.
My phone steadily pings as Joselyn sends me photos of what’s happening out front. When I get a chance to take a quick breather, I scroll through them. Everyone looks great, and the decorations all over the event barn are amazing. Apparently, Jos is baiting me, as there are far more pictures of Stone than anyone else. I can’t help but smile at the candid photos, Stone with his mother and some of the other models, including an adorableone of him stooping down low to converse with little Hailey. The patience and gentleness emanating from the images contradicts his ruthless reputation and causes my heart to flutter traitorously. I literally put a hand to my chest to calm the rapid beats.Stop it! I will not lose my head over this man!
