“That’s great, Stunner. And how was it?” I hear the smile in his voice, and it makes me happy that I can do that.
“It was amazing. We talked autumn lines, colors, fabrics. Oh, Denham, you should see some of their garments, they’re to die for.” I know I’m rambling, but I can’t stop it. I’m pretty sure I could talk for hours like this.
“You’re a pro. I’m proud of you, Ari.”
He’s proud of me. He’s proud ofme.
“Thanks.” I blush. My mom always told me how proud she was of me, but she’s my mom and that’s what moms do isn’t it. So a compliment coming from someone who pays it just because they feel it is amazing.
“I’m sorry, Stunner. I have a call coming on the other line, and they won’t seem to go away. And I need to check on T. Call me if you need me, okay?”
“Okay. Same goes for you…”
“Okay. I…I hope your afternoon is good.”
“Thanks,” I say before swallowing the large lump in my throat. Not only was it hard to cut him off when I know he would rather me be with him but, I think he was going to say those words again.
Beth breezes back into the room with her cell pressed to her ear talking loudly to the person on the other end. She grabs her purse from her bottom drawer, while still talking, and drops it on the desk to rummage around inside it before pulling out a lipstick and applying it with expert precision,stillwhile talking.
“Stop it,” she laughs down the phone, and the blush that creeps up her cheeks is so subtle if you blinked, you would miss it. “Not while I’m at work…I gotta go. Okay. You too. Bye, babes. Bye.”
She tosses her cell into the depths of her purse and slings it over her shoulder.
“Ready?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I answer, perplexed. I don’t know why, but I never thought she had a husband or partner. It surprised me to see her soft side. Not that I didn’t know she has one. It just surprised me that it was shown like that. I do know that under that tough exterior, she’s a sweetheart, and I’m so happy that she has someone.
“Does the guy that thinks he looks like Van Damme, have to come with?” She screws her nose up, and it makes me laugh.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. You know Denham. He’s just trying to keep me safe.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I was just kidding.” She waves a dismissive hand in my direction but keeps walking.
“The shaved head, vest and combats don’t do it for you, Beth?” I joke.
“Not my type, honey,” she replies with a wink, and I get the feeling there’s more to that comment but I don’t feel like I know her well enough yet on a personal level to ask.
Lunch goes by quickly as we talk a lot and eat just as fast. And I didn’t even notice that commando was there the whole time. Maybe I was making a fuss about nothing. I just have to be normal and let him do his job. He knows what he’s doing, and so far he’s doing it well.
The second meeting comes around quickly, too. The suppliers are very formal this time, and they seem hard to please, but Beth insists that I shouldn’t make up my mind before we know for sure if we have their approval. A poker face seems imperative in this industry, and it’s something I really need to work on.
Beth on the other hand, has it perfected.
The shop floor is busy when we return, and it’s all hands on deck to help the customers. I love that I’m not stuck in the office doing the behind the scenes stuff, and I love that Beth is the kind of boss that wants to be involved in every aspect of her business.
Although she’d be happy to assist anyone in the boutique, it’s clear that there are certain clients that come in for Beth’s attention only. There’s something prestigious about being served by the boss. Only the best. And, she treats them like long lost friends, too. They put their trust in her knowledge of what will suit them best, and from what I’ve seen, she never steers them wrong.
“James. Darling…” I hear her call across the shop floor. Another special customer. Probably with another ridiculously high budget. Not that I’m complaining, it’s what pays my very reasonable wages. But I’m always amazed at the amount of money people will pay for designer clothing. I glance over quickly at the person Beth has just greeted. I can only see from behind, but no doubt Beth will introduce us as she has done with every one of her ‘special’ customers so far. He’s tall, broad and with very dark hair, almost black, styled in a neat short back and sides, with the top slightly longer, and even from behind there’s something intriguing about him.
I fold a dress for the person Layla has just served, wrapping it in silver embossed tissue paper and place it in the ‘Chique’ signature crisp, glossy, white bag.
“Arianna…” Beth calls from across the room. “Come, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
Maybe this person is her lover? I cross the marble floor with a few easy strides and the man turns to greet me.
Boom.
It’s like something explodes in my chest.
