My phone shrills, and I recognise the number – it’s Ash. I excuse myself from the room and slip out the back door to take the call. I give Ash a brief rundown on all the recent events, though not quite in their entirety. I make sure to focus on thegood news and assure him that all is going smoothly – which happens to be true. I omit any mention of Stephen; even the mention of his name causes an uneasy feeling in my gut, and I don’t want that to carry over to Ash until I’ve seen the house with my own eyes.
Through the kitchen window, I see the two brothers seated at the table with intent looks on their faces. There seems to be an ongoing conversation between them, even though neither of them speaks a single word.
CHAPTER 20
THE SHOP
The golden sun casts long midday shadows on the cobblestone streets of the quaint Irish village as Kayla and I step into Jacinta’s gorgeous vintage boutique, eager to find ourselves some fresh clothes to wear. The mobile on the door tinkles as we enter, the little shop bathed in the warm glow of antique lamps, their shiny brass bases glistening under their soft light. Gorgeous old perfume bottles and elegant jewellery twinkle on the shelves that line the walls, while old-style gowns and tailored suits hang delicately from wrought-iron racks. Fintan had made it sound like a jumble sale, but it’s far from it. And I am in love with every last sequined button.
‘Welcome! Welcome! It is simply wonderful to see you both,’ Jacinta chirps as she steps out from behind the counter, rushing over to greet us with a hug.
As my eyes adjust to the dimly lit room, I can’t help but gasp in awe. The walls are draped with fine silks, and shelves of velvet, beaded and lace-embroidered garments of every colour fill the space. I step closer, my fingers running along the luxurious fabric of a dress hanging on a nearby antique wardrobe.
Jacinta watches us excitedly as we browse her wares. The silver and gold bracelets that adorn her arms clatter musically, and the colourful rings on her hands seem to wink at our reflections in the mirror. With each passing moment, my mouth hangs open a little more and my fingers flex in anticipation. On one hand, I want to buy everything I see. On the other, it all seems so precious and expensive, I want to touch it first, to prove that it’s real. Silk and satin, leather and lace, jewels and crystals, velvets and suede.
Each item we choose brings a wave of joy to her face, and when we finish, she looks at us with a mixture of approval and gratitude.
‘I can tell you two have excellent taste,’ she says warmly. ‘It’s not often I get customers who appreciate my eclectic stock.’
Kayla’s mouth drops. ‘You must be joking – this place would be worth a fortune in London! It’s got it all – and then some!’
She’s not wrong. Jacinta’s shop is awash with colour, from the glimmering silver and gold bangles to the pearls studded on necklaces. She has a rainbow of boas, stoles, belts, shoes and bags, so many shapes and colours that it’s hard to concentrate on one item for too long. I have never seen such a beautiful place. A gallery of old-world charm.
Once in the changing room, I pull on a dress over my head, the beautiful black silk rippling delicately down my body. I look in amazement at the hand-stitched beadwork that adorns the bodice, as well as the delicate lace along the hemline. The fabric feels like butter against my skin, and I’m suddenly overcome with confidence. The fit is perfect.
Kayla slips into a peachy pink blouse with matching chiffon skirt, while I try on a pair of culotte trousers and a shirt made of fine linen with intricate embroidery along the collar. Jacinta picks out accessories, shoes and even a purse to complete our new looks.
I glance over at Kayla, admiring her newly acquired gold chain belt and buckled Mary Jane shoes. She takes out her phone and we call for a quick selfie. Jacinta finds a feathered hat on the rack, and Kayla and I hug her close. Joyous laughter wells up inside me; it’s been far too long since I’ve felt such lightness, since I’ve had a good time worth remembering, a moment worth capturing.
Suddenly, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I dig it out, hoping for a message from the airline confirming our luggage has arrived, with all the documents James O’Connor asked me to bring along.
‘ID Passenger Number 3453: We regret to inform you that we are encountering delays in tracking your luggage due to current staffing strikes. We are doing our best to return it to you as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.’
I stare in disbelief at the screen, silently hoping I’ve misread it.
Kayla steps closer, squinting at the screen as she reads the terrible news out loud. ‘How can that even happen? It’s a direct flight. Honestly.’
Jacinta nods understandingly. ‘Ah, my dears, don’t worry about clothing – consider this entire store your walk-in wardrobe. Take anything you need for as long as you’d like – it would be my pleasure to have two lovely models wearing these gorgeous dresses around town. These garments weren’t made to stay hidden away; they need to be out on display.’
We thank her and I take a seat to keep myself steady. Kayla crouches down beside me and holds my hand, saying, ‘Jacinta is right – clothing is sorted. And as for the documents, James can concentrate on other things until they get here.’
I swallow. I know she’s right. I’m sure we can get through everything we need to, but there’s still one thing that’s causing my stomach to churn with dread.
‘All my art supplies are in there, Kayla. I’m already skating on thin ice with the boss. She’s given me a second chance, but now I don’t even have as much as a proper sketchbook.’
I don’t know what to tell Lenka; I’m the one who convinced her that I could do this and deliver on all fronts, ourticket to success. What happens toForest Fablesif I fail? And me? My career as an illustrator would be over for sure.
I sigh in frustration, feeling overwhelmed. I can’t do my job without drawing; I can’t draw without my stuff. If I lose my job, I stand to lose everything. I can’t afford to put anything in the way of theForest Fablescommission, not even this inheritance – not even my mother’s story. I’ll need to cut this trip short and go home.
Kayla rests her arms around me, attempting to provide some relief, but my heart is still pounding, and my mind is flooding with thoughts of all that’s on the line. Feeling utterly defeated, my vision blurs as I blink back tears.
Kayla’s voice is soft as she speaks. ‘Let’s take a step back, okay? We’ll find a way through this together. We always have.’
Taking in a deep breath to steady myself, I attempt to refocus my mind on the present.
Jacinta’s eyes dance with delight asshe lifts a long, jewelled finger. ‘Don’t worry, girls, I know just what to do – you two stay right there. Don’t budge,’ she declares, her voice rising as she speeds towards the door.
Kayla and I exchange mystified looks but we stay put, as we are told – not daring to guess what she has in mind.
