Chapter Six
Moira looked at thesketchbook that Mickey had produced. “Wow. These are lovely. I think I can even manage a few.”
“Nice. Can I get some in black? Just let me know what you want for them. I have some spending money after the most recent alphas versus betas show.”
“Oh, yeah. I saw you on the Sityr team.”
“Yeah, their alpha went into rut and tried to grab Asel, so they ended up on the quiet island, and she came back when she was through it.”
“You put them on an island?” She paused. “Oh, wait. Right. Unattached alphas get put in the bad dog box.”
Mickey laughed. “Yeah. That.” She paused. “So, do you have anything in my size?”
“Nothing like one of these designs, but... yeah. I think I have a two-piece that would be nice on you. It’s dark green.”
“I love dark green.”
“Okay, it is in...” She looked around and found the box. “This one.” She tore the tape off and opened the box, pulling out a fabric bag and tossing it to Mickey.
Mickey opened the bag curiously and then unrolled a dress that was basically a thick collar covered with beadwork, and from there, selectively pinned fabric gave it shape and visual access to cleavage and the sides of her waist. “Oh, wow. This is... lovely. It doesn’t feel like I am wearing anything at all.”
“Yeah, the hand of the fabric is super soft. Trust me, you are covered.”
Mickey grinned. “You are sure you want to live out here?”
“This is my home, Mix. I live for the touch of the ocean winds and the whisper of the trees. I want to surf again.”
“No, I mean here. On Wonder.”
Moira blinked. “Oh, right. The alpha issue.”
“Yeah. That. I mean, I am safe.”
“Why?”
“Because I am legally only nineteen, right?”
“Right.” She snorted. “But your soul has seen things it shouldn’t.”
“I know. So, do you want to set up the displays and the dresses you haven’t given away?”
Moira looked at her. “Are you volunteering?”
“Volunteering? Hell, I am willing to partner with you.”
“What?”
“Oh, yeah. I have been looking for a project, and I am far more front-of-house than you are.”
Moira looked at Mickey and hugged her. “You are really right. Okay, let’s get to work.”
They laughed and started the hours of unpacking, setting up the mannequins, and getting them dressed.
Moira arranged the fabric bolts, got her sewing machine out, and hid it with a screen.
She got her scan unit out and put it behind the shop counter while Mickey played dolly dress-up.
