“‘Lonely Hearts.’”
I give a dramatic sigh. “I love that one,” I say dreamily.
“And I love your style. Which is why you’re here. I’ve done some research on you. And the way you take all things vintage and make them new is genius. Do you know my new album?” When I nod, she continues. “I got my inspiration from a few all-female bands from the past. And I want my visuals, including my wardrobe, to reflect that retro feel.” She eyes me. “So is this the dress?”
I hold it up and unzip the garment bag, my heart beating so fast and loud, I’m worried she’ll hear it.
When I unveil the dress with a little flourish, she gasps.
“This is an original design.” Or, somewhat original, if I don’t count the grandma-ghost who may have inspired it.
“The fabric is amazing,” Talia says.
“It’s like the sky at night,” Avery breathes.
“Right? I know!” I say.
“I need to try it on this second,” she insists, her eyes shining.
I’m happily astounded that Avery is nothing like I imagined. I thought she’d be cool and maybe a little haughty because she’s so famous and successful. But instead, she’s just like me. Easily excitable. And she doesn’t hold back in showing it. She’s also obviously a fashion girl at heart.
Doubt and nerves once again take up residence in my belly when she disappears to try the dress on. But when she emerges a few long minutes later, everything vanishes but awe.
Avery is flawless in it.
The deep color makes her pale skin and platinum hair glow. The cut of the gown emphasizes her small waist, curving out dramatically with her hips and breasts. She’s a fifties screen goddess come to life.
“You’re beautiful,” I breathe.
“I love it,” she says, turning this way and that in front of the mirror.
“I need to do the fitting and make some adjustments, of course,” I say, coming closer and nipping fabric at the waist.
Avery turns to Talia. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Talia raises an eyebrow. “I think so.”
“What are you doing for the next week?” the pop star asks me.
“Oh, um. I’m not really sure.” Probably moving out of Piper’s Peak and saying goodbye to Archie. And Ryder. I don’t know if my heart can take it.
“Can we borrow you? We’ll need you for a week. We’re working on concepts and costume designs for the video I was telling you about. I want you to help us create a vision for the wardrobe. I commissioned some designs from the big names. But everything they’ve given me still feels too modern. I’m hoping you can help. You’re exactly what we need. You’ll be generously compensated, of course.”
My emotions feel like they’re on a seesaw. Elation that Avery Woods wants to work with me again. And suspicion that Ryder will sell the house and we won’t get our final week.There goes that seesaw, hitting the earth.
Several hours later,after I do Avery’s fitting and we talk more about her upcoming video, I excuse myself to make a phone call. I step out onto her wraparound patio overlooking Central Park. Her place is bananas.
“Ryder?” I say when he answers.
“Daisy. Shit. I was getting worried.”
“I’m sorry. This took a lot longer than I expected. But guess what? Avery wants to hire me! She loved the dress and wants me to help her come up with costume concepts for her music video.”
“Of course she does. You’re fucking brilliant, baby.”
My stomach tilts at the endearment. Why does this have to be so hard?
“The thing is, we have to start right away on the planning.” I pause. “She wants me this week. They are already behind. I told Avery I’ve been pet-sitting. And she said I can coordinate with her team from Rockhaven,” I rush out. “But I wanted to find out what you decided about the house and Archie. Because I’m notsure if I even have a place or a job to come back to. Did you decide to sell? It sounded pretty definite.”
