“Me?” I ask, having a hard time removing myself from the past and grief of no longer having my mother. If it hadn’t been the accident, then her own sister would have eventually killed her. “I was just thinking how well made this dress is. I can tell it’s lined so the sequins won’t be scratchy, and the weight of it is oddly satisfying.”
The woman’s brows raise and she relaxes slightly as she nods. I don’t think Cassidy mentioned who I was to give me some anonymity to explore.
“The owner designs our clothing. She personally curates every piece. There are a lot of parties in Savannah, so when Cordelia decided to open the store, she wanted to stock it with pieces that made sense for this city,” she explains.
“I can tell,” I admit. “These are pieces you’ll keep in your closet forever, instead of something that’ll rip after a few wears. The skirt set over there is gorgeous. It looks like something you could wear throughout the year, up until it hits the heat of summer.”
“Yes,” the woman says excitedly. “You can change the peplum set up by wearing it in different ways, and since they’re separated, you can also add the pants as well. Cordelia thinks having a few staple pieces helps cut out the stress of getting ready for the day.”
“As someone who just agonized about this, I can say she’s right,” I confess. “This store reminds me of a treasure trove. I can tell the care taken with each piece.”
“You seem to understand fabrics and clothing,” she observes, glancing over my clothes with pursed lips. Since I was homeless and lived in a cage not very long ago, I’ll excuse the criticism. “How is that?”
“I used to sew theater costumes in what feels like another lifetime,” I say with a shrug. “I’d get bolts of fabric, and had toturn them into whatever was needed. It was a lot of fun while it lasted.”
“When was the last time you did alterations?” the girl asks. Her hair is shiny and clean, her jewelry tasteful and perfect for her skirt set.
God, I really don’t belong here.
“I altered all of my mother’s clothes up until she died a year ago,” I say. “I haven’t done it since actually. Her clothing was all high end, but it was impossible for her to find someone to alter her clothing. She was shorter than I am, so she was always swimming in extra fabric. There’s only so much a pair of heels will do when you’re five feet tall.”
“That’s a struggle some of our clients have,” she muses. “We alter all of our clothing ourselves. It’s not only the hem, but making the outfit appear to be custom made for the person’s body.”
“I expect that helps elevate the look of the clothing as well as the confidence in the person wearing it,” I muse. “Looking in the mirror knowing your clothes fit every curve or lack of them has to feel amazing.”
“You seem to understand,” she says. “I really shouldn’t be doing this, but…Are you by chance looking for a job? Our alterations person has been swimming in orders, and there’s been discussions about bringing on another person.”
“Really? Yes, I’m looking for a job, and I’d love that,” I say enthusiastically. “If you need me to prove I can do alterations, I can.”
“We actually have someone in the dressing room now who typically needs alterations done. Would you like to use that to showcase your ability?” she asks. “I’m so sorry, I’m Lena by the way. I’m a floor associate.”
“Winter,” I say with a small smile.
“Follow me, and you can see the dressing rooms,” Lena says.
I do just that, wondering what Cassidy is going to say at this development.
Her eyes light up as she sees me walk into the room, before narrowing as she sees me with Lena. She doesn’t say anything as she stands in an off the shoulder burgundy dress. It’s layers of light fabric, good for every day, but I can see little places where it needs to be altered.
For example, she has a large chest and smaller rib cage, so it needs to be nipped in a bit. I can also see other little things, and my mind is already making the changes as I notice them.
“This is Winter, and I just met her,” Lena gushes, making Cassidy pinch her lips together in amusement. “She says she’s done alterations in the past, and I thought she could alter your dress in an effort to see if she’d be a good fit.”
“Hello, Winter,” she says, purring slightly as my cheeks heat. Of course she’s going to enjoy pretending not to know me. “How do you want me?”
Oh… my god.I can see the bratty playfulness coming out in spades now.
“I’ll bring out the cart,” Lena says helpfully, leaving to do just that.
“You’re going to be difficult, aren’t you?” I hiss, laughing softly.
“Oh yes. Please be sure to feel me up inappropriately while you fix my dress. Also, did you just score a job, all on your own?” she teases me.
“Ah, possibly?” I squeak. “It all depends.”
“Then use me, baby!” Cassidy says theatrically, making me flush crimson. I don’t think she realizes the kinky thought I just had.
Lena comes out and I take out the pins, tucking places to bring in as I go.
