ChapterOne
LAYLA
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Snip. Pin. Repeat.
The whir of the sewing machine is the only sound echoing around my empty studio.
Bits of fabric are strewn everywhere. White lace and silk are pinned to the mannequin across the room, holding up the bodice of the wedding dress I’m currently working on.
The exquisite fabric is like butter as I push it through the machine, watching the skirt come together.
This is the first wedding dress I’ve ever created.
Pushing back the wispy blonde hairs that have escaped my bun, I snip the threads and inspect the hem of the skirt. Pearls and lace shimmer against the silk.
When this is done, it’s going to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever made. My smile is bright as the door creaks open and my assistant pops her head in.
“Layla. Sorry to interrupt, but a customer was hoping to meet you. She loves the Summer Bouquet shirt, and wants to meet the designer.”
“Be right out.”
I set the skirt down with care. The last thing I need is for anything to damage it this close to the wedding.
My sister loves me and all, but if her wedding dress gets ruined, I don’t know if I’ll ever hear the end of it.
“Where is she?” I ask Erica, my eyes scanning the crowded store.
She points to the back corner. “On the platform.”
A woman with red, flowing hair is spinning, hands running all over the material of my summer statement piece.
“Hi there. You wanted to see me?” I ask, trying not to startle her.
“I asked the sales associate if I could meet the designer. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so fabulous in my life.”
A blush creeps across my cheeks at her words. I don’t know if I’ll ever tire of hearing how much someone loves my work.
“That was me.”
“Shut up! You designed this?” The customer standing in front of the three-way mirror turns to face me. “How are you not onProject Runwayor something? I feel like a rock star in this.”
I smile at her, taking in my latest completed creation. The off-the-shoulder top has a bursting floral print and wide bell sleeves that split open before tying at the bottom. It needs little else other than a simple skirt to go with it. It’s a statement all on its own.
“I’m happy creating my clothes here.”
She pulls her phone out of her back pocket, snapping some photos. “I have to tell everyone I know about this place. It’s a hidden gem.”
“Are you from around here?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “My boyfriend is in town hiking this week. I came along, but it’s not really my thing. I’m having a spa weekend over at the ranch outside of town.”
Now it makes sense how she found me. Gemma surely must have sent her my way. My shop is tucked away off the main town square. It’s one of the smaller storefronts in town, but all I could afford when I opened.
“Are you enjoying your stay over there?”
She nods, snapping her gum. “Totally. It’s like one big Instagram photo op.”
