“That’s a nice leotard, but it’s not something that’s appropriate to wear on the train,” Sam says. “Why don’t you go change, and when you’re ready, we’ll head down to Paddington Station.”
“Yes, brother.”
Celine skips out of the room, whistling “I See the Light” fromTangled.
I offer Sam his choice of cereal or oatmeal. He opts for the cereal. “I hope my sister didn’t cause you too much trouble. I really thought she’d sleep in.”
“No, she’s been a great kid. I mean, I was nervous at first, but it was easy for us to bond over ballet.”
“Don’t be surprised if Sarah asks if she can video call once Celine lets it slip she’s met you.” Sam pours himself a generous amount of my almond flakes. “Shewillbe jealous you’re a dancer, but I think she’ll get over it quickly once she finds out you’re also a fashion designer. Sarah loves helping design her club’s leotards.”
“I’ll remember that for when I talk to her. Is her collection of leotards as massive as Celine’s?”
“You have no idea,” he deadpans.
“Oh, believe me I do. Enough to fill a closet each?” I slide the milk to him.
“Yes. Dad has given the girls the garage just for their clothing.”
“You know, it would help if youdidn’tbuy Celine one every time she’s in town.” I elbow him lightly.
“She told you about that?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I can’t help it. It’s hard to say no to them when theyask for something.” Sam sighs. “They know which buttons to push to get me to say yes.”
“Saying no once in a while won’t hurt them. Especially when you have to pay for stuff like Celine’s pointe shoes.”
“Ballet is so much more expensive than gymnastics.” He winces. “Most of my weekly pay packet goes to Celine’s supplies.”
“Do their parents offer you any financial help?” I don’t want to pry, but I’m curious.
“No. My dad does where he can, but he’s on a fixed income.”
Hearing that makes me even more angry at Sam’s mother than I was last night. How dare she! I shove the milk into the fridge and close it harder than intended, causing the contents to rattle around inside.
“Min, I have it all worked out. Don’t worry about it.” Sam takes a bite of his cereal and chews slowly. “Anyway, don’t let Celine or me slow you down. I know you have to get ready to head to work too. Are you going to be busy all day?”
“More than likely. My client is getting married this weekend. We had a lot of drama yesterday and had to basically start her reception dress from scratch.”
“I don’t know much about fashion, but that sounds like a tight time crunch.”
“It is. I’d thought we’d have three more weeks.”
“Crackers.”
While we wait for Celine, I bring Sam up to speed on the details of the last few weeks. I’ve alluded to some things over text, but now is the first opportunity we’ve had to properly talk.
“Fashion Guru, I’m sorry if I ever said I was busy. I hadno idea how deep in your own work you were.” He pushes his now empty bowl aside. “We won’t keep you any longer. I’ll take care of the washing up and my sister. Go. We’ll talk when you’re free.”
Twenty-Six
The chaos of the time crunch for Clarissa’s second dress keeps me on my toes all day. I don’t have a spare moment to let my thoughts drift. We’ve made excellent progress and should be on track to finish tomorrow. I can’t believe I’m leaving at a reasonable hour. It’s not until I’m walking back to the Tube station that I’m able to check my phone. Sam texted me a couple times, the first message coming three hours ago.
Sam
I’ve just settled Celine and finished meeting with her headmaster. I’m returning to London now.
