SEVEN
Rayne moved from dressto dress, checking for the hundredth time, if they were ready for shipping. Lacey Stoddard and Dusti Miller, Rayne’s assistants, also hurried throughout the warehouse, checking to make sure this large order would go out without any complications. Rayne was blessed with a miracle – literally – when a buyer in New York City had called out of the blue, ordering two hundred of her gowns. Rayne had paid the seamstresses to work extra hours, along with her assistants, so that they would have the order ready in time. They’d all been busy for a straight month, which helped Rayne’s married life only because she didn’t have time to talk to Calvin or see the rejection in his dreamy green eyes.
Once the dresses were thoroughly checked, they were handed to Lacey, who carefully wrapped each one separately in a garment bag, folded them carefully, and placed them in the shipping box. Rayne wanted everything to go as perfectly as she could make it. This was her chance to show how professional she was, and why this buyer in New York City should trust her again.
A lock of hair fell in her face, and she pushed it back on her head, trying to fit it in with the rest of her hair gathered in a ponytail, but the stubborn piece of hair just wouldn’t do as she’d wanted. She tucked it behind her ear, instead. With a chuckle, she realized her marriage was a lot like that lock of hair. Obstinate and not going the way she wanted.
What had she expected? Her father and Calvin’s father had secretly matched them as they tried to control their children’s lives. None of it was fair, but Rayne knew what had to be done. However, she never thought she’d start feeling differently about Calvin the longer they were together. Although they didn’t go around town showing themselves off as a newly-wedded couple, the few places they went together, she’d seen how kind and generous her husband really was. He wasn’t fake like some men she knew.
Immediately, Eddie popped into her head. She wished she’d stop thinking this way. Just because she’d seen his fake way of talking to some people didn’t mean he’d always act in such a way... Or did it?
“Rayne, I think we’re ready to ship them.” Dusti threaded her fingers through her shoulder-length wavy brown hair and leaned against a table. “I’m almost disappointed that we’re done. Putting these dresses together was exciting.”
“I know what you mean.” Rayne grinned. “My heart is still thumping with enthusiasm... and worry.”
“They already love your work,” Lacey said, hooking her arm around Rayne’s shoulders, “or else they wouldn’t have purchased so many dresses.”
Rayne chuckled and shook her head. “I still wish I knew how they found out about me.”
“Do you have any relatives in New York City?” Dusti picked up her can of diet soda and sipped. “When I first talked to them on the phone, they made it sound like your name was referred to them.”
“No, I can’t think of any extended family who live out that way.” Rayne gulped down her spring water.
“Well, it had to be someone who knows your work.”
Rayne sighed heavily. “I’m afraid to ask them who it was.”
Her assistants laughed. Lacey pointed to Rayne’s cell phone lying on the table. “Call them and let them know the delivery is going out tonight.”
“Yes. I promised to let them know.” Nervously, Rayne picked up her phone and called the man she’d been corresponding with in New York City. She cleared her throat and breathed slowly.
“Hello,” the man answered in a gruff voice.
She stiffened. “Hi, Mr. Patterson. This is Rayne Ken... um, Gates from Rayne Drop Creations.” Inwardly, she scolded herself. It was hard to use her married name.
“Oh, hello, Mrs. Gates.” The man’s voice became lighter. “I was just thinking about you.”
Her heartbeat quickened again. “I hope they were good thoughts,” she ended with a chuckle.
“Of course, they were. How are the dresses coming along?”
“We’ll be shipping them out tonight.”
“Tonight?” His voice lifted. “That’s earlier than you’d planned.”
“Only by a few days, but I’m glad we’re able to get them out to you sooner.”
“Good, good.”
Rayne was relieved that Mr. Patterson seemed to be happy, which in turn, made her happy. “Great. Well, I just thought I’d call you and let you know.”
“Thanks so much, Mrs. Gates.” He paused for only a moment. “I feel very fortunate that my attorney’s associate gave me your name. I think your creations are absolutely brilliant.”
She stilled as her mind clicked into overdrive. “Yourattorney’s associate?” Both Dusti’s and Lacey’s eyes widened. Lacey had been twirling a long strand of her wild blue hair around her finger, but stopped and gaped. “Who is your attorney?” Rayne wondered.
