Ah yes, Hiro’s moms, the ones mated to Councilman Nakamura.
Sara shook her head. “No. But he’s so excited for his internship.”
“We’re so glad that he could join us,” I replied.
“Councilman Nakamura, the two of us, and our boys are very excited to attend your mating party,” Sara said as the sales associate gave us a look.
“We’re so happy that you’re coming,” Grace added.
“Did you get a dress?” Yui asked. “I can’t believe you don’t have one yet.”
Grace shook her head. “That’s why we’re shopping today. We just stopped to look at shoes. I was thinking of something like this.”
Leaning in, she showed her something on her phone. My phone buzzed.
Emil
You have a new mate? Congratulations. I was going to text you tomorrow about the new scarves we’re getting in. We have some with matching ties. That might be fun for you and your new mate.
Me
That sounds lovely, perhaps I could have an appointment this week?
Emil
Of course. As for today, I’m sure Christine can help your mate with a lovely purse. Are you there now?
Me
We are. We asked someone for help, but they were busy.
Emil
I’ll let her know that you’re there.
“That’s very simple, Grace,” Yui said. “While I’m all for being understated, you’re matingSpencer Thanukos.”
I’m not sure anything about Yui was understated.
Sara frowned. “I do see what you’re going for–elegant and unfussy. Pity you didn’t think to have someone custom design something for you ahead of time. It’s too late to get anyone worth having. Not to mention, I hope your tailor is speedy. You’re cutting it close just getting your dress now.”
“Can she have those designers’ names, anyway?” Riley interjected. Sara’s frown deepened. “Hear me out. She and my brother are having theirEnormous Fantastic Weddingnext year. Grace has this sketch of her in a dress that one of her other mates drew. And well, Evan’s mateboughtan estate and is making it into an event property, just so they can get married in the garden like they’re in a Tea-Time Era British Drama. So, I think she needs a custom dress based on that sketch.”
Yui clapped. “I love that show. And Sara loves those dramas. Oh! I’m on the planning committee for the Rockland Ballet’s gala, and our venue fell through. I really don’t want to have it at the Performing Arts Center, and if I have to go to something else at the HighTower or the Hotel Gladiola, I will just be beside myself. A garden, you say? That soundsperfect.”
“I’m not sure if it will be ready, but maybe you can work something out? Ballet under the Stars sounds beautiful,” Grace agreed.
I took Brennan’s card out of my wallet. I carried them because I often had reason to send business his way.
“Here you go. If it’s possible for him to help, he will, though I’m not sure where he stands in the renovation process.” I handed it to her.
A ballet gala was exactly what Brennan needed to introduce his venue to Rockland society. Yui’s friends would all buy tables for her gala, and her friends probably served on committees of other organizations that also held galas.
“Back to the dress. The one in the photo looks like a Ferrel by the neckline. Just take it to their shop on the second floor. I’m sure they can help you,” Sara added. “Though I’ll send you my contacts.”
“Thank you,” Grace replied.
The sales associate who had brushed us off was staring, and I suddenly realized that they weren’t actually too busy. It was about appearances. Riley, Grace, and I were dressed quite casually compared to the Nakamuras. She started to walk over to us.
