She’d been wrong to think having Willa here would negatively affect her life. Very wrong. Would Frankie spend more time worrying about her daughter? Probably. But so what? The very fact that Willa wanted to be here, with her mother and her aunt, spoke volumes.
Frankie smiled. Shewasblessed. In more ways than she could count.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Harper fixed herself a quick sandwich. She ate at the table while scrolling through her phone. She’d hoped that by now the paparazzi would have grown bored with their stakeout of Jack, but they were still out there.
There were new pictures of Jack posted today. Grainy, somewhat blurry photos of him draped in the blanket coming across the breezeway last night. Some of the captions speculated that he might be having a breakdown.
She scoffed. Why? Because he’d covered himself so they couldn’t get a shot of his face? Didn’t those lunatics realize they were causing this? It was all so aggravating.
A text came in, the notification popping up over the page she was looking at. It was from Mimi Atwell, one of her clients.
She tapped on the text to read the whole thing in its entirety.
Harper, could we please schedule a zoom? I have another talk show to do and would love your outfit advice again. You nailed it last time and I am desperate for your help!For good measure, Mimi had added four hearts in different colors and some praying hands.
Harper texted back.I’m available in fifteen minutes. Does that work?
Yes! Thank you!More hearts followed.
Harper finished her sandwich and cleaned up, then quickly went into her bedroom. She brushed her hair and twisted it into a quick, but chic, updo, then threw on some makeup. Enough to look presentable on screen.
She changed into a lightweight V-neck sweater in a deep teal. With that she added a pair of simple hoops, her initial pendant necklace, a couple of bracelets, and a hammered band ring, all in gold. From the waist down, she was in the same leggings, but those wouldn’t be seen.
Satisfied she looked presentable and hopefully fashionable enough to give sartorial advice, she took her laptop into the office and got ready for the Zoom call.
She set up the room, sent Mimi a link, and, in a matter of minutes, Mimi responded, logging into the room.
Mimi waved as she appeared on screen. “Hi, Harper. How are you?” Mimi sat at the dressing table in her huge walk-in closet. As she usually did, she’d set her laptop up to take advantage of the lights that surrounded the mirror. Her blond hair was in a high, 1950s-style curled ponytail. Her makeup, black-lined cat eyes and red lips, matched the look.
“I’m doing great. How are you?”
“A little nervous. You know how I get.”
“I do, but I also know that you’re going to do a fantastic job. You always do. What talk show are you going to be on?”
“Kara Stone.”
“That’s on at three, right?” Kara Stone was a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who was trying to transition beyond her music career. Her talk show was only a few months old and, apparently, a hot ticket.
Mimi nodded. “That’s right. I’m the main guest, so that’s nice. And the musical act is a new country group. Lone Star, I think?”
“I’ve heard of them. They’re hot right now.”
“Well, I hope they’re good.”
“What are your outfit options?”
“I have a whole rack of things, but I’m thinking a dress, maybe? I really don’t know. I don’t do a lot of daytime stuff but it’s a different vibe.”
“For sure. Show me the clothes.” Harper sat back.
“Okay.” Mimi went to the wheeled rack against the back wall and started pulling things off it one at a time so Harper could see them.
There were dresses aplenty, but also skirt and top outfits, and some pantsuits. Harper couldn’t imagine how much money that rack of clothes was worth, but Mimi was a rising star, and designers were eager to dress her.
As Mimi hung the last piece back up, Harper rested her hand against her jaw. “What do you like?”
