“Thanks, Larry.”
“It’s a vase. I told Helen we should get you something practical like a microwave, but once that woman makes up her mind, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Thank you. I think a vase is nice.” He had a giddy look on his face.
Larry’s interest was piqued. “What’s with the goofy laugh? What’s going on?”
“Did you drive?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“How about a Coke?”
“That works for me.” He followed Matt into the kitchen and got a couple of Cokes. “Thanks, buddy.” He took a long gulp. “Strangely enough, that hit the spot. Speaking of hitting the spot, what’s going on with you?”
Matthew shook his head. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.”
“Have a seat.”
“This must be good.”
“I know the name of the woman from the other night. We were formally introduced today.”
“You’re kidding? Where?” He was floored.
“It turns out she’s the wedding planner the Kleins hired for Jennifer and Michael’s wedding.”
“What?” Larry was stunned.
“I know. It’s totally strange but true. I went to have lunch with my family at the Kleins’ place and there was Paige Baldwin.”
“Don’t you mean your caramel queen?” Larry joked.
“If I have my way again, I want to make her my queen.”
“Down boy. Don’t you think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself?”
“The funny thing is I don’t feel that way at all.”
Larry shook his head. “I never thought I’d see this day.”
“Aren’t you being a little melodramatic?”
“Not at all.” He paused. “Let’s look at the facts. You have dated your share and my share of women over the years and never once have you had an inkling of real commitment.”
“I’m not that bad.”
“Oh yeah? I can think of at least ten women you’ve dated in the last four years or so and not once have I heard or seen you like this.”
Matthew shrugged. “I guess I was waiting for the right woman.”
“You think this Paige Baldwin is the right woman?”
He reflected for a moment. “I do. I usually remember something physical about a woman after we’ve been together. The scent of perfume, her hair, and maybe even her boobs.”
“What do you mean, maybe her boobs?” Larry challenged.
“All right, definitely her boobs.”
“That’s more like it,” Larry said as he finished his Coke.
“With Paige it was so easy to talk to her. For once I wasn’t in a real hurry to get her into bed. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely wanted to be with her and I’m happy she was willing.”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way to spend more time with your brother’s wedding planner.” Larry laughed.
“How funny is that? I’m chasing after my brother’s wedding planner.”
“At least you know where she’ll be for the next nine or ten months.”
“That’s very true, and I am going to take full advantage of it.”
“I know that look. What are you planning to do?”
“Not much. I do have a couple of days off from school and she’ll be at the Waldorf with the Kleins Thursday. I suppose I could wander over to Michael’s office for a visit.”
“Now I know you’ve fallen for her. You want to head to the company offices. I thought that place was like kryptonite to you.”
“I’m not that bad,” he protested.
“Okay, you’re not that bad.” Larry decided to back off.
“Thank you. I’ll just hang out with Michael for a while and then I’ll head over to the Waldorf.”
“It sounds to me like you have a plan, Mr. Smythe.”
“Indeed I do, my friend. Paige Baldwin can count on seeing me again soon.”
CHAPTER 7
Still unnerved by Matthew, Paige hopped the train to Penn Station where Jennifer had a car waiting to transport Paige. After a few minutes, Paige noticed they were traveling in the wrong direction if they were heading to her sister’s boutique. She tapped on the glass partition. The driver rolled down the window. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Can you tell me where we’re going?”
“Ms. Klein asked me to take you to Lydia’s Bridal.”
“Oh, I see. Thanks.” That’s where Sophie bought her dress. I knew she was going to pull something and here it is. I should let her try the gown on. That way it’ll be painfully obvious it’s not for her.
Paige took a deep breath. She does have every right to shop wherever she wants to. She is the bride and it’s her day. Lydia’s Bridal Salon has an impeccable reputation for serving the highest echelon of society. The crème de la crème of society buy their wedding gowns and evening wear there.
When the car pulled up to Lydia’s, the reason for its popularity was immediately evident. French doors set the stage. Paige was about to enter the salon when Mrs. Klein arrived.
“Good morning, Paige.”
“Mrs. Klein. How good to see you. Jennifer didn’t mention you were coming.”
“That’s because she doesn’t know.”
“I see.”
“From the look on your face I’d say you didn’t plan on coming to Lydia’s today.”
“You’re right, but this is Jennifer’s choice so I’m here to help as much as I can.”
Paige held the door for Mrs. Klein. “After you,” she smiled.
“Thank you.”
The two women walked into a reception area that evoked the Baroque period, which meant the stage was set for romantic fantasy.
“Good morning. I’m here for Jennifer Klein’s appointment. My name is Paige Baldwin and this is her mother, Mrs. Isabelle Klein.”
“Yes, Ms. Baldwin. Ms. Klein is already in with Betsy. I can take you and Mrs. Klein back to our fitting area.” The receptionist stood up to lead the way.
I don’t have a good feeling about this, Paige thought as she walked into the fitting area. It was obvious that Jennifer was already trying gowns on by the sound of her giggling.
“Have a seat, ladies, and I’ll let Betsy know you’re here.” The receptionist went in the back as Paige and Mrs. Klein sat down.
A tall brunette in her late forties walked out. With her hair in a proper bun she looked very much like an old-fashioned bridal gown consultant. “Good day, ladies. I’m Betsy McGovern and I’ve been working with Jennifer this morning.” She shook their hands.
“Hello, Betsy, I’m Paige Baldwin, the wedding planner for this event, and this is Mrs. Isabelle Klein, Jennifer’s mother.”
“How do you do?” Mrs. Klein nodded.
“Jennifer didn’t tell me you were coming, Mrs. Klein. This is a real treat. Every bride should have their mother with them for such an important decision.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more.” Mrs. Klein smiled.
“I just put Jennifer in a gown and she seems to be quite taken with it. I’ll bring her out.”
“Thanks.” Paige crossed her fingers. Please don’t let it be that gown.
Just then a giddy Jennifer walked out in a mermaid silhouette. Paige’s mouth nearly fell to the floor. Mrs. Klein looked mortified.
The minute Jennifer saw her mother her excitement waned. “This is just great. I didn’t know you were coming, Mother. Who told you about the appointment?”
“You asked Samantha to make the appointment for you, and in case you forgot, she does work for us. It was only natural she told me.”
“You know, Mother, you really shouldn’t be in textiles. They should hire you to find Jimmy Hoffa and Osama Bin Laden.”
At that moment Paige couldn’t care less about salon etiquette. What in the world is wrong with this Betsy chick? This dress accentuates everything you don’t want accentuated, Paige thought as she got up for a 360-degree view. Jennifer’s poster
ior isn’t all that big, but this dress makes it look like somebody glued a couple of honeydews on her butt. Paige unconsciously shook her head.
“Why are you shaking your head, Paige?” Jennifer asked.
Paige was a little embarrassed that she’d been caught. “I was just thinking, that’s all.”
“This is one of our most popular silhouettes this season,” Betsy said as she adjusted the train.
Mrs. Klein’s glasses were at the tip of her nose. “What other dresses do you have?”
“I like this dress, Mother,” Jennifer protested.
Has she looked in some kind of magic mirror that makes her see what she wants to see? Paige thought as she tapped her toes. “Betsy, may I have a word with you?”
“Sure.” She walked over to her.
“In private, please.”
“Certainly.”
Paige followed her to the back office. Betsy closed the door.
“I didn’t want to say this in front of Jennifer, but what in the world are you doing putting her in a mermaid silhouette?”
Betsy seemed offended. “Excuse me?”
“I’m pretty sure I didn’t stutter or mince my words. Why in the world would you put a plus size, pear-shaped woman in a gown that makes her look shorter and wider?”
“She wants a formfitting dress.”
“And I want to be a natural blonde, but that doesn’t mean it will look good on me.”
“It’s nothing that Spanx can’t fix.”
Paige was floored at Betsy’s cavalier attitude. “How many pairs of Spanx shapewear are we talking about? The idea is for her to leave her groom breathless, not herself.”
“It’s our job to make the bride happy, not her wedding planner.”
“It’s your job as long as you’re not trying to sell her the emperor’s new clothes! That gown is clearly not a good choice for her figure. You’re supposed to be a wedding gown professional, not a wedding gown pusher.” Paige took a deep breath to calm down. “Wait a minute. Your dress sample sizes only go up to a size ten and that dress is clearly a size twenty.” The light went on over Paige’s head. “Oh, my God. You’re trying to get rid of inventory. Someone ordered that dress but didn’t take it so now you’re trying to pass if off onto Jennifer.”
“We’d never do anything like that. We do have a reputation to consider.”
“If you’re concerned about your reputation you need to tell her the truth about the dress.”
“And what will you do if I don’t?”
“I will make sure everyone knows that this fine shop is the home of wedding dress pushers, not bridal consultants who look out for their client’s best interests.”
“And we will sue you for slander.” Betsy sounded full of herself.
Paige grinned. She’s opened the door and I’m about to bust in. “Well, Betsy, I’m not your average wedding planner. I’m also an attorney by way of Harvard Law School. And let me tell you that I have the perfect defense. It’s called the truth.”
“You’re a lawyer?” She asked, stunned at the revelation.
“I don’t think I stuttered, but I will say it again. I’m an attorney and all I have to do is check the tag on that dress to back me up. So bring it on, Betsy.”
“Can’t we work something else out here?” Betsy asked nervously.
A few minutes later the ladies emerged from the office.
“What happened in there? Why did you take so long?” Jennifer asked.
“I had to go through my records, and I’m sorry to say that gown isn’t available,” Betsy said.
Jennifer’s face dropped. “What do you mean, it’s not available?”
“One of the other consultants was supposed to pull it but she forgot. I’m so sorry to get your hopes up.”
Jennifer stepped down from the platform. “This is bull.”
“I really am sorry, Ms. Klein.”
Without another word Jennifer stormed back into the dressing room with Betsy following on her heels.
“I don’t know what you did, Paige, but thanks for doing it.”
Paige winked at her. “Believe me, it was my pleasure. I don’t like making brides unhappy, but in this case it was a gown intervention.”
A few minutes later, a still steaming Jennifer walked out.
“Okay, I’m ready to go.”
Mrs. Klein stood up. “I’ve already called Raymond.”
Jennifer looked over at Paige. “I don’t know what you did but I know you did something.”
“I did something?” Paige asked innocently. “I’m just the wedding planner, Jennifer. I don’t have a magic wand.”
“If you say so.” Jennifer walked past Paige.
Besides, who needs a wand? I believe in carrying a big stick. It’s far more effective. Paige laughed quietly.
Mrs. Klein cleared her throat.
“It’s a pretty gown.” I should be shot for lying through my teeth.
“It’s a pretty gown but it’s not right for her. Isn’t that what you want to say, Paige?”
Within a couple of minutes they were in the car headed for Siobhan’s showroom.
“We’ll look at a few gowns at Siobhan’s salon. There’s no need to rush. This is an important decision.”
“That’s sage advice, Paige,” Mrs. Klein said.
“What if it takes me forever? How will I know?”
“That’s easy. When it’s the right dress you’ll feel it. There’s no other way I can explain it. You’ll see. Trust me.”
Jennifer seemed skeptical. “I liked the dress I tried on at Lydia’s.”
“The dress isn’t available, Jennifer. You need to move on and keep an open mind. You can’t grab the first thing you try on.” Mrs. Klein crossed her legs.
“Listen, you found your dream man. Now all you need is your dream dress and you’ll be set. Shopping for a wedding gown is about making you look like a dream come true walking down the aisle. It’s not about the purchase; it’s how the dress makes you feel,” Paige counseled.
It only took a scant fifteen minutes to get to Paige’s sister’s upscale Manhattan shop. Siobhan was waiting for them at the door.
“Hey, Paige.”
“Hey, Siobhan.” Paige turned to Jennifer. “Siobhan, I would like you to meet our bride, Jennifer Klein, and her mother, Mrs. Klein. Mrs. Klein, Jennifer, this is my sister Siobhan.”
“Hi,” Jennifer said softly.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Mrs. Klein shook Siobhan’s hand.
“Nice meeting you both. Come on in.” They followed her into the posh waiting area. “How about we take a seat?”
They sat down.
Mrs. Klein looked around. “This is a lovely place you have here.”
“Thank you. We like it.”
“It’s very chic,” Mrs. Klein added.
“So, Jennifer, before I say anything else, congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thanks.”
“So tell me what it is you’re looking for.” Siobhan leaned in.
“I like dresses that remind me of my ballerina days.”
“So you like tulle?”
“Yes.”
Siobhan tapped her pen. “Do you have her measurements with you, Paige?”
She was a step ahead of her and placed them on the table. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She looked them over. “Jennifer, would you mind standing up for a moment, please?”
She obliged her. Mrs. Klein watched as Siobhan walked around her. Siobhan’s thought processes were visible.
“Your upper body is exquisite. Your shoulders are small and your arms are toned. I think something that plays on those attributes will work for your shape. What do you think, Paige?”
“I think you’re right on track,” Paige agreed.
“Mrs. Klein?” Siobhan asked.
“It sounds like my daughter is in good hands. Keep going.”
“I can give you an A-line, which will give you a little flare like a ball
erina skirt without adding width. By the way, A-line isn’t the fat girl’s silhouette.”
Jennifer look mortified. It was obvious she thought Paige had ratted her out. “I can’t believe you told her I said that.”
“I didn’t tell her. You just did.”
“Relax, Jennifer, it’s not like I haven’t heard that before. A lot of women hear A-line and automatically assume it’s a fat girl thing and it isn’t. In fact, it’s very versatile and flattering.”
“Maybe you can do something strapless with a vertical beading or pearl pattern to make her appear a little taller,” Paige suggested.
“Won’t that make me look a little thinner, too?”
Siobhan smiled. “Now you’ve got it.”
“It sounds pretty.” Mrs. Klein smiled.
“I have a few samples in the back for you. My assistant Lynn will take you to the dressing room and help you try it on.”
Jennifer’s mouth fell open. “Did you do this, Paige?”
“Who, me? I’m just a wedding planner.”
Lynn led her to the dressing room.
“You do love playing fairy godmother, don’t you?” Siobhan grinned.
“I may not have a wand, but I love bippity boppity boo as much as the next girl.”
A few minutes later Jennifer came out in the first of four gowns. The first gown was pretty, but not quite what she was looking for. The second gown was close but no cigar. Siobhan, Mrs. Klein, and Paige waited for her to model the third gown.
“Body-wise they are great on her, but the dress needs to have that wow factor,” Paige said.
“I know what you mean. She’ll know it the minute she sees it and so will we,” Mrs. Klein agreed.
A few minutes later Jennifer emerged in a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The A-line skirt flattered her shape and the chapel train gave just enough wow without weighing her down. The gown gave Jennifer an hourglass figure. She was a total bombshell. “So what do you think?” She twirled around.
Mrs. Klein put her hand over her mouth, speechless.
Paige patted Siobhan on the back. “We have a winner.”
“The dress is perfect.” Jennifer beamed.
Siobhan went over to see what type of alterations she’d need. “I need to hem the skirt up a little.” She got behind Jennifer to see how well the bodice fit. “The bodice seems good.”
Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum) Page 7
