by Jamie Ott
Samuel’s Fit for Formal was a nice shop with elegant silks, finely spun cashmere, lots of hand sewn rhinestones and sequins gowns.
Lin sifted through racks of dresses while trying to put the crazy girl from the café out of her mind. How did she know she was being watched? What was she looking at? Was she simply crazy, or was the figure in the room somewhere, unbeknownst to her?
She was closely examining the square pattern of a fuzzy, sheer light pink mohair dress with camisole straps and a sewn in slip when Poppy said,“That makes your complexion look really smooth.”
Lin jumped.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you.”
“It’s okay,” Lin said. “I was just a little deep in thought. Are you looking for a dress today?”
“I had mine custom made weeks ago. I’m here to pick it up.”
“Well, I think I’m gonna try this one on, but it was nice to meet you.”
“Wait a second. I want to ask you a question. How would you feel if I offered you a position?”
“A position?”
“Yes. My daughter, who also attends the academy, is having trouble with a few classes. I’m afraid she isn’t doing work that is of her full potential. I’m prepared to offer you a decent salary, nearly double what you’re making at the Historical Society. You can even move in with us.”
“I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but I’m going to have to say no. I love my job with the museum and at the school. If I went to work for you, it might stifle any future opportunities for advancement.”
“If you’re worried about working your way up, it’s not a problem. We have all sorts of connections. You won’t be limited because you work for a family instead of an institution. What kind of work is it you desire?”
“I’m not sure yet, but I don’t feel that it’s the right time for me to leave the Society just yet.”
“… oh! There she is. Lin!” someone called.
She turned and saw Mara and a ginger-brown haired woman who looked much like Mara.
“I’m sorry but my friends are here.”
Poppy walked off without saying goodbye.
Lin made her way across the store.
The ginger-brown haired woman looked at the dress in her hand and said, “Wow. That’s pretty!”
She was about to say thank you when Mara interrupted. “Were you just talking to Poppy Craig?”
“Yes, try not to sound too disgusted, will you?” Lin whispered. “She offered me a job.”
“What sort of job?”
“Tutoring her daughter.”
“Hope Craig? I hope you turned her down.”
“Well, yeah,” she said with sarcasm, “I’m not stupid. She just wants me gone so she can help her brother-in-law. She should just hire her brother-in-law to tutor her daughter.”
“Uh, yeah, would you want Angel working with your daughter?” Mara replied.
“Working for the Craigs might actually be a smart thing. They have a lot of connections,” said the younger woman with excitement. “I would give anything for the job.”
“Lin, meet my younger cousin, Blair,” Mara said and rolled her eyes.
“Hi.” She held out her hand to Lin.
Blair looked like a younger smaller version of Mara, except lighter hair and a straighter form. She was lightly freckled and had the same eyes and nose. Likewise, she had the same depth of brown eyes, but Blair’s eyes were smaller and friendlier whereas Mara’s were large, deep and penetrating.
“I saw you on the news a few weeks back.” Lin flinched at her mention of this.
Blair must have noticed, for she said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Well, let’s get shopping because we’re gonna need a few hours to get ready, and the party starts at 8 p.m.” Mara interrupted.
The Party
