I let my chapel train crinkle and shimmer in the morning sun. How could she be so smart about some things and so wrong about others?
“I saw that little display. You can’t tell me I have a groom, it’s certainly not Conner. And there’s no other man in my life.”
What a stubborn woman Ari was. She refused to see who was under her very nose. Gerard. Sure he’d not been around, even as a wedding dress I knew it was because she scared him. She had power over him. I’ve learned enough from my other two brides that when a man loves a woman, she held the power.
Gerard would get used to it. I had the feeling that Conner would continue to be my ally.
Ari was now ready for her work. The scent that was my bride tickled my lace and she looked fresh with her flowing skirt and breezy top. Her hair hung in a golden braid down her back, with a straw colored hat on her head. On her feet were flip-flops. I guess who ever designed the things called them that because of the slapping sound they made.
“Wish me luck, Bella, tonight if everything works out I’ll have a new proposal to give Gertrude for Classic Manhattan.”
She grabbed her bag and bustled from the room. I knew what she meant though. She hoped Gerard would be coming to dinner so she could talk him into her program idea.
My beads warmed, and my gathers tightened. Tonight, with Conner’s help, the spark would ignite between my bride and her groom.
Chapter Twenty-five
Ari dropped her case on her desk, booted up her computer and settled into work. She sipped her latte as she read over the plan for the wedding the next day. If only she could have had her workshop up and running. The bride had picked fantastic colors. When Darlene had brought the couple in to discuss the event a story had grown.
She’d use their tale for her first dress. However, once the program officially started, advertising would advise brides they could begin their bridal adventure with a design to fit their event. She’d consult with each bride for their story and create designs accordingly. Tingles raced over her at the thought. She laid her hand over her tummy to calm the butterflies.
Her dream was about to come true.
“Ready?” Ari glanced up in surprise at Darlene. “Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay, what’s up?”
“Wanted to know if you’re ready to give me a tour of the work room? I’d like to have a meeting with Gertrude so we can decide how to approach our new program. We want to utilize all of our resources to maximum advantage.”
“I have to finish with tomorrow’s event, then I can take you through. The contractor is doing the final inspection with the building inspector and fire marshal. Once that’s done, we have the okay to open up shop.”
“I have the cake to decorate, flowers to finish up. I’ll be back in your office around two.”
“Sounds good.” As Darlene turned, Ari called after her. “Wait. Don’t ask Gertrude for the meeting yet though.”
Darlene paused a frown gathering, “Why not?”
“I hope to have my neighbor talked into the virtual program by tomorrow. I’d love to bring that into the equation when we talk to Gertrude.”
Her friend turned to lean her shoulder on the doorframe. “Why do I get the feeling there’s more to dinner than computer programming?”
“I have no idea, because that’s all it’s going to be. No ulterior motives. Just business.”
Darlene snorted, “Yeah right. I’ll see you at two.”
After she’d left, Ari couldn’t concentrate. Unwilling to let irritation disrupt her agenda, she pushed from the desk to cross to the window. What did she have to accomplish? With a list in mind, she went back to her desk determined to push Gerard to the bottom of her agenda and finish the paperwork for the next day’s wedding.
“Ready?”
Ari jumped, her chair rolled a few inches from the desk. Reaching out she pulled herself to the desk. “Why do you have to startle me all the time? Can you not make a noise, knock on the door frame, something?”
“I honestly didn’t think of it. Besides it is two and I told you’d I’d be here. I thought you’d be waiting.”
Ari shot a glance toward the wall clock. She’d been engrossed in her work for over four hours, amazing. Pulling herself to her feet, she worked the kinks out of her shoulders and back. That’s what she got for not moving a muscle in such a long time.
“I haven’t heard from Gertrude or the contractor.” Her shoulders lifted in a shrug. “I can only assume there hasn’t been a problem and the inspection is finished. Let’s go.”
By the time they reached the landing, the heat had risen at least ten degrees. She’d have to check the air conditioner to make sure it was only off and not broken. There’s no way she could work with it this hot.
“Man, I’m sweating like a monkey.” Darlene swiped a hand across her forehead.
“Do monkey’s sweat?” With a little giggle she continued. “I know what you mean though. Let me check the air.” Ari stepped into the room, looked around. “Hello?”
When no one answered, she made her way over to the wall control. It indicated sixty-five. Great, just what they needed, to have a problem right before kick-off. She reached for her cell in her pocket, but as she brought it to her ear she noticed a tiny switch on the side of the thermostat.
It was on off. Relief flooded over her as she flipped it to on. Immediately fans blossomed to life around the room. Warm air swirled away as it gradually cooled.
“Thank God,” Darlene said as she stepped into the room.
“Come on. Here’s the grand tour, and you don’t even have to move.” Ari laughed.
They stood in the center of the work area. She pointed first to the new wall of windows above the worktables. “They knocked most of the outer wall out for windows and…” She pointed to the ceiling. “…and sky lights have been placed above also. This will allow the optimum light for the drafting tables. In the winter…”
Ari walked to the bank of light switches, “…they have installed bright natural lighting.”
The area brightened with artificial light, fixtures were placed along the side of the windows.
“I don’t understand why they have the lights around the windows.” Darlene studied the fixtures not looking at Ari.
“Whether the room is lightened by the sun or by the artificial lights, it won’t create different shadow patterns.”
“What do you mean by shadow pattern?”
Ari walked to one of the tables, “If I’m working on a pattern or some very expensive satin and clouds block the sun, then all of a sudden there’s a shadow. It’s costly to waste expensive cloth because I’ve cut it wrong due to poor lighting. So, the light fixtures are on sensors and the contractor programmed them to regulate the lighting so it stays the same. Not that I understand how it’s done—but isn’t it great?”
“You mean it’s the same whether it’s sun or artificial?”
“Exactly the same. Any time of day, night or season—the lighting won’t change.”
“That’s freakin’ genius. Did you think that up?”
Ari laughed at the thought. “I’d love to take credit. Truth is, the contractor interviewed me and he came up with it. He asked where the best place in the room would be to work. He actually questioned me about how light affects my work. He asked things I wouldn’t have thought to tell him. He’s the freakin’ genius.”
“He was worth every penny Classic Manhattan spent on him. I’m so happy for you.” Darlene smiled and then threw her arms around her, the warmth of her happiness seeped through to Ari’s bones. “For us! We’re going to make a fantastic team.”
Ari slipped her arms around her friend and gave her a squeeze. “We already make an awesome group. Just wait, we’re going to take the town by storm, I know it’s a cliché but we are.”
*****
Excitement swelled over her along with the wind as she raced home on the Love Machine. Everything was coming together in a
way she’d never dreamed possible. What would make it perfect is if Gerard would agree to the virtual program.
He had too.
Once she parked and locked the scooter, she took the stairs as fast as she could. Her shoes flapped an echo up the stairwell. The scent of something remarkable reached her before she reached her front door.
“Conner,” She called as she entered. “What’s for dinner?”
Her pink apron, she recognized the flamingo design, graced his slim hips. He cocked his head to look over at her. “Not telling. It won’t be done for about an hour. Go get all gussied up and then see if you can seduce Gerard over for dinner.”
A belly laugh bubbled up from the pit of her stomach. When she was able to catch her breath again, she walked to him and slung her arm around his shoulders.
“Exactly what year were you born? Gussied? I haven’t heard that word since I watched Gun Smoke reruns with my Dad.” Then she remembered. “Oh, and Darlene used it the day I presented my idea.”
He raised a brow and didn’t answer. Then he shook her arm off and nodded toward her room. Chuckling, she took the hint and left him to his masterpiece.
She refused to get gussied up and seduce Gerard to dinner though. He’d either be interested or he wouldn’t. Which, since he stopped by to talk about it, she assumed he was, yes, he’d come to dinner and listen to her idea.
“Bella, I can’t wait to tell you about the new design room. I wish I could take you there for inspiration but I don’t want to have other’s think you’re for sale. You’re mine.”
The dress shimmered in the late evening sun, Ari smiled. People would think she was nuts if she admitted she thought the dress answered. But Bella was special. And she truly believed, to the depth of her soul, the gown knew what she was saying and answered in the only way Bella knew how by shifting her fabric to catch the light.
“Again, I’m going to need your good luck wishes.” She skipped—she couldn’t believe she was happy enough to actually skip at her age—into the bathroom to freshen up.
When she returned she picked up the conversation with Bella as if there’d been no interruption. “I’m going to ask Gerard to dinner.”
Ari placed her hand on the shoulders of Bella’s bolero. “Do you think he’ll say yes?”
A tremor ran through the mannequin vibrating the silk and lace under her hands. “I think he will too.”
The minute she stepped from her room into the living area, garlic wrapped around her senses. “Oh I love whatever you’re making.”
“Wait until you actually taste it.”
“I’ll be back with Gerard.”
“Dinner will be ready soon. You’ll have enough time to have a nice glass of Riesling with the appetizer.”
Ari stopped at the door, “Oh it’s going to be spicy.”
“You’re learning. There’s hope for you.”
Ari pulled the door open, smiling as she made her way up the stairs to Gerard’s floor. She paused to catch her breath, but mostly to calm her hammering heart.
It was only excitement about the project.
After a few knocks she heard his muffled voice. When the door swung wide, the air in her lungs emptied in one whoosh.
His wet hair curled around his face, giving him a boyish charm. Without a shirt, she didn’t need proof he kept himself fit. His faded jeans hugged his hips, her gaze traveled to the hem where his bare feet peered out.
She swallowed and snapped her head up. Her face warmed when she encountered his amused eyes. Good grief, he’d caught her taking him in like a school girl. How mortifying.
“Can I help you? I’m not for sale before you ask.”
His words covered her like a bucket of cold water. “Get over yourself.”
She pivoted on her heel, they’d live without his programming. Two steps away from him, she thought of Bella and her dreams for Classic Manhattan.
Grow up Ari.
She gulped and spun around again. “I have a plan for your programming skills if you’re interested. Conner has something delicious brewing on the stove.”
She’d pretend she hadn’t been caught staring and his snide remark hadn’t happened. “Please, I think you’ll like it.”
“Dinner or your plan?”
She smiled in relief that he planned to let it drop also. “Both?”
“Let me finish dressing and I’ll be down in a minute.”
“See you in a few, then.”
She raced down the stairs and into the apartment.
“He’s going to be here in a minute. Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes calm down,” Conner said. “Then set the table, please.”
Gerard was as good as his word and walked in only a few minutes later. Ari decided it was best to feed him first. A satisfied belly made a happy man.
“Conner you have outdone yourself again. Thank you both for inviting me. Now it’s time I heard this proposal Ari is so anxious to tell me about.”
Gerard stood and held out Ari’s chair. The three of them retrieved their wine glasses and settled in the living area.
Ari placed her wine on the coffee table, picked up her case, opened it and spread out her proposal. “Classic Manhattan has branched out. We now have a new option, a one stop shopping for the bride and groom.”
“I don’t know much about your salon, you’ll have to walk me through everything.” Gerard tilted his head to the side in a posture of listening.
“Classic Manhattan as you know is a premier wedding salon. When a couple comes in, we plan the event from start to finish. Flowers, cake, photographs, even a travel agent for the honeymoon.”
“What else could you branch into?” Gerard asked.
“Formal wear.”
“Your designs?” His grin filled her. He remembered.
“Yes. Gertrude has contracted with one of the local tuxedo shops for the men’s gear. The bride will have an option of creating a dress to go with her story.”
“Story?”
“Yes all my dresses have a classic story of love. The bride will tell me how she met her groom. Hopefully inspiration will strike and her dress and bridesmaids designs will blend into the event design.”
Gerard snuggled into the cushions, Ari held her breath while she watched him take a sip of wine. The suspense was killing her. Conner waited calmly as if entertained by his favorite sitcom. He had a satisfied smirk as if something was unfolding in front of his eyes.
She wanted to smack him. With an iron-will she refrained and kept her attention on Gerard.
“Where do I fit in?”
“Virtual programming.”
“It’s been done.”
“I’m sure it has. You do gaming, right?” She waited for him to nod. “My idea is for you to design a wedding game. Only it won’t be a game. The bride and groom will come in for a consultation. We’ll be able to input key words into the program and build the virtual event. So the bride can see the atrium, or whatever room she decides to use, as if she were to walk in five minutes before wedding time.”
Had she confused him? Sometimes, in her enthusiasm, she left out important details
His features pinched in thought.
“And you’d be able to design the dress from the virtual mock event?”
“It would help. They’d be able to select invitations to match the design, the flowers, cake—everything from dress to dessert. It would be as if the program took a snap shot of the empty room seconds before the event.”
“Yes I got that part.”
“Could you do it?”
“When do you need it?”
Dear Diary;
Coming together
“Bella, he said yes.” Ari picked me up by the shoulders, dress dummy and all, to dance around the room. “You changed my life.”
Giddy, I enjoyed the sensation as she twirled. All too soon, she placed me back in my spot. She dropped back onto her bed. I’ve come to realize this is one of her favorite positions.
“He said he’d have something for me next week. I’m to make an appointment with Gertrude.” She rolled to her stomach; propped herself up on her elbows and grinned at me. “Everything is falling into place. Thank you.”
I let my satin shiver in the breeze coming through the opened window. How can a shimmer or ripple convey what I wanted to tell her?
I wasn’t sure how to cope with my frustration. Heidi never discussed what would happen if our bride didn’t want to get married. Or didn’t have a groom in mind. With Cecie and Jessie all I had to do was hang in their room and they used me as someone to confide in. They needed to work things out for themselves, come to their own conclusions to find true happiness.
I didn’t know what to do with Ari. She talked to me. She actually knew I responded. And on top of that she knew we were soul mates. Why the scrap didn’t she understand she needed a groom and that guy had come into her life at the same time I did.
Couldn’t she see the connection?
Chapter Twenty-six
Rubbing her sweaty palms down her denim skirt, she glanced at the clock again, two minutes later than the last time. Gerard would be there soon for the meeting. She hadn’t seen him since the night he’d come to dinner. She’d had to leave him a note about the time of the meeting.
Maybe he hadn’t found it under his door. She pushed away from the desk and strode to the opposite side of the office, pivoted, then crossed to the other side. All the while, threading her fingers through her hair, a nervous habit she’d never grown out of.
“Ouch.” She’d forgotten she’d clipped it back.
“I like the look.” Gerard’s voice stopped her pacing.
She swung around to face him. “Hi, I wasn’t sure if you’d be here.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He honestly looked bewildered.
“I never heard from you to confirm.”
“Oops, Conner must have forgotten to tell you.”
“He’s been working in the evenings, I haven’t seen him.” She smiled. “I’ll let him off the hook. Let’s go.”
Three Weddings and a Dress Page 24
