by Evie Monroe
“He’d do great. Are you going to let him?” She took her drink from the waitress and wasted no time sucking half of it down.
“I might. I’ll have to show him some things, and I have to make more scarves before I go. I leave next week.
“Next week? Wow, it didn’t take long for your life to change!” As she tossed back the rest of her drink, I put mine to my lips and considered what she had said.
Things do happen fast sometimes.
Chapter 5
Johnny
It’d been a long weekend, and I knew I must be really late when I found Nate in my office with his feet kicked up on my desk. The man was fashionably late and every other kind in between, and in his final hour, I was sure the Grim Reaper would be sitting around twiddling his thumbs waiting for him. I cleared my throat as I entered my office.
His head spun around, and he went wide-eyed as he dropped his feet to the floor. “Oh, sorry. I’ve never had to wait on you before.” He got to his feet as I entered the room.
“Now you know what the rest of us go through with you.” I’d waited on him for hours in total, and I’m sure it took up a good day or two of my life.
“Liss is here,” he announced proudly, squaring his shoulders.
“What lease? Is it time to renew for my storage? I just did that two months ago!” My temper flared as he waved his hands.
“No, no. It’s not that. Liss, the girl. The one from Lewistown. The new design assistant I told you about. I just picked her up at the airport. She’s down the hall in the bathroom freshening up.” He gestured down the hall.
I let out a long breath. “I’d have rather you been talking about the lease.” I still hadn’t warmed up to the idea of bringing someone in on my own designs. I’d always prided myself on my exclusive line and the fact that it was all me. The everyday collection was for my scouted talent, and if it was brainstorming that was needed, we already had a whole team to give me their opinions. I knew most of them were probably begging to.
Nate gave me a pleading look. “Come on, man. You agreed to this. Let’s see how she does. You might be pleasantly surprised. She’s a looker too, so there’s that.” His eyes turned hopeful.
I was just about to protest when a young blonde dressed in a tight blue dress with splotches of black and white swirling around the waist and down to her hemline walked in the door.
She was smoking hot; her big blue eyes were bright and full of wonder, and her long blond hair hung like a curtain framing her beautiful face. She had to be one of the most gorgeous women I’d ever seen. And as one who’d spent the last several years working with the hottest models in the world, that was saying a lot. Her body was slamming so hard that I wondered why she’d chosen to be on the creative side of the industry. She could easily pull off any design she wanted to wear on a runway.
“Hello,” she said. I recognized her style from the dresses Nate’s sister had bought and shown us.
“Liss, this is Johnny; Johnny, Liss Carroll.” She stepped forward and offered her hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hatter.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Her voice was smooth and sexy, and even though I wanted to rip off her ugly shoes and throw them away, they weren’t the only things I wanted to strip off of her. “I hope you had a good flight. Have a seat, and we’ll talk a bit.”
“Thank you.” She took the seat next to Nate, and I could tell that she was a tad star struck. “Yes, my flight was fine. It was my first time.”
“By the time we’re done with you, you’ll be used to flying. We have a show we’re going to in a couple of weeks. You’ll be there. So, have you ever worked for a designer before?”
“No, you’ll be my first.” I didn’t like the sound of that. There were other things I’d preferred to be her first at, but I had a feeling that she’d taken care of that first years ago. As for the job, I’d hoped for someone with a little more experience at what we do.
I steepled my fingers and did my best to look intimidating. “Nate said you have your degree?” I hoped that part wasn’t a lie.
“Yes, I do. Not on a professional level, but I’ve been sewing since I was ten. My mother died when I was six, and after I found her machine a few years later, I was hooked. I went to design school, and I recently opened my own boutique where I make all of my own inventory.” I had to admire her story and felt for her losing her mother. I knew what it was like to lose both of my parents, but she didn’t quite have the experience that I had hoped she’d have. I couldn’t be upset though, what was done was done.
“Who is taking care of your shop while you’re away? Do you have others employed?” I wanted to get a feel for how she might work with others or be a leader.
“No, it’s just me, and my father is running my shop. He’s been very supportive of my dreams. He’s taken me all over Washington to fashion expos.” She’d been all over her home state, but nowhere else.
“I’m going to put you with my event coordinator. He’ll show you a little bit of the production side of things. I want you to see how the stage works. If you know that then you’ll have a better understanding of what goes on here before we go any further.”
Nate glared at me across the room.
She turned to look at him and then lowered her eyes to her lap where she wrung her hands. “Oh, okay. I was under the impression that I’d be working with you?”
I liked that she seemed disappointed by that and her desire to work with me was flattering. “That’s okay. You will. I’ll be around.” I got up and waited as she joined me and then I led her to the door. “Go down three and turn left and take the next two to the back. You’ll find a tall man in pumps named Weed. Tell him I sent you.”
“Wait, did you say a man in pumps? Heels?”
“Yes, maybe you can get him to trade with you.” She glanced down at her feet and frowned back up at me.
With that she turned and started to leave, but stopped in her tracks. “I was going to ask Nathan when I’d be able to check in at the hotel? We came straight from the airport, and I’m afraid I’ve nowhere to go when the day is over.”
As if things couldn’t get any better. I considered sending her to a hotel, but I knew I’d be a fool to miss out on an opportunity to have her closer. “You will come back to my place. I’ll put you up in a room, and you’ll be quite comfortable.” Her mouth was gaping, and she looked like I’d just invited her to an orgy.
She shook her head. “I’m afraid I told my father I’d stay in a hotel. Perhaps that would be more appropriate. Besides, I don’t want to put you out.”
“I have ten bedrooms in my house, Liss, I don’t think you’ll put me out, and besides, I wasn’t asking. I’d like to keep you close and have you see what kind of personality I am. When we get to brainstorming, I’d like you to at least be familiar. We should get to know each other.” I could think of a hundred different ways I wanted to get to know her.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” She seemed content, and that was all I could ask for. At least she was reasonable and didn’t argue her case, but I had a feeling she wasn’t going to be easily manipulated.
“Please, Liss. Call me Johnny. I know I’m a good bit older, but sir is a bit too formal.” I didn’t want to feel older than her. God knew I didn’t feel any older.
“Sure, sorry.” She turned and headed off, and I wasn’t sure if she remembered where I told her to go.
Once she was out of sight, Nate got up and crossed the room. “Have you lost your mind? Sending her to be with Weed of all people? He’s going to scare her away back to her daddy, just wait and see.”
“She’ll be fine, and if she can put up with Weed’s quirks, she can handle anything. Besides, I can’t babysit her all day. I’ll check in on her, trust me.” I watched as she got to the other end of the hall and took the turn, and then I shut the door.
“You invited her to your mansion. You never let anyone stay there. Why her? She’s half your age. You’re probab
ly her father’s age.” He knew why I’d asked her.
“Thanks for the reminder. And you can relax, by the way. I just wanted to get to know her.” I didn’t have to come clean about my intentions.
He let out a barking laugh. “You want to sleep with her. I know you. She’s here to help you think. Not help you, you know.” I watched as he fumbled with the thought.
“Please, Nate, you’re a grown man. Do you have an affection for her?”
“No, Christ, Johnny, she’s only twenty-four years old. My baby sister is older.” He fanned himself.
“She’s a grown woman. Besides, she wouldn’t be the first or the youngest. I’ve dated women in their twenties before.” It wasn’t a big deal.
“When you were thirty.” He let out a long breath. “Whatever man. She’s here to feed your head.”
“And I’d like to feed hers as well.” I chuckled, and he gave me a withering glare.
“Very funny.”
“You do realize that Mandy was younger, right? And we kicked it just fine.”
“You’re an animal. Remind me to say I told you so when the press has a field day, or you knock her up.”
“Mandy or Liss?” I winked, and he turned and paced the room. “Calm down. I’m going to let her get familiar with things, and then we’ll kick off this brainstorm for the next line. I’ve seen her stuff; she might be okay.”
“Might be?” Nate grumbled. “You know her stuff is amazing. You’re probably jealous you didn’t design it. It’s the colors that drew me in, Johnny. She’s got that magic. You always said that color was key.”
“I’m still trying to figure out why she wore those shoes with that dress.” The navy shoes were not only outdated but looked like something she’d bought at a flea market.
“She had a long flight? She wanted to be comfortable. Who cares. It’s not half as bad as some of the decisions you’ve made in your own closet. And let me be the first to tell you that I hate the tie you’re wearing.” Now Nate was trying to be hurtful to prove a point.
“You bought me this tie.” He’d given it to me a year ago, and it was one of my favorites.
“Oh. Well, it would look better on me. It clashes with your tooth.” He turned and headed for the door. “Don’t ruin this arrangement, Johnny. She’s the best we’ve seen in a long time.” With that, he left.
He had a point. She was the best he’d found in a long time when it came to her own designs. But I wanted someone who could lend to my style, not hinder it, and I had a feeling that she was only going to do that. I needed someone to sit down with fresh ideas, something unique. Looking at her clothes, they all seemed very similar in a way, and I knew that wasn’t going to translate well for me. I needed something fresh, but still, clearly my style, like those dye splattered patterns were hers.
I wondered if she’d found her way down to Weed’s office and hopefully the guy would give her some insight into what she’s getting herself into. We were a motley crew of characters; a bag of mixed nuts, one crazier than the next.
I checked out the calendar and realized that our next big event was only a week away. We had a photoshoot for a magazine and would be showcasing some of our lines. I had Weed getting things together, and he was supposed to come in and discuss the models with me later in the day.
I decided to call, and he answered on the fifth ring when I was about to hang up. “What’s happening, darling?” Weed had always called me some form of endearment, and I often wondered if he’d forgotten my name in his dope haze.
“Don’t forget I want to talk to you about the models for the shoot. I want Lysandra in the outfit that Mandy wore for the shoot since she won’t be participating.” She was a star model who only did certain shows with me.
“No, honey. She’ll never get her big ass into that pantsuit. There’s not enough duct tape in the world to cinch those cheeks together.” Weed let out a long sigh. “You should go, Gretta. She’s got the hips, or should I say she doesn’t. Plus, the color will be much better on her. Lysandra is still coming off a horrible spray tan. Let’s give the airbrush artists an easy day.” Good old Weed had already figured out who should wear what.
“Fine, you know what’s best. Bring me a list though, I can’t stand to be completely out of the loop, and you know it.”
“I know it all too well, love.” The use of that nickname might’ve been a long time wish of his, but it wasn’t of mine.
“Easy on the lover. People will get ideas.”
“Not to worry, smooch, I’ll set them straight. You see what I did there.” He laughed at himself, and I rolled my eyes.
“List, on my desk later. Don’t forget. Also, how’s she doing?”
“Who?”
“What do you mean, who? Liss, the new girl. Sexy blonde, stupid shoes, I sent her down at least fifteen minutes ago.”
“Oh. Then I guess it’s a bad time to head out for a smoke break.” He chuckled with his deep, velvety voice. “Oops.”
“Go look for her; she’s liable to wander out into the street. She’s new to the city.”
“Then she won’t go far. Oh, there she is now. I’ll talk to you soon, love.” He let out another deep chuckle and hung up the phone.
I let out a long breath unsure she was going to be able to hang.
Chapter 6
Liss
My face burned with embarrassment as I pushed through yet another door, still uncertain of where I was going or how to get back to where I’d been. Johnny had given me vague directions, and when he’d said down three, I assumed he meant three hallways. The place was like a maze, and I hoped I’d find someone soon.
I pushed open a heavy door and stopped as the sun hit my face. I had stumbled upon a small patio that opened to a small grassy area where I found a man lounging in a patio chair about to light a twisty cigarette.
“Oh, pardon me. I’m a bit lost. I’m looking for a man named Weed.” I felt like an idiot and hoped that this person, would know him.
“I’m Weed; you must be Liss. Johnny called and asked if you’d found me. This place gets a bit turned around at times, but you’ll get the hang of it.”
I glanced down to his feet and didn’t find pumps. Instead he wore a pair of topsiders with his shorts. As he shifted in his seat, I realized the shorts weren’t shorts at all, but a short skirt and the shirt he wore was more like a woman’s blouse. There was a beautiful scarf tied around his neck, and it matched his hot pink hair. Somehow the man made it all work.
I stumbled to find my words, still shaken by being lost. “I didn’t realize that door came outside.”
“The huge, glowing word above the door didn’t give it away?” He chuckled, and then suddenly his eyes widened, and he extended a hand and curled his finger for me to come closer. “That scarf is amazing, little one. May I see it.” I slipped the thing from around my neck, and he draped it around his. “Where did you get this? It’s me, don’t you think?”
Even though I didn’t know him, I somehow knew what he meant. The scarf he had on was nice, but mine was ten times nicer on him. The tiny pink and blue specks of dye popped against his hair and made his eyes brighten.
“It’s lovely on you. I made that myself, actually, so it’s one of a kind. You may have it if you like.”
“I like you already, kid. What does Johnny have you doing?” He lit the twisted cigarette and pulled in a long drag, which he held.
“He said I’d hang with you today; I hope It's not a problem.”
He blew the smoke, and I smelled something I hadn’t since college. I wondered if Johnny knew about his habit, but then it occurred to me. Of course, he did. The man’s name was Weed. “Not at all. I’ll show you around, little one.” The way he kept calling me kid and little one, I was beginning to feel like a little girl. One lost in a big crazy world.
“Thanks. I’m a little out of sorts, I’m afraid. I hope to do well here. Nathan brought me into help Johnny with fresh ideas. I really want to be able to offer something.�
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“Are you new to the city?” He rolled the joint between his two manicured fingers, the long nail of his forefinger was silver with a bold, sparkly star.
“Yes, I’m from a small town up in Washington. Lewistown. Nathan’s sister found me, liked what she saw, and told her brother to check me out. So, here I am.”
“Did Nate find you a place to stay?” He tapped the joint out on the side of the chair’s leg.
“Johnny said I could stay with him, but honestly, I’m not so sure about that.” I looked down to my shoes and felt a little silly for insinuating anything and hoped he hadn’t taken it that way.
“Smart girl. You’re gorgeous, biscuit. Of course, he wants you to stay with him. But it’s not only sexual; it’s about control for him. He can keep an eye on you there.” He smiled and then licked his lips as he pulled out a mirror and a tube of gloss.
“What do you mean, keep an eye on me? I’m not going to do anything.” Did he think I would be out to sabotage him or try and be lazy?
He swiped on the gloss and then rubbed his lips together, returning the stick to his pocket. “Look, I like you. I’ll let you in on a little secret about our hot boss. He’s a jealous man who is full of pride. Here you come to his rescue, and he’s not used to being saved. Tread lightly with the suggestions. Make him think they’re his ideas.”
“So, you’re saying he’s an insecure eccentric that needs me to stroke his ego?” I let out a deep breath and folded my arms across my chest, hoping it would help me keep it together.
“That pretty much sums it up.” He chuckled, and his laugh sent chills down my spine. His hypnotic voice was like a soft caress of velvet, and all I could think about was how he’d said the word sexual like it was butter melting on his tongue. “Are you okay?” He leaned forward in his chair and then tucked the joint behind his ear.
“Why did you use the word sexual? Do you think that Johnny could possibly be interested in me?” I narrowed my eyes and looked back down at my feet.
