Alice And The Hatter_A Dirty Fairytale Romance

by Evie Monroe

  “Sabrina, this is Johnny. Johnny, this is Sabrina, my best friend.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” Johnny put out his hand, and she giggled as she stepped forward and took it.

  “I saw your car out front and thought I’d stop by. I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.” The tone of her voice told me that was a lie. She was glad to be standing there in front of Johnny Hatter.

  “We’re trying to decide what to do with this place, actually. With me moving back to Los Angeles, I could get rid of it, but Johnny seems to think I should keep it.”

  “So, you’re moving for good? What if you want to come back? I could keep the dress shop open.”

  “Are you in the market for a job?” Johnny stepped forward and leaned against the counter.

  Sabrina shrugged. “I could be for the right pay.” We all exchanged a chuckle.

  “Have you ever managed retail?” Johnny asked, being more specific.

  “I think he’s trying to hire you.” I shook my head as he held his hands up and stepped back.

  “No, this baby is all yours. But if you can find someone to manage it, I can have it stocked in two weeks. You could do away with the formal orders and sell off the rack only.”

  “My businessman.” I stepped closer and took his hand, giving it a kiss.

  Sabrina’s cheeks reddened a bit, and I realized she’d never seen me actually in a serious relationship before. She turned a small circle and nodded. “I think I could handle this place. Say, do you have any single friends?”

  Johnny and I looked at one another. “Nate,” we said in unison, before bursting out laughing.

  Johnny gave her a wink. “Stick with me, and you’ll meet all sorts of colorful characters.”

  The rest of our afternoon was filled with laughter as we made plans to keep the shop open, and then headed back to the motel for the night.

  As we lay there in bed, both lazy and barely hanging on to consciousness, my phone beeped. It was my father, and he simply said two words. Good night. I sent the same in response and shook my head.

  “I don’t know why he has to be so hard. We’re all the other has. But I’m serious, if he’s going to scold me like a child, I’ll leave without saying goodbye.”

  “Then you’ll be acting like a spoiled child,” he mumbled against his pillow. I hated that he was right. But I didn’t want to get into another argument.

  He turned his head toward me. “You go see him in the morning. Make it right between you. Or at least come to an agreement. I don’t have to be a part of his life if he can’t stand to look at me, but you, you’re his baby girl. Make it right. I’ll be okay.”

  I leaned in over him and kissed him square on the mouth. “You’re the best. Thanks for caring so much. I’ll go and then we’ll leave right after.”

  “That sounds like a plan, and you’re welcome.” He gave me a wink.

  I listened to his breathing until I fell asleep, and when I woke up, he was outside on the phone barking at Nate.

  I hurried to get ready, and once I was out of the shower, he’d gone down to the corner store and got tea for himself, coffee for me and cinnamon buns. “It’s not the most glamorous breakfast, but I used to love these as a kid.”

  “Me too. I’ll take mine on the go. I want to hurry up and get back, so we can leave. I miss being in L.A., and now that I know the shop is in good hands, I feel so much better. Now to fix this with Daddy.”

  “It might not be fixed, but mend it. Even if you make that much progress, it’s worth it.” I kissed his cheek and took my snack on the run.

  My father was in the kitchen stuffing the last forkful of eggs into his mouth. “Hey, Daddy.”

  He didn’t look up but gave the nod, and once he’d swallowed his food, he turned around to greet me. “Want some eggs?”

  “No, thanks, I just ate a cinnamon bun in the car on the way over. I haven’t had one of those in ages.” I took the chair next to him and joined him at the table.

  He let loose a sigh. “You used to beg me for one every time I took you out to the golf course when you were a little girl.”

  “I know I’ll always be your little girl, Daddy. And that’s why I wanted to come and make things right.” I folded my hands on the table, and he reached out and placed his hand over them.

  “Well, I’ve had a lot of time to think about all that happened yesterday, and I can’t say I’m any closer to accepting how old that man is, but as long as you’re happy, and I think you are, I won’t give you hell about it. But I want you to be careful, Liss. A man like him, one who has everything in the damned world right at his fingertips, is bound to get bored. Make sure you don’t end up tethered to him for life by getting pregnant. If you do want to marry him, then I suggest making it a very long engagement.”

  “Daddy, we’re just now dating, and it’s all so new. No one is talking about those things but you.”

  “You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders, and that’s why I want to apologize. Not for how I feel, but the things I said about you being manipulated. It’s always been a fear of mine, but I shouldn’t have projected that fear onto you in this situation. You’ve made yourself a great career, and I guess it’s just a little hard to let go of looking after you. But, you’re right, Liss. You’ll always be my little girl, but to the world, you’re not. I’ve got to realize that and maybe after some time; I’ll get used to the idea.”

  I was happy I’d listened to Johnny and came back. It’d be easier going back to L.A. knowing that even though Daddy couldn’t support the relationship, he supported my happiness. “We’re going to head back today. I’ve got some work to do with Weed for the upcoming show, and he’s not going to want me to stay away too long.”

  “Weed?” Daddy curled his lip and held up a hand. “I don’t want to know why he’s called that.”

  “His last name is Weedman.” There were some things Daddy didn’t need to know about my new life and for once, I was good with that.

  “Where is that new beau of yours?”

  “He’s back at the room. He’s the one who encouraged me to come and make it right before we leave. I was a bit nervous. You and I haven’t exactly had many cross words in my lifetime. I can only think of that one time when I was playing in the car and let it roll down the driveway. I think it was the first time you yelled at me.”

  “And rightly so. You scared the hell out of me.”

  The two of us sat at the table thinking about other times when I’d done something crazy, and he’d lost his cool or been scared as a parent, and I learned that no matter how old I got or what kind of stunts I pulled, there was one man in the world who would always love me.

  We finished up our visit, and I went upstairs and packed a few more things into the car, mostly clothes and makeup, and when I was done, he helped carry them to the car.

  “Oh, I’ve hired Sabrina to run the shop. We’re going to reopen in two weeks with new stock and new hours. So, you won’t have to mess with that.”

  “Sabrina, huh? I guess all of that retail experience is finally paying off for her. Sounds like a good plan.” He patted me on the back and once I was loaded I headed off to get Johnny.

  I pulled up at the motel, and when I walked in, he was still on the phone, and this time he was in a sour mood. “I’ve got to go; we’ll finish this later!” He threw his phone on the bed beside him, and I didn’t bother asking who it had been. But his mood was sour all the way to the airport, and it wasn’t until we were boarded and in our seats, did he ask me how things had gone with my father.

  I didn’t complain, though. I knew that he was a busy man and I’d have to get to use to his mood swings. As long as they weren’t ever directed at me, I’d be fine.

  Chapter 21

  Johnny

  Victoria had put me in a terrible mood, and I couldn’t even talk to Liss about it. I knew I had to do something about her soon so that Liss and I could move on in peace. She had her line now and was dead set on putting me ou
t of business, to the point that she’d taken some of my warehouse crew.

  After the failure of the trip and my hopes to win over the friendship of Liss’s father, I didn’t want to further dampen her moods by going into a deep explanation, but I realized that in all of my anger, I hadn’t asked her about her father.

  “How did things go, sweetheart? Did you and your father have a good talk?” I rested my arm behind her and rubbed her back.

  “Yes, he’s not happy about you, but we are good. I promised I wouldn't make any big life-changing decisions like marriage and children.” She rolled her eyes. “I told him he was the only one worried about those things right now.”

  That was a good thing; I was definitely not ready for marriage.

  “When we get back to town, Weed wants us to stop in the shop on our way home. He’s got a problem with some of the scarves on the production end. They aren’t turning out how you taught him.”

  “Oh no. I may need to oversee that project. It’s quite a process, and we may need to scrap it for the next line.”

  “Agreed. I love it, but it’s definitely lending to the season. We’ll work through it, and I’ll put you over there a few days in the factory so you can show them how to do it. I’ll have you doing a little bit of everything if we’re not careful.” She was so multi-talented and never ceased to amaze me. I felt like she was one of the strongest members of my team already and considering she was the new girl, that was very impressive. I had some of my employees who’d been with me for a decade who hadn’t been as helpful. I leaned in and kissed her cheek, then rested my head on her shoulder.

  “I don’t mind. I like learning, and it’s nice knowing I can use my talents to contribute. It’s a good feeling. I’ve always been on my own, and now I feel like I belong.”

  “You do. With me.” I closed my eyes and let out a long breath. “I’m sorry my surprise backfired.”

  “Next time, take me to Paris.”

  I dozed off at some point after and only woke again when it was time to land.

  Per Weed’s request, we loaded in the car and headed immediately to Mad Mode headquarters. Weed was standing over an entire box of scarves that had been labeled damaged.

  “Wow, that entire box?” Liss walked over and took one of the long scarves out, and the colors were muddled, the details blurred.

  “Yes, and I can’t use them like this, much less, how are you supposed to sell them?” He glanced around her to me.

  “I think they’re not using the right mixture. I’ll work on getting a better ratio for them. I didn’t measure anything when I made them. But I’ve made so many.”

  “Right, so I need you.” Weed leaned over and hugged Liss.

  “Take it easy getting mushy with my girl.” I gave Weed the side-eye, and he laughed.

  “Oh, you’re so lucky I’m gay. I’d take her in a heartbeat.” He waved his hand down his body like he was Vanna White showing off a new fridge.

  “You’d try,” I said. I pulled her close and gave her a kiss on the cheek, and she giggled.

  “You two are something else.”

  “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, biscuit.” Weed smiled between us. “You two are something for sure. I think you’re going to be the next fashion power couple yet.”

  Liss blushed at his teasing, and I knew it was time to step away from Weed’s flattery before I was too. “I’m going down to my office.” I started to walk away, but Liss caught up with me.

  “I’m going to come with. He’s not ready to work on that just yet, and we’ll need to see the dye they’re using.” We rounded the corner and continued down the hallway taking another turn until we were on the homestretch.

  I noticed my light was on under my door. I turned the knob and pushed it open expecting to find Nate sitting behind my desk.

  Instead, it was Victoria. “Hello, sweet husband of mine. I wondered when you were going to land. Thought I’d wait you out.”

  I’d made the mistake of telling her I was on my way home, and I turned to see Liss’s mouth hanging open in shock.

  “What’s the matter, dear? He didn’t tell you that we’re married?” Victoria clicked her tongue at Liss as rage consumed me.

  Liss didn’t look at me. As a matter of fact, she didn’t seem to be seeing anything but the tears welling in her eyes.

  “Get out, Victoria.” I could barely speak the words my rage and shame were battling it out for my brainpower.

  I knew Liss must be hurting inside and yet there was nothing I could do. I’d tried to protect her from this but to no avail.

  “Now, that’s no way to talk to your wife, is it dear?” She leaned closer to my desk which she sat behind with Chester perched in a corner chair by my drawing table.

  “We’ve been split up for years; she’s just trying to start something.”

  “Are you married? Like legally married?” Liss’s voice was steeped with hate, and I held onto her hand tight knowing she would leave if I let go.

  “Yes, Liss. But let me explain.”

  “You lied to me! You said you weren’t in any relationships, and I’d say marriage is a very big fucking relationship!” She pulled her hand frantically trying to get away.

  “Let her go, Johnny. She’s a child. You should’ve known better to mess with me and using this poor girl, like you’ve done so many others, well, it’s appalling, to say the least.”

  I hated her doublespeak, and I should’ve known when I finally found someone I’d give special attention to, that she’d do her best to fuck it up. “Don’t listen to her Liss, let me explain.”

  “Explain? What’s there to explain. You lied to me, and furthermore, you told me you were falling in love with me and that we’d have a future together. I trusted you! I fought for you!” She pushed past me and headed out the door and I turned to Victoria who was now standing behind my desk and brushing off her hands and skirt.

  “Well, my work here is done.” She turned to Chester and laughed, and before I knew it, I was lunging on her.

  Chester grabbed me and held me off, and I had to admit for a little piss ant, he was strong.

  Victoria laughed louder, sounding like evil incarnate. “I want what’s coming to me. My divorce and my half of your fortune! It’s only fair Johnny. If you’d have signed those papers like I’d asked you the first time, you would’ve had less to lose. Instead, you’ve let things build to a nice fortune. But don’t worry, dear. You’re doing well enough still. You won’t be poor or go begging. I mean, after all with your new talent, I mean, girlfriend, showing up to do all the work, you’ll fare okay. But not against me. I meant what I said about my company putting you out of business. That’s going to be my final kick in the balls to you, Johnny.”

  She pushed past me, and I grabbed her arm. “If you’ve ruined this for me, I’ll never sign those fucking papers. I’ll let you in on a little secret, too. I was coming home to sign them. And not because I wanted to give you what you think you deserved, but because I wanted this perverted agreement you call a marriage resolved so that I could be with Alice.”

  “Don’t act like you were so innocent. You cheated on me too.”

  “Never. Not once, not until I caught you with your boy toy. And after that, all bets were off. I’ve hated you all this time, and instead of giving up and moving on, like I’ve wanted to, you just had to get that one last turn of the knife you stuck in my back years ago.”

  Her eyes turned down to the floor. “Not once?” She laughed. “And I’m supposed to believe that?”

  “It’s the truth, Vic. I loved you in the beginning. But you tainted it so badly with your wild accusations and desire to see me pay, that you didn’t realize you were dismantling the marriage all on your own.”

  Tears filled her eyes as her lips peeled back, and she screamed and lunged for me, but I stepped out of the way, just in time to see her stumble and fall. Just like an evil queen falling from her throne.

  As Chester scrambled to help her
, I turned and walked out to go find Liss. I figured she’d gone to see Weed and tell him what happened and as I entered his warehouse, I saw Liss in the corner crying with Weed huddled close to console her.

  I started across the room and was interrupted by a familiar voice. “Johnny!” I turned to see Mandy hurrying across the room from the side door, and she didn’t stop until she threw herself at me for a hug. Her arms came around me, and she kissed me on the cheek.

  “Hello, lover. Long time, no see!” I gathered her arms and pushed her back, glancing at Liss who was across the room, her mouth hanging open and her face red with tears.

  “Stop, you can’t just come in here and throw yourself all over me. I’m in a relationship now.” I hoped. I looked over my shoulder, and Liss was trying to go, but Weed had her by the arms, making her stay put.

  She belted a laugh. “Whatever, man. I just wanted to say hi and thank you for the job.” She suddenly seemed to realize that I was in a desperate mood, and she stepped back. “Hey, I’m sorry. Is everything okay?”

  “No!” I turned and hurried across the room and Weed positioned himself between us.

  “I don’t want to see him. I want to go home.” Liss glared at Weed who turned and gave me a deadly glare.

  “You want to tell me why you didn’t explain to her that you’re married?”

  “It wasn’t a secret; I just didn’t think it would matter because I don’t have any feelings for Victoria.”

  “My dad was right about you. I should’ve listened to him. You’re just a filthy old liar, and you did manipulate me! You never cared!” She was beating her fist against Weed to try and push through him.

  Weed held her off and gave me a pleading look. “Would you just go, man. Get out of here with your weak ass excuses.” I could hear his disappointment in his voice and knew that if I’d pissed him off, I’d really messed up.

  “No, I won’t. Liss talk to me. Please. I was going to tell you. I talked to her earlier and told her I’d file new divorce papers. She wants to take me to the cleaners.” Weed tried to hold her back, but she got away and went past Mandy who was still nearby watching everything that was happening. To her credit, she stepped out of Liss’s way when she passed.