by Collins, Lea
“I felt like I was on exhibit and I know I won’t remember many of the names of the people I met with a few exceptions.”
He reached over and took her hand. “You handled yourself great. It was amusing to see the reaction people had to you, particularly the men.”
Lily was quiet for a long period and Andre realized she had fallen asleep. They pulled up in front of their apartment building. Andre woke her and helped her out of the car and walked her to her apartment.
Once in bed, Lily was unable to go to sleep. She replayed the evening in her mind and it had a feeling of unreality about it. Would she ever get used to this lifestyle? Of mingling with wealthy people and possibly becoming wealthy herself? This had been her dream and now she found that she was having trouble adjusting to it. She was so thankful that Andre was so nice and likeable. She felt comfortable around him. Unfortunately, she also was very attracted to him.
Chapter 3
Lily was curled up on her couch busily drawing. The ring of the doorbell startled her and she opened the door to find Molly. “Hi, Lily. It’s me, Molly. Are you busy?”
“Not too busy to talk with you, Molly. Come on in. I’m so pleased to have a female friend in the building.” replied Lily.
Molly looked relieved and she agreed that she, too, was pleased to have a female friend. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be interrupting you or not. She noticed Lily’s sketch book. “Oh, are you designing a dress? Can I see?”
Lily turned her sketch book where Molly could see what she was doing. “This one will be white, I think, trimmed in red. I haven’t decided whether or not I’m going to have a wide belt with red beadwork but I do plan to have a flared skirt with red beads. I haven’t decided yet whether to use a design or flower. It’s in the early stages.”
“It’s so interesting to see the beginning of a creation. By the way, I’ll bet you caused a big sensation last night. You looked absolutely stunning and Andre appearing with a date would have turned heads. What did you think of it all?”
“To tell you the truth, Molly, I didn’t enjoy being the center of attention, but Andre wanted to make a point which he did. Jacqueline wants us to go out often to show off my dresses so I might as well get used to being the center of attention. Actually I just smiled and Andre handled everything. Jacqueline was there and seemed pleased with the attention the dress got. Of course, she wants more and this really adds pressure. A nice man named Jason Montgomery asked for my telephone number but Andre told him I was taken. I would like to meet some men and go out occasionally but with pretending Andre and I are an item, I don’t see how it’s going to be possible. I wish we could just go out and have fun and I could meet some nice men. I don’t understand why we have to be an item.”
“My advice is to go along with the flow for the present and enjoy the parties and attention. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I brought a box of jewelry for you to wear. It’s all fake and I doubt I’ll need it any time soon.” Molly picked up a box full of jewelry and they both enjoyed admiring the collection.
“Why don’t you go out?” asked Lily.
“Since I’ve been a widow, I just don’t care to,” Molly replied.
“How long have you been a widow?” “Nine years,” Molly replied. “It’s not good for you to stay in the apartment all the time, Molly. You need to get out. Why don’t you come to one of the parties with Andre and me? It would be fun.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it, “replied Molly. “I have never seen Andre so happy and I have known him for a number of years. A lot of women would like to interest him but it would have to be a special kind of woman. He is a very eligible and wealthy. He is so nice and has been very kind to me. I think he is really enjoying this little charade you two are involved in. Lots of disappointed females, I would guess.”
“Molly,” said Lily. “Would you believe Jacqueline sold that first dress I brought in that very day? She was surprised, too, I think. I need to take more in. Would you like to go with me?
Lily thought Molly would refuse but after a few minutes of thought, she agreed to go. “Since I’m supposed to be a famous designer,” laughed Lily, “I need to dress up a little. Sundress and heels should do it. Let’s leave in thirty minutes, okay?” Molly agreed and they met at the apartment door. Louis had a car for them in a few minutes.
Once in the luxurious car, Lily smiled at Molly. “It’s so nice to have a female friend. Do you know, I never had girl friends when I was growing up? I kept to myself, plus there were family problems. I was always sewing which is a solitary activity. With Jacqueline constantly asking for more dresses, I need to hire a seamstress. Sewing was always a hobby but now it’s a business which adds stress.”
They pulled into the parking lot at the mall and divided the dresses so that each was carrying four. When they walked into Jacqueline’s, she was ecstatic with the addition of eight of Lily’s dresses to her inventory. She immediately unwrapped several and complimented Lily on her beautiful dresses. “Some of these were already finished and some I just finished so they are all one size. However, after some thought, I am planning to make the next group with increased sizes. I think that will increase our customer base.”
Jacqueline agreed with this idea. “We’ll have to see how they sell.”
Several women in the store realized that a new shipment of Lily Collection dresses had just come in and were asking to see them. They were excited to be introduced to Lily, the designer.
“Could we speak privately?” Lily requested. Jacqueline suggested they go into her private office. “Molly, please come along with us. You can give me your ideas.”
Jacqueline looked puzzled. “What’s the problem, Lily?”
“I need some advice and both of you have known Andre a long time. When Jacqueline first asked him about escorting me to parties, we had a frank discussion when he told me he would do so if we had an agreement that there would be nothing sexual between us. We would be strictly friends. This was okay with me but then he wanted us to pretend to be an item when we’re out. He said it was for his convenience so he wouldn’t have to deal with men wanting to dance with me.”
“I think I know what’s coming,” Jacqueline interrupted. “That was a stupid stipulation for Andre to make unless he’s interested in you himself.”
“No. He made it very plain that he didn’t want any kind of relationship but I would like to date men and maybe someday have a relationship that is not pretend. I met a nice man who wanted my telephone number and Andre just told him no and got mad because I spoke to him on the balcony. What am I to do?”
“That would be Leland Montgomery?” guessed Jacqueline.
“Yes. I would love to go out with him and I may meet other nice men. I certainly don’t want to spend an evening fighting off someone who just wants sex and I don’t know how to tell the difference.”
“My advice is to go along with the flow with Andre. Your agreement with him is for occasions when he escorts you. If you meet someone who asks you out, then Andre is not involved. Just don’t embarrass him by going somewhere he might be since he’s told everyone you’re an item.” Jacqueline thought for a few minutes. “Andre is complex so go slowly.”
Molly added, “I think Andre has been badly hurt in his past and doesn’t want to be hurt again. Being a widow, I can understand his feelings because I feel the same way. It will take a special woman to interest him. Who knows, Lily, you might be the one. I’ve never seen him so happy as in the last few weeks.
. My sewing has always been a hobby but now it’s a business so my work habits will definitely have to change. I need to get my sewing room set up. Would you consider helping me with that?”
“You bet,” agreed an enthusiastic Molly.
They worked for several hours getting everything organized to Lily’s exacting requirements. Then Lily explained, “I need to do some beading now, Molly. I have already drawn out the design with chalk marker so I just need to sew on the beads. You may watch if you wish. I have
sewn on so many beads over the years that it has become automatic and I should finish today.”
Molly sat quietly watching for a while and then sighed. “I would never have the patience to do that. Cutting is more my line. I should go. I’ve had so much fun this afternoon, Lily.”
Lily worked for several more hours and completed the beading on a red dress using a combination of red and white beads in a floral design. Lily tried on the dress and was pleased with her work when the door bell rang.
She opened the door to find a surprised expression on Andre’s face as he took in her attire. He asked, “Are we going somewhere?”
“No,” replied Lily with a laugh. “I was trying on this dress that I’ve just finished. She turned around for him to get a good look at the dress and he said, “I think it needs to be lower in the front and show more cleavage. Other than that, it’s beautiful. You sure do come up with some sexy dresses.”
“Thank you, I think. Let me take this off and I’ll be right back.”
She returned to find him comfortably settled on her couch drinking a glass of wine with a glass waiting for her on the coffee table. He held his glass up and said, “A toast to our successful partnership and torrid love affair that everyone thinks we’re having. We are creating a buzz. Everybody today has asked about you. They either saw us or know someone who saw us. I have a suggestion. Let’s go out on weekends and once during the week if something special comes along. You now have a business and will need time to work on it. Plus parties get boring after a while.”
Lily nodded her head in agreement, saying, “I am so relieved to hear that. I have a lot of work to do. I am not bored yet with going out, mainly because I enjoy getting all dressed up and because I’m with you. We have fun together. It’s nice not to have to worry about you making a pass or wanting sex and stuff like that.”
“Molly certainly enjoyed helping you today. I have never seen her look so happy and excited. She almost never goes out and because she is alone, I worry about her. She has lived here for several years and we have become friends. I stop by to check on her most days when I come home from work,” said Andre.
Lily responded, “She did okay with cutting today and wants to keep helping me but I have to give it some thought. There are things that only I can do but an assistant would be nice. We will just have to see how it goes.”
**********
The following two weeks followed this pattern and time for the fashion show arrived. Lily had never even been to one, much less modeled in one that featured her. She made dresses because she enjoyed it but never in a million years expected to wear one herself and model it before a crowd. She was very nervous that evening as she dressed. When she asked Andre what color she should wear, he suggested red and that she wear Molly’s ruby and diamond jewelry.
So she answered the door when he knocked wearing a red dress that caused him to raise his eyebrows. “What do you think?” she asked and turned so he could see the back. “I’m speechless,” he responded. “That is one sexy dress. You’ll have all the men in the place hot and bothered.”
Lily looked worried and asked if he thought it was too sexy for this event. “My dresses are known as sexy and attention grabbers. This one has a V neckline that is lower than usual and no back down to the waist but I’ve seen sexier dresses at the Oscar shows. They just show more cleavage.”
“Don’t worry, Lily. Yes, you look sexy but that is a characteristic of your dresses. It surprised me in the beginning because you’re such a sweetheart, so quiet and naïve. But, believe me, you sure can design sexy dresses. Let’s get going on your hair and makeup. He created an elaborate upsweep of her long hair with a long curl over each shoulder. Molly’s ruby and diamond necklace fit perfectly in the low front V with long earrings that almost touched her shoulder. He found a ruby and diamond broach in the jewelry box and put it in the middle of her hair in the front. He slipped a diamond bracelet on her arm and declared that she would steal the show.
They arrived early as Jacqueline had requested to find bedlam backstage. Finally all the models were dressed and Lily noticed several of her dresses on models. She told Lily she would have to be last because she was going to save the best for last. Jacqueline gave a short talk about the purpose of the show being to spotlight a new designer whose creations were part of the show and the Lily Collection designer would appear last.
Lily’s turn came and she heard many gasps and whispers as she walked down the runway and back. She heard a woman’s loud voice from the audience saying “I don’t believe this…it’s Lily.” Lily recognized that voice.
Lily stood in the spotlight as Jacqueline introduced her and asked her to comment on the dresses she designed. Lily was not expecting this but speaking about her dresses was an easy topic. She told of her interest in sewing from an early age and how she loved creating beautiful beading which she had been doing since the age of ten. “The characteristic of my dresses,” she said, “is originality, beauty and unique beadwork and, of course, they’re sexy.” Laughter followed this statement as well as whistles from some of the men. “If you don’t want to be noticed and be sexy, don’t purchase a Lily. If, on the other hand, you want to turn heads, visit Jacqueline’s and take a look at the Lily Collection.” Laughter followed this comment. Lily continued, “I make all dresses one size but if you want a special order, I will do that, too. Thank you for attending. I hope you enjoyed the show.”
Back stage, Jacqueline said, “Lily that was great, just perfect. You surpassed my expectations.”
Andre arrived at Lily’s side and took her hand and squeezed it. As they entered the crowd, a woman and man rudely pushed aside people until they had reached Lily and Andre. “I can’t believe it. It is you, Lily. You’re a blond and have a dress line…how in hell did all this happen?” screamed her sister, Jenny. Jack, her ex-fiancé looked embarrassed at Jenny’s loud voice and just stared at Lily in shock.
Lily said to Andre, “This is my sister, Jenny, and Jack.” Andre put his arm around Lily as she said, “And this is Andre.” Jenny took in Lily’s handsome boyfriend, Lily’s knockout looks and sexy dress and seemed speechless. “Does Mom know you are in Miami?” she asked. Lily responded, “Of course. I don’t think she knew you and Jack would be here, though.”
“You look terrible and that dress you so-called designed is tacky as hell. You look like a slut…” Jacqueline quickly appeared to see what the commotion was about and signaled to the security guards to remove Jenny from the premises. She was still screaming insults as she was taken out with an embarrassed Jack following. Many people were crowding around Lily trying to talk to her. She turned and began conversing with people in the waiting crowd. Many had questions about the beading which she patiently explained.
Andre got Lily a glass of champagne and she sipped as she received compliments on her Lily Collection. Finally they could leave and sank down into the soft leather seats of their car with relief. “You did great, Lily. You looked wonderful and managed to give an unplanned talk that was both moving and appropriate. You didn’t seem to let Jenny get to you but I know you’re upset about the scene she created,” said Andre.
“Why does she hate me so much? She has always gotten the flattery, attention and boyfriends. I think it was just too much for her that I, for once, was getting flattering attention. She enjoyed and expected it. I, on the other hand don’t like all the attention. She grinned at him, “except from you, of course.”
There was silence for a while, and then Lily said in a soft voice, “Andre, I am scared. I think she has had a breakdown of some sort. Even for Jenny, that was not normal behavior. I think she would have attacked me if she could have.”
Andre replied, “Try not to worry about her, Lily. For one thing, now you have me to look after you. Perhaps Jack will have some control over her, although he didn’t help much at the fashion show.” He chuckled, “I think he was speechless by the way you looked. Just don’t go anywhere unless you are with me. I will leave
special instructions with Luis and if needed, I will hire a bodyguard for you.”
In a few minutes, Lily said, “Andre, I think I had two glasses of that wonderful wine. It was much better than the white wine you usually bring me.”
Andre laughed and replied, “That’s because it was champagne, not white wine. I didn’t think you had two glasses, though.”
“Yep. I wanted another but I was just too tired.”
“It’s a good thing you didn’t or you would have been dancing on the tables.” Andre looked at her with amusement and thought that he would have to watch how much champagne she had in the future. She would be tipsy and he realized that she was a bit tipsy now.
“You’re so sweet to me, Andre,” she said and snuggled up and pulled his head down and kissed him on the lips. She ran her tongue along his lips and he felt himself responding. He put a hand on each side of her face and reluctantly pulled her back. “You’re tipsy, Lily. It would be better if you went to sleep.” With an “Okay”, she promptly did as he suggested. He had responded to that kiss and it was absolutely not something he wanted to do. He was becoming attracted to her, not only because she was sexy as hell but her sweetness and upbeat personality was appealing. He determined that he would have to put more distance between them. He didn’t quite know how to handle this situation.
The next day Lily took five dresses in to Jacqueline’s shop. She was delighted and told Lily, “I am selling your dresses almost as fast as they are put on display. I have a check for you in my office.” Lily’s eyes widened when she saw the amount on the check.
Jacqueline commented, “You will be a wealthy woman if you keep this up. I expect to sell out of your dresses now that the fashion show has introduced them to so many people. Have you seen the Society Section in the morning newspaper?”
Jacqueline gave Lily a newspaper and she saw to her shock that her picture was on the front page along with a number of photos of the fashion show and a flattering article about her design and beading ability. Lily sank into a chair in shock. She was speechless. “I didn’t expect this. All of a sudden I’m famous and going to be rich. It’s almost too much for me to take in.”
