by Francis Ray
“Because you hit a wall.” He crouched down in front of her and took her hands. “Catherine has a saying she learned from Luke, but I’ve heard Summer say the same thing. When life kicks you in the teeth, kick back.”
“They’ve always had their family and money,” she said, then straightened. “I didn’t mean they haven’t worked hard.”
“Do you really think that that was all it took, money and family support?”
He could tell she wanted to, and it made him a little sad. “I’ve had friends who had the same opportunities as I had and didn’t do anything with them, while other friends who came from nothing made a success of their lives. Not just financially, but in who they are as people.”
“I know Catherine and Summer had to work hard,” Dianne said.
“Don’t you think they ever heard the word no?” he asked.
Dianne waited a bit. “It probably pissed them off and made them more determined.”
“Exactly. Sometimes you have to fight for what you want. If people stand in your way, go around, over, or through them.”
“You’re not going to let me give up, are you?” she asked.
“You aren’t going to let yourself give up,” he said, placing his mouth inches from hers. “You’re just getting your second wind.”
She brushed her mouth against his. “I’ll say it again, I have good taste.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” His mouth took hers.
* * *
The next morning when Macy’s opened, Dianne was one of the first customers to enter the store. She headed straight for the executive offices.
She was taking a cue from Alex and from Estée Lauder, who, when she couldn’t get Neiman Marcus to carry her scent, purposely dropped a vial of Youth Dew at the store’s entrance. Soon the store was inundated with women wanting to buy the fragrance. Dianne was hoping that once Elaine, the head of women’s wear, saw the dress, she’d have the store buyer contact her.
Dianne walked up to the receptionist and produced Elaine’s card. “Good morning, I’d like to see Ms. Sims please.”
The eagle-eyed woman glanced at the card, then at her. Dianne could almost hear the wheels clicking as she tilted her head to one side to study Dianne closer. “Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but I’m willing to wait.” Dianne smiled. “I modeled for her and she asked me to contact her again if I was interested.”
The middle-aged woman’s eyes widened in recognition and awe. “You’re Dianne Harrington.”
“Yes.” Dianne extended her hand.
The woman pressed her hand to her chest before taking Dianne’s hand. “I love your clothes. I…” She stumbled to a halt as if just remembering Dianne no longer was connected to Harrington House.
“Thank you. Do you think Ms. Sims might have a minute?” Dianne asked.
The woman eyed the garment bag and picked up the phone. “Ms. Sims, Dianne Harrington is here to see you. Yes. Right away.
“She’s coming out to meet you.”
“Thank you.”
The words were barely out of her mouth before Elaine came around a corner, her right hand extended, a wide smile on her face. “Dianne, good morning. It’s good to see you.”
Dianne shook the woman’s hand, hoping her palms were dry. Talking was one thing, executing a plan quite another. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“Not at all.” Like the receptionist, she eyed the garment bag. “Let’s go into my office.”
Dianne followed her, nodding to the people who passed, going over again and again what she planned to say. Smiling her thanks, Dianne stepped inside the neat office filled with healthy potted plants; a small bookshelf was filled with fashion books and crystal.
“Please have a seat.” Elaine waved Dianne to a chair and went behind her desk. “I hope this means you’ve decided to model for us. Upper management was very pleased.”
“I’ve come to show you this.” Unzipping the garment bag, Dianne pulled out the black sheath with the waterfall cardigan. She’d hoped for interest on Elaine’s face, but all she saw was puzzlement.
“The day of the fashion show I talked with and heard women complain about not having a wide selection of clothes for them. I want to change that by creating a line of clothes for women in sizes eighteen and up. This is one of the designs that my design team and I have come up with. We’d be honored if we could have our clothes here.”
“Here?” she parroted, sounding almost scandalized. “We don’t carry clothes in that size range.”
Dianne stepped closer. “And you’re missing revenue because of it. There were several women at the fashion show who didn’t pay attention to the models because they knew the clothes wouldn’t come in their size.”
“We have a buyer for women’s wear.”
“I’d be happy to show him or her the rest of the line. Perhaps we could meet at Radcliffe’s for dinner,” Dianne coaxed.
The woman had been about to say something, probably a no, then closed her mouth.
Dianne was sure it was the mention of Radcliffe’s. “Of course you’re included in the invitation.”
“You have to realize that all of the floor space is assigned. It’s more than just sticking clothes into the area. Please understand that the decision to carry your line is not mine,” Elaine explained. “Even if we did carry that size, what you’re suggesting is impossible.”
“Perhaps if I talked to the buyer or Mr. Ascot. How can I reach him?”
“I’m sorry, we’re not allowed to give out that information to customers.” Elaine came around the desk. “I’ll see you out.”
Dismissed again. Dianne started to pull the bag back over the dress, then stopped and looked up at Elaine. “One last chance. I’m leaving here and going to your competitors. When D and A is hot, your CEO isn’t going to be happy with you. I’ve seen him in action.”
Uneasiness crossed her face. She bit her lip.
“We could test the waters with this dress. Just to see if there’s interest,” Dianne said, pressing her point. “Good customer service is necessary to a successful business. Giving them what they want is paramount. Showing innovation would win points with your boss.”
“And possibly get me fired. I’m sorry. The answer is still no.”
She’d called Dianne’s bluff. She could try other stores, but she had a sinking feeling that the answer would be the same. “Can I ask you one last question?”
“Dianne.” Impatience radiated in that one word.
“What did you think of the dress?” Dianne asked. “I just want your opinion and then I’m gone.”
Elaine looked at Dianne, then the dress. Dianne pushed the guilt button and walked closer to the other woman. “I helped you out. All I’m asking is your opinion. I’m not likely to go to the exec and tell him.”
“I like it.”
Dianne briefly closed her eyes, then enclosed the dress in the garment bag. “Thank you, and because you’re so nice, when the line is hot, I won’t even remind you that your store could have had an exclusive.”
“Perhaps you could leave your phone number,” Elaine said.
“Delighted.” Dianne handed her a business card she’d had made the day after they’d taken the picture.
“Good luck,” Elaine said.
“Thanks again, Elaine. For everything.” Closing the door behind her, Dianne knew she’d need more than luck.
* * *
Her feet hurting and her body bone weary, Dianne let herself into Alex’s apartment. She wanted nothing more than to take a long hot soak, then crawl into bed. She couldn’t. Alex had said he was bringing guests home for dinner. He was also bringing dinner. Good thing, because she didn’t feel like cooking.
Hanging up the D&A dress in the guest bedroom closet, Dianne refused to sink into depression again. It had taken her grandfather three years to make his first sale. Aware that if she sat she might not get up, she took a shower instead of a bath and dressed in the guest bedroom.
Three years. How could anyone keep hitting their head against a wall that long and not give up?
Almost immediately the answer came to her. He had her grandmother.
Dianne might not have been around him too much, but when she was, she’d seen how much they loved and supported each other. Her grandfather had been lost when she died. Dianne going to live with him had saved them both.
“Honey.”
Just as Alex had saved her. “Coming.” Smiling despite everything, she hurried out of the bedroom, then stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Catherine and Luke Grayson.
“Dianne.” Catherine rushed across the room, hugging her.
Dianne hugged her back. She turned her gaze to Alex, feeling heat stain her cheeks. Catherine had to know they were sleeping together, but Dianne wasn’t sure how his sister would feel about it.
Catherine straightened, curving her arm around Dianne’s stiff shoulder. “You look wonderful. So does Alex. You’ve been taking good care of each other.”
Nothing Catherine could have said would have put Dianne more at ease. “Alex does a better job than I do.”
“You make it easy,” Alex said. “And speaking of easy. Dinner courtesy of Summer.”
Luke chuckled. “I feel as if I’m in Santa Fe. We still stop at Brandon’s for takeout all the time.”
Dianne took the two large bags. Brandon was Luke’s brother. He owned a successful restaurant. His wife’s family owned a five-star hotel. All the in-laws and friends were equally successful.
“I’ll help.” A large bag in her hand, Catherine tossed her handbag on the sofa.
“Why don’t we all help?” Luke followed the women into the kitchen.
Alex laughed. “You just don’t want to be away from my sister.”
“Guilty.” In the kitchen, Luke kissed Catherine on the cheek and began pulling out and opening the containers from the bag she held.
“I’ll get the plates, honey.” Alex took her bags. “You get the place settings.”
“That leaves me to grab the wine and sparkling water.” Catherine opened the cabinet.
Dianne stared. “I’d say you’ve done this a time or two.”
“See how smart she is.” Alex held out the plates as Luke filled them with seared tuna for the women and porterhouse for the men.
In a matter of minutes they were all seated and eating. “What time did you get in?”
“Around nine this morning,” Catherine told her. “A colleague was scheduled to speak this afternoon, but he became ill yesterday and asked me to take his place today and tomorrow.”
“She felt bad for Rush, but she jumped at the chance to come to New York to see you two.” Luke forked in a bite of steak.
“Of course.” Catherine put down her fork. “I’m so excited about the new direction your life is taking. I can’t wait to see the designs.”
Reaching for her wine, Dianne paused. “Unfortunately, no one is interested yet. I took one of the designs to several stores today and always the answer was no.”
“You’ll succeed.” Alex’s hand covered hers on the table.
“You certainly will.” Catherine picked up her fork. “You’re smart, intuitive, and know fashion.”
“And beautiful,” Alex added.
“What’s your next step?” Luke asked.
Dianne stared across the table at Alex’s brother-in-law. He’d asked the question she’d been afraid to ask herself. She had absolutely no idea. “I’m keeping my options open.”
“Smart idea.” Luke picked up his glass of sparkling water. “Cath, you think I should tell Brandon I had a steak in New York that could rival his?”
Catherine shuddered. “Not unless you want to eat frozen dinners for the rest of our married life.”
“Brandon is a bit of a fanatic about his restaurant and the food here.” Alex picked up his glass of wine. “Although the man can cook.”
Luke turned to Dianne again. “It’s scary when Brandon is in the same room as the chef for Faith’s hotel restaurant and the chef for my sister, Sierra, and her husband, Blade. Only Sierra is brave enough to have them cook for Blade’s birthday.”
“But she was smart enough to have them prepare different dishes.” Catherine smiled over her wineglass.
“I’ve invited Dianne to come down to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving,” Alex said. “She’ll see for herself.”
“Please come,” Catherine said. “You can stay with us.”
“What about Hero?” Alex asked, his hand closing over Dianne’s in her lap.
“Your pet wolf hybrid?” Dianne asked.
Catherine gave Luke a special smile. “He’ll behave if Luke tells him.”
“Me? He lets you give him a bath and runs from me when he sees the water hose and tub,” Luke told her.
“Because he likes to come inside sometimes while I write and knows he can’t unless he’s reasonably clean,” Catherine said. “Whereas you let him inside when I’m not there.”
Luke’s lips twitched. “And I thought we were putting one over on you.”
“A woman always knows.” Catherine chuckled.
Luke reached for her, stopped, shook his head. Picking up his glass, he took a long swallow. “Alex, I suppose you’re as busy as usual.”
Still holding Dianne’s hand, Alex talked in general about his work. It took a few more minutes for Dianne to realize Luke had changed the subject purposefully. Catherine had succeeded in every aspect of her life. Dianne’s hand clenched in her lap. Alex held her other hand to convey his support and faith. They were all there for her.
They all had connections and major clout. Alex and Catherine’s mother could make a few phone calls and stores would be clamoring for her designs. One of Luke’s sisters-in-law was a Tony and Oscar winner. Another was a renowned sculptress. His brother-in-law was a billionaire real estate mogul. They could make this so easy for her.
“Enough shop talk.” Catherine leaned forward in her seat. “I want to see your designs.”
“All right.” Dianne stood, aware that she wasn’t showing much enthusiasm, and led them to the guest bedroom. “The others are at the studio.” Unzipping the bag, she pulled the dress out.
“Oh, Dianne. It’s gorgeous.” Catherine took the hanger. “It’s elegant, chic.”
“Time to go.” Luke left the room, Alex followed.
Catherine briefly glanced at them, then returned her attention to the dress. “Faith would love this.”
Another woman with clout, and yet Catherine had made no offer to ask Faith to help her. “I have to sell more than one dress.”
“Let’s talk.” Catherine hung the dress up, took Dianne’s hand, and sat on the bed. “Mother isn’t here, so we can do this.”
“Mrs. Stewart was a stickler about not sitting on the bed once it was made,” Dianne remembered.
“You’re upset. Scared. Disappointed. You’re allowed,” Catherine said. “You’ve had some hard knocks in the past weeks, but you’ve also had one incredible thing happen to you.”
“Alex.”
“When doubt and fear are your constant companions, it’s comforting to have a man you can trust by your side.” Catherine’s hands flexed. “If Luke hadn’t been there for the darkest period of my life, I might not be here today.”
“But at least you weren’t broke,” Dianne blurted and instantly regretted the outburst. “Catherine, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
Catherine squeezed her hands. “I had money, but it didn’t comfort me when I thought I was losing my mind. Having Luke in my life did. I understand you’re lashing out at me because you’re scared and unsure, and probably feel as if your life has spiraled out of control. I felt the same way.”
She might have known Catherine would understand, not just because she was a psychologist or because she was her best friend, but because she had been through the same thing. “How did you get through everything?”
“I found a man I could trust, a man who made me strong
er and who understood when I was weak,” Catherine said softly. “It was a scary process. There came a time I had to face my demons alone. No one was going to ruin my life.”
“You’re stronger than I am,” Dianne admitted softly.
“Bull.” Catherine looked angry for the first time. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. It took courage to still reach out for love when you’d never been loved. You weren’t shown love by your parents, but you always loved them. You never gave up on them. Don’t give up on yourself.”
* * *
Dianne couldn’t sleep. Usually after she and Alex made love, she’d drift off to sleep, sated and happy, in his arms.
Not tonight.
With his arms wrapped around her, her upper torso draped across his chest, she listened to his even breathing. The clock on the night chest read 2:17 AM. They’d said good night to Catherine and Luke hours ago. They were staying in the conference hotel because Catherine had an 8:00 AM breakfast meeting and didn’t want to disturb Alex and Dianne when she and Luke got up.
Don’t give up on yourself.
Catherine’s words kept repeating themselves. Dianne didn’t have to think very long to accept that that was exactly what she had done, had always done when life became difficult. And each time she had waited for someone, lately Alex, to solve the problem or to fix things.
She had fully expected Alex to “fix” her love life, and now “fix” her faltering career. Neither Catherine nor any of the self-assured, successful women at Sabra’s Broadway closing party would expect their husbands to fix things for them.
If Dianne wanted Alec’s love and respect, and she did with all her heart, she had to find a way to help herself.
“You all right?” Alex murmured.
Dianne felt his lips brush against her hair. His words were soft, clear. She’d been wrong. He hadn’t been asleep after all.
She hesitated. She didn’t want him worried about her.
“Honey?”
“Fine.” She faked a yawn. “Good night.”
“’Night.” Alex’s hand swept up and down the naked smoothness of Dianne’s back. She wasn’t going back to sleep any more than he was. She was scared, worried.
