Page 93 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

Fiona smiled warmly. “It’s all been taken care of.”

Clare gasped. “But how?” With trembling fingers, she lifted the lid of the box to see the sea of emerald green inside.

“That was the dress you liked the most, wasn’t it?” Fiona asked.

“I’d get married in it if I could, but I don’t understand?” She looked to Jane, who was equally bemused.

“It’s a present from Mr. Steel. An apology for the way he treated you earlier, but also a thank you for keeping Jane company today.”

A warm feeling came over Jane.

Logan did this?

“I thought he didn’t approve of me?” Clare spluttered.

“I guess you were mistaken,” Fiona smiled at them both. “He’s a wonderful client, a great man. I hope you have fun at the ball tonight. And Clare, I hope we’ll see you again too… and if you do happen to get married in that dress, you’ll make a stunning bride.”

They left the store as Jane spotted Daryl waiting outside for her. He tipped his hat at her.

“I can’t believe he did this, especially when he grilled me like that.” Clare couldn’t stop staring at the box in her hand, as if it would dematerialize if she looked away.

“I haven’t really figured him out yet,” Jane admitted.

“When you do, I suggest you hold on to him,” Clare winked. “That one’s a keeper… and if you meet any eligible bachelors at the ball, you know who to call.”

Daryl took Jane’s bag from her. “I’ll be in the car when you’re ready to go.”

She nodded to Daryl. Spotting an empty soda can on the sidewalk, Jane picked it up and tossed it into a nearby trashcan. “I can’t stand it when people litter.”

“Preaching to the choir,” Clare agreed.

“Especially when there’s a trashcan right beside it,” Jane continued. “I mean, how much of a jerk do you have to be?”

She hugged her new friend. “I had a blast. Thank you for coming, and at such short notice.”

Clare waved off her thanks. “Are you kidding me? Look what I got out of this… a new friend, a grilling from a movie star, and a to-die for dress! I’ve not had this much excitement since I tossed my fiancé to the curb!”

“I hope you find an occasion to wear it soon.”

Clare looked confused. “What do you mean? I am going to live in this thing. I can’t wait to see what they think when I turn up to work in it. Have a great time with Mr. Movie Star. I look forward to seeing your faces splashed all over the place.”

“I thought you don’t read the gossip columns?”

“That was before I knew someone famous. From now on, I’m going to be living vicariously through you. Twitter, sign me up!”

Her energy was contagious. Climbing into the car, Jane wound down the window. “Let’s hang out again, and soon.”

“Absolutely. See you!”

She was off, sashaying down the street, hugging the box to her chest as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

“What next, Daryl?”

Her driver looked at her through the rearview mirror.

“Home, Miss. Jane. Miss. Adele has a team of stylists waiting for you.”

“Of course she has,” Jane smiled.

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