Page 122 of Babies at Coconuts

“Oui, of course.” Gigi motioned toward an aqua sofa. “Please sit. Tell me all about yourself, though I know some since your mother brags about you, as any mother would.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Cheri discussed Fifth Avenue Catering, living in New York, and her home overlooking Crystal Lake in Branson. She mentioned her friends and their hangout, Coconuts.

Gigi sat riveted. “Co-co-nuts. How fun. It sounds lovely.” She giggled. “And sort of Sex & the City-ish.”

“You might say that but on a slower Midwestern note.” Cheri glanced at the fashions featured on mannequins in a variety of poses. “Tell me about your designs.” Staring at the artful displays, Cheri said, “From what I see, they’re stunning.”

Victoria set her almost-empty wineglass down. “I predict Gigi will be a huge success.”

“Merci. You’re too kind, Mrs.—Victoria.”

“How did you get started?” Cheri asked.

Gigi regaled them with a story about finding her mother’s old sewing machine in their basement at age thirteen. Unlike other girls, all she wanted to do was take apart clothes and design her own creations. Explaining she practiced early designs by cutting up old draperies and sheets. When her mother noticed, she was banned from the sewing machine until her math grades improved. Laughing, she waved her hand.

Cheri liked her hutzpah. “That’s a great story.”

“Merci. It feels long ago. Enough about me. Let’s get started.” Plucking several black, white, gray, and bold graphic pieces off the rack, Gigi draped them across her arm. The designer added pops of color with scarves, sweaters, and jackets, insisting Cheri try everything on.

While Cheri struggled to find room for all of the clothes in the tiny dressing room, Gigi slid several pairs of shoes underneath the curtain and shoved handfuls of necklaces into her hands. “You must try my designs on with the proper accessories to complete the look, oui?”

Over an hour and two glasses of wine later, Cheri chose three outrageously expensive outfits. She noticed her mother was unusually quiet, especially since shopping was her favorite pastime. As she draped her new wares across the counter, she turned toward Victoria. “Mom, aren’t you going to try anything on?”

“I shop almost daily. I’d rather watch you.”

“That’s a first.” Cheri sat beside her and studied the racks for something her fashion-conscious mom couldn’t resist. “Try this red, silky dress. It’ll look great on you and would be perfect for a date night with Daddy.”

Cheri noticed Gigi peered over a rack but pretended to busy herself with straightening clothes.

“Date night?” Victoria laughed a little too loudly.

Deploring eavesdroppers even if they were adorable fashion designers, Cheri lowered her voice. “Remember I suggested you plan a trip for the two of you.”

Victoria waved her hand in the air. “I gave up on that idea. Daddy’s far too busy to be gone for an extended time.” She paused. “But the dress would look great on you, honey.”

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