Page 4 of Kai
Yvette arched a perfectly sculpted brow, her golden-brown eyes narrowing playfully.
"Old-fashioned? Darling, you're practically ancient in this lunch crowd if that's your stance."
Maxie smirked, leaning back and crossing her legs elegantly beneath the table, her tone playful yet measured.
"It's not ancient. It's selective. I prefer quality over quantity, unlike some people I could name."
Yvette chuckled, her laughter rich and melodious.
"Touché. But don't come crying to me when you're still waiting for Prince Charming to show up with a glass slipper while everyone else is having fun with their frogs."
Maxie shook her head, spearing another bite of her salad as her gaze drifted across the room. Her thoughts momentarily flickered to the financier Yvette had pointed out earlier, but she dismissed the idea quickly. He may have been charming in appearance, but charm alone wasn't enough anymore. She knew exactly what she wanted -- and that she wouldn't settle for less.
"Frogs don't interest me," she said firmly, redirecting her focus back to Yvette. "And you know what? Neither do princes. I'm looking for something real, and I won't apologize for that."
Yvette raised her glass in a mock toast, grinning.
"To Maxie, the hopeless romantic among us. May your fairy tale come true -- before you turn fifty, preferably."
Maxie laughed, raising her own glass, the melody of their shared humor drawing the attention of a few nearby tables.
"Cheers to that," she replied, her voice light, though the determination in her eyes hinted at an unyielding resolve.
Chapter 2
Elegance! Was, as the name suggested, a store in the middle of the busy uptown area and catered to the indulgent rich. Wealthy women who did not glance at price tags, ones who wanted exclusivity. Maxie had done her research thoroughly and built her clientele over the years.
Now five years later, the boutique was doing exceptionally well—so much so in fact that she was toying with the idea of opening another store. This time with affordable outfits for the upper working-class women. Her designs were exceptional, and she had branched out into cosmetic jewelry over the last six months.
Not just beads and glass—but semi-precious stones clamped together to make the unusual and daring.
She had three people working for her—one of whom was a former buyer for a very popular department store. Marge had brought her expertise with her and was committed and loyal. Maxie had poured almost every cent of her inheritance into the opening of the store, leaving her parents horrified and giving dire warnings about the possibility of her failing.
She had listened to them patiently as they laid out reasons why she should reconsider and had gently told them that if she failed, she would have at least tried.
Now, they popped in every now and then to see how the place was doing. And were proud when she was written up in several fashion magazines.
She was damn proud of her accomplishment and the store was her lifeline. When things had fallen apart over the years, she had dug deep and came up with her best designs.
She would like to think that she was fulfilled. Yes, she didn't have a man, but who needs one anyway? she mused. She had her fill of romance to last her a lifetime. If one comes along then so be it. But she was certainly not going to go looking for it.
In her small and functional office, she propped her hands on her hips and looked around at the boxes the delivery person had dragged in. The summer was at an end, and they had started to rearrange the displays. She had always disliked when she walked into a store or peered into the window to see the lifeless faces of mannequins with clothes draped all over their shapeless bodies.When she decided to open her store, she vowed it would be different.
And it was. Instead of mannequins, there were paintings, a table with delicately cushioned chairs. Her designs set up on a canvas. Sprigs of freshly cut flowers in various clear-cut vases. A welcoming atmosphere that appealed to the eye. One could not help but be fascinated and wander in even out of curiosity.
Maxie bent down to open one of the boxes, her fingers deftly cutting through the tape as anticipation flickered in her chest. Inside lay neatly packed garments, each reflecting her vision for the upcoming fall collection: rich burgundies, deep greens, and earthy tones that seemed to whisper sophistication and comfort.
One particular dress caught her attention—a flowing wrap dress with intricate embroidery along the hem. She held it up, letting the fabric catch the soft light filtering through her office window. This was exactly what she had envisioned: a balance of elegance and wearability that would appeal to the clients she hoped to attract with her new venture.
But there was no time to linger. She made a note to call Marge later to discuss the launch strategy for the fall line. Maxiehad ideas about pairing the outfits with her expanding jewelry collection—a bold necklace here, a delicate bracelet there. It was all about creating an experience, about making her customers feel not just fashionable but uniquely themselves.
With a satisfied nod, she moved on to the next box, the gears in her mind already turning. Perhaps this new store wouldn't just be about clothes or jewelry. Perhaps it could be a space where women could come to feel empowered. Maxie smiled to herself as she imagined it: a place where stories were shared, connections formed, and individuality celebrated. But for now, there was work to be done.
She was elbow deep inside another box when she looked up and saw Debra standing just inside the doorway, an awed expression on her plain face. Stifling a sigh at the interruption, she rose and put away the box.
"Problems?"
The woman shook her head, dark brown eyes sparkling. "We have a celebrity in the store."
