Page 117 of Fall I Want
“Absolutely. That sounds fun. Any boundaries? Certain materials or styles you dislike?”
“Nope. You have complete control.”
“Just how I like it. This will be just like dressing my Barbies.” She’s legitimately excited. “I do have to prepare you for some things, though.”
“Huh?”
“Zane’s ex. I don’t want you to be blindsided by her on the island and I’m positive he hasn’t shared much about her.”
I shake my head. “Not any redeeming qualities, at least.”
“She has none.” Harper is direct with her statement.
“He said the same thing.”
“It’s the truth. She doesn’t want my brother, but she also doesn’t want anyone else to have him either. Celine is a mean girl.”
I suck in a deep breath. “I’m dreading this.”
“Please don’t. You’re the perfect partner for Zane.” She glances at me. “I haven’t seen him this happy in years.” The car slows in front of a high-rise building. We step out and I follow Harper.
“Ms. Alexander,” the woman at reception says. “We didn’t expect you in the office today.”
“Hi. Just stopping by for personal matters,” Harper states with a wave as she makes her way toward the elevator. It’s midday on a Monday and there are tons of people around. She’s kind and says hello to each person we pass. We ride up to the sixteenth floor and she escorts me into a room with mirrors and tape measures.
A man enters with a smile.
“Harper,” he says. “What a pleasure to see you.”
“Hello, Gentry. This is Autumn. She’s dating my brother. Anyway, I thought we could grab measurements then start with a few dresses and pantsuits. I’ll need them completed by the end of day Thursday. I’ll send an email with the styles I’d like made, along with the delivery address. Overnighted.”
“Absolutely.” He leads me to the platform and measures every inch of me, from my inseam to my waist to my head. Nothing is left unmeasured.
Once we’re finished, Harper takes me farther up the high-rise and unlocks a door. The room is full of clothes on racks, coordinated by color and season.
“I believe everything in here will fit you, but based on your body shape, I’d like to handpick some items.” Harper moves through them, pulling out outfits and draping them over my arm. It’s fascinating watching her work and being in her element.
“If there is anything that you see, feel free to add it to your pile.”
“Okay,” I say, giddy with excitement. She gives me cashmere, silk, and cotton in beautiful shades of the rainbow. Harper is a godsend.
“Oh, this for tonight.” She holds up an elegant dress that screams class. “These clothes were pitched by designers and worn at shows we’ve hosted. If you let me dress you, you’ll become a style icon.”
“You’re my fairy godmother.”
She snorts. “Now that would be a fun job. Bippity boppity booping women and making their fashion dreams come true.”
More clothes are added to my arm and it’s heavy.
“It’s also a test, too. I have a theory that Celine is a chameleon and imitates the personalities of the ladies my brother falls for.”
My brows furrow. “What the hell?”
“She was friends with the woman Zane dated prior to her, Diana. At times, it was hard to tell them apart and I thought they were sisters. So when the end came, Celine was there, forcing herself into his life. She copied my brother’s personality to trick his best friend. Bottom line: she’s manipulative and a fucking problem. I don’t want her alone with Zane. Please don’t let him leave your side at the resort this weekend.”
“Should I be scared?” I ask. “Is she dangerous?”
“I think she’s just obsessed,” Harper explains.
