Page 29 of Love Redesigned
Ms. Perry tapped her perfectly manicured finger on her chin. “Danielle, I admit, I’ve always assumed your love for fashion was nothing more than a hobby, but I think you’ve got something here.”
Paige smiled. “Really, Mom? You like it?”
“It’s perfect,” she said, reaching for Paige’s hands. “You look just as I always imagined.”
“And you’re still going to let me wear your veil?” Paige said.
“Of course! I actually think it will coordinate with the rest of the dress perfectly.” She turned to face me. “Well done, Danielle. If you like, I’d be happy to spread the word among friends. You keep designing dresses like these, and we’ll make you famous in no time at all.”
“That’s kind of you to say,” I said. “Thank you.”
Paige, visible over her mother’s shoulder, smiled wide and raised her fists in silent celebration. “Hey Mom,” she said, throwing me a pointed look, “did I tell you Dani is up for a design position at LeFranc?”
I glared at her. What was she thinking? I wasn’t up for a position. Well, not officially. Earlier in the week, Sashahadmentioned they were toying with the idea of a paid internship she thought I would be perfect for. I would for sure apply, but there was no guarantee.
Ms. Perry’s eyebrows lifted. “LeFranc? Really?”
“It’s not a sure thing yet. I should know something in a couple of weeks,” I said.
“A LeFranc wedding gown. Now that’d be something to tell my friends.”
“Oh, but that’s not...I mean, LeFranc doesn’t do gowns. Even if I get the job, it still wouldn’t be—”
“Dani, can you help me with this zipper?” Paige interrupted, giving me a pointed look. She hauled me toward the bedroom. “We’ll be right back, Mom.”
As soon as we were out of her mother’s earshot, she spun around, hands on hips. “You’ve gotten her blessing,” she said. “How about we don’t say anything to ruin that?”
“Fine. But she can’t tell people it’s a LeFranc dress.Especiallyif I get the job. It’s not like they’d be cool with their designers doing a little bit of freelance work on the side.”
“Ohh, good point.” She turned around. “Here. For real unzip me. I’m hungry and there’s no way I’m eating in this thing.”
I helped her out of the dress and carefully hung it up.
“So let’s say you do get the design job,” Paige said. “Hey, can I wear the black dress? The one you stole from work?”
“Sure.” I crossed the hallway and retrieved the dress. Paige and her fiancé, Reese, were taking her Mom out to dinner. They’d invited me to tag along, but I was on too much of a budget to eat the kind of food they’d be enjoying. Back in her room, I tossed her the dress. “If I get the design job...”
“Right. If you get the job, would you consider showing them the dress?” Paige asked. “I mean, really, Dani. It’s the most incredible thing you’ve ever designed. It might help you make a name for yourself.”
I sat on her bed. “There wouldn’t really be a reason to. LeFranc doesn’t do wedding gowns.”
“Really? Not at all?”
I shook my head. “I asked Sasha about it once. She says it’s always been an idea they’ve kicked around, but the timing has never been right to really go for it.”
“But maybe they would go for it if they saw what you’re capable of.”
I laughed. “You are loyal, and I love you, Paige, but I’m a nobody. LeFranc doesn’t care that I made one gorgeous wedding dress. Besides, I made that dress for you. You loving it is good enough for me.”
She pulled a pair of heels out of her closet.
“Want to borrow my wool coat?” I asked. “You’ll freeze otherwise.”
“No, the sleeves are too short. It makes me feel like a giant whenever I wear it. I was thinking my red one would do. You think?” She pulled it on. “Not too casual for the dress?”
“Not if you put on the gray scarf. With the little bit of shimmer?”
She pulled it off the back of the chair in the corner. “This one?”
