Page 12 of Country Music Cowboy
Juliette and her assistant were both wearing the same hopeful expression, but Loretta shook her head. “I appreciate it but…this is me. This is perfect. I love it.”
“Let me see,” Margot sounded off.
Loretta had almost forgotten Margot was there. Well, not actuallythere, but on FaceTime. She couldn’t be there in person, but she was doing her best to be there virtually. And Loretta loved her all the more for the support.
“You’re killing me here.” Margot gave an extra-exaggerated sigh for good measure.
Loretta held the phone away from her. “Don’t get too excited.”
“I will promise no such thing.” Margot twirled her finger. “Turn me around or flip your phone or something. Let me see.”
Loretta smiled as she held up the phone so Margot could see. Over the years, Loretta had come to trust the older woman’s instincts. She studied the industry, every detail. Branding was key and she’d made sure Loretta was always on brand. If Margot didn’t like the dress, there would be a reason.
“Lori-girl, you look so…so…” Margot broke off.
“Lovely? Elegant? Classy?” Juliette offered. “Beautiful.”
“All those things. I’m speechless.” Margot nodded. “You need to stay away from Mickey Graham, you hear me. That man has too many hands and none of them are up to any good.”
Loretta laughed. “I know.”
“I guess I’m glad you’re sitting with Hank King. The man can’t stand Mickey Graham, either,” Margot said. “Turn around.”
Loretta turned, considering Margot’s statement. If she was sitting with Hank, she’d be fine. Hank King was a gentleman. But she wasn’t just sitting with him. She was sitting with the whole King entourage. And, after her hasty exit, she wasn’t sure what sort of reception she’d get from Three Kings. Of course, Margot didn’t know about any of that. As far as she knew, the rehearsal had gone off without a hitch—because that’s what Loretta had told her.
“I love the laces down the back. And the extra fabric in the skirt. The patterns.” Margot nodded. “You look like a princess.”
“You approve?” It had been a long time since Loretta felt put together, let alone pretty. It was a nice feeling.
Juliette waved her hand dismissively. “Margot, you have to help me convince her to take a risk now and then. Something daring. Unique and…sexy. She has the figure for it. A plunging neckline and low-cut back too. Not too low. I remember dressing another celebrity and she requested her gown be cut so low in the back, you could see the top of her bum.” She shrugged. “But her bum is insured for thirty-million dollars so I suppose it’s worth showing off.”
Loretta blinked.
“Imagine that? I doubt my ass is insurable.” Margot laughed. “I don’t think now is the time for Loretta to be taking risks.”
“Next.” Juliette sighed with disappointment and glanced at her phone. “No time to waste.”
“Who else are you dressing today?” Margot asked.
Loretta put her phone back on the stand and raised her arms so Juliette could help her out of the dress.
“People.” Juliette winked. “Bree, here, will come back to help you get ready for the evening.” She nodded at the assistant holding the pins at the ready.
Next was the brandy-colored dress. Once it was on, she wasn’t sure what to think.
“It looked more sedate on the hanger,” Loretta murmured.
“Looks can be deceiving.” Juliette winked and stepped back. “Turn, slowly.”
Loretta did as she was told. The dress itself wasn’t the problem. It was off the shoulder with three-quarter-length sleeves and a hip-hugging mermaid skirt, but it had sheer tulle overlay on the bodice and a skirt covered in hundreds of near-invisible tiny beads and crystals that caught the light and gave her a slight glow. “It’s…not too much?”
“It’s perfect,” Margot said.
“Of course it is. As much as I’d like to put you in something more, I know Loretta Gram’s style.” Juliette pointed out. “A few beads, a little sparkle, it’s not too much. Not even close.”
Loretta ran her fingers over the beading and nodded.
“Good. There’s not time to find anything else at this point, anyway,” Juliette pointed out. She was slipping out of the dress when she heard Margot say, “I’m so mad I’m not there to hold your hand, Loretta. If there was ever one awards show not to miss, it’s this one.”
