Page 58 of Pillow Talk
‘Hi Shona. I’m so grateful you’re doing this for me,’ she said.
‘It’s no hassle at all. Let’s see what you have there,’ Shonareplied, ushering her into the living room.
She gestured for Esha to sit and took the box from her. She opened it and carefully removed the deep red garment from under the tissue paper.
‘Oh Esha, it’s beautiful,’ she exclaimed.
‘Thanks Shona. It’s my dream wedding outfit, but the veil just doesn’t seem to go with it,’ she said.
Shona placed the long skirt on the couch, added the matching blouse and then got to the veil.
‘Mmm,’ she said, inspecting it.
The skirt and blouse were modern and elegant but the veil was trimmed with thick gold tinsel. It was ghastly.
‘I loved the outfit so much that I was willing to accept the veil for what it was. But now with the wedding getting closer, I hate it so much,’ said Esha.
Shona nodded as she stood up and let the length of the veil fall to the floor.
‘I know you don’t specifically specialise in traditional bridal wear, but your mother said you could turn anything into a masterpiece,’ she went on.
Shona was taken aback.
‘My mother?’
Esha, oblivious to the fallout with her parents, nodded.
‘Yes, my mother went into the shop last week to fetch my dad’s suit for the wedding. She mentioned my dilemma and your mother immediately recommended you,’ she explained.
A lump started to form in Shona’s throat and she had to look away to stay professional.
After a moment, she held the veil to her chest.
‘Are you okay with the length?’
Esha pulled a face. ‘I’m short and it looks hideous because it’s so long. But I also don’t want to cut it, if that makes sense.’
Shona gave her a reassuring smile.
‘I can work with this and make it into your perfect veil. Let’s discuss some ideas,’ she said.
An hour later, after a few sketches and a final decision on the new design, Esha left and Shona immediately started work on the veil. When Esha had asked the cost, she’d given a higher price than normal and was surprised when Esha said it was a bargain and couldn’t believe that her prices were so reasonable. Sen was right. She was underselling her work and skills.
She worked on the veil until 2pm and then scrolled through social media while deciding what to wear to supper at Sen’s apartment.
She was comfortable with Sen, but there were moments when she was shy and she suspected tonight would be one of them because sometimes it felt like more than friendship and a no-strings-attached relationship. It felt like a real relationship without labels.
At 5o’clock, she showered, put on a bottle green satin slip dress and nude sling-back sandals. She ran curl enhancing mousse through her dark hair. Light blush, mascara and pinkish nude lipstick completed her look.
When her doorbell rang an hour later, she was sitting comfortably on the couch but trying to still the butterflies in her stomach.
‘Hi,’ she said, opening the door.
Sen looked her up and down.
‘What’s the chances of a little…’
She cut him off. She knew that hungry look.
