Page 46 of Pillow Talk
She took the lift up to Felicity’s company, which was on the 23rdfloor of a modern high-rise building – a trendy business location. The receptionist, Kylie, recognised Shona and ushered her to the consultation room where Felicity was waiting.
As Kylie opened the door, Felicity exclaimed, ‘Shona, you’re here,’ and jumped up to hug her.
Felicity was sophisticated, well organised and efficient. Shona bet that she didn’t have estranged parents, a no-strings-attached arrangement, or a heap of clothes on the floor of her closet.
They sat down and Felicity pushed a document towards Shona.
‘This is the contract. I normally use contracts generated by Perfect Weddings but the Harpers’ lawyer forwarded this today.They want their own contract. Before you sign it, I’d get a lawyer to look at it,’ she said.
Shona nodded.
‘I know this is all new to you and it can seem daunting. But I’m here to help whenever you need it,’ Felicity added.
They chatted for about 20minutes before Maddie and her entourage arrived. Maddie was sweet and shy. Her family was another story. The mom was threatened by the stepmother’s youth and the stepmother wanted to play a role in the planning, although it was clear she had no real relationship with Maddie. Maddie’s maid of honour, a friend, spent the entire consultation glued to her cellphone.
Maddie’s older brother seemed to be the only one who really cared about her. It was unusual for a man to accompany a bride-to-be to a wedding dress consultation, but Shona was glad he was there. He handled his mother and stepmother better than Maddie did and he genuinely listened to his sister when she voiced her choices. He also loved the dress. He, too, agreed that Maddie was born to wear it. Shona was flattered but still didn’t see the appeal of the dress. While she couldn’t get away from viewing it as a rookie student design, Felicity, Maddie and her brother regarded it as a piece designed by an exclusive design house and hot off the fashion runways.
Shona agreed that the square-neck design was as timeless as they come. Maddie had fallen in love with the dress because of its extra detailing in the boned bodice and the chapel-length train for a more elevated silhouette.
Her mother turned up her nose at it. She wanted something big and garish to show off their wealth. Maddie’s stepmother said it was drab, so it suited Maddie. That obvious dig earned her a harsh look from Maddie’s brother.
After the appointment, Shona said her goodbyes and headed towards the train station. She didn’t want to splurge on a taxi.But then she remembered the contract in her bag. Would she be overstepping boundaries and breaking their agreement if she asked Sen to look at it?
She spotted a small, gated park. She went in and found a bench, where she sat down and dialled his number.
‘Shona? Is everything alright? Are you okay?’
He obviously wasn’t expecting her ever to phone him unless it was an emergency.
‘I’m fine, Sen. I just finished a meeting with Felicity. I’ve been given a contract to sign and I was hoping you could have a look at it for me…I’ll pay you, of course.’
‘In kind?’ he teased.
Shona’s cheeks burned. She didn’t answer.
Sen laughed. It was good to hear him laugh again.
‘Relax, Sho. Of course I’ll do it. I’ll text you my office address. Get a taxi and meet me here,’ he said.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course. I always have time for you. Now hurry,’ he said.
‘I always have time for you,’ Shona repeated quietly after she hung up.
She hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address Sen had sent her.
As the lift sped smoothly up to the 27th floor, Shona’s stomach began to ache. She was nervous. She was so out of place here.
She knew Sen was from a wealthy family – they were the richest people in Rally – but this had just blown her mind. They owned this high-rise building where everything gleamed and was in perfect order. People worked efficiently. Women in smart business suits, men with fashionably styled hair and perfect skin worked in this building.
When the lift doors opened, she found herself on the executive floor. The foyer was massive, and the statement chandelier was as bold as the custom-made leather armchairs.
Shona didn’t know where she was going but just kept walking. She rounded the corner and found a woman typing furiously on her computer.
She looked up when Shona approached.
‘May I help you?’
