Page 10 of Pillow Talk
‘Hello. Is that Shona Shah? Shona Shah of The First Look Bridal Shop?’
Shona didn’t recognise the perky voice. ‘Yes, that’s me. How may I help you?’
‘Oh, thank God. I was afraid I would never be able to get you on the phone. I can only imagine how busy you are,’ the woman said.
Shona looked towards her bedroom. ‘Yes. Very busy,’ she lied.
‘Then let me cut to the chase. I need you to design 12 veils for now. The number will obviously increase in the coming days but for now let’s work on 12. Can we meet in about a week for you to get acquainted with the brides?’
The woman’s voice was filled with excitement. Not really the vibe Shona was hoping for on this particular day.
‘Who exactly are you?’
‘Gosh, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Felicity Swanson of Perfect Weddings. I’m a wedding planner and 12 of my brides want a veil made bytheShona Shah,’ she explained.
‘I don’t understand,’ Shona said softly.
‘Shona, do you mind if I call you Shona? Are you kidding me? You designed a veil for one of the biggest influencers and now everyone wants one,’ said Felicity.
‘Influencer?’ Shona repeated.
‘Yes, Ulla D. She’s the biggest makeup influencer on social media. Her wedding was one of the largest of the year and shewore one of your veils,’ Felicity explained.
Shona remembered Ulla. She was an influencer? And a successful one? She was shy and very unsure of herself. Shona had practically been obliged to choose the veil for her.
‘Shona, are you still there? Can we meet in about a week? I have your email address. We can make a time and I’ll send you an appointment notice with all the details,’ Felicity continued.
‘Okay,’ Shona replied.
‘See you soon, Shona,’ Felicity said, then hung up.
Shona looked at the phone in her hand. Did that just happen? Did she wake up this morning and fall into some alternate universe?
Her phone pinged: a message from Sen.
Can I choose supper tonight?
Shona smiled and typed back:
I’m only accustomed to fine dining…like chicken nuggets.
As soon as the message was sent, her phone rang.
‘Shona, I draw the line at chicken nuggets. I’m a man who needs real supper.’
‘Tell me what you want and I’ll make it. I’m actually home so I have time,’ she replied.
‘Home? Are you ill?’
Shona felt tears form in her eyes. ‘No. I’m just home. So, what do you want?’
Sen was silent for a few seconds before saying, ‘I’m in charge of supper tonight. You just relax and I’ll see you later.’
‘Sounds good,’ Shona replied.
‘And Shona?’
‘Yes, Sen.’
