Page 75 of Parker
By the end of the day, though, I’m exhausted.
Imelda appears again to order yet another outfit. She’s become a regular customer since we opened, commissioning pieces every other week and bringing in bits and pieces for alterations. She struts through the door, looking as glamorous as always.
My ex-mother-in-law has been showing up more and more. I haven't received an apology per se for the false accusations made against me by Ebony. But, she’s never been nicer – complimenting my work and my tenacity. Only last week she commented that she wishes she had the drive I had to work at something they love.
“Nicky, darling,” she coos, embracing me in what is her new normal. “I’m in a dreadful pickle. Next week, I have an important charity dinner. Everyone will be there, and I’ve nothing to wear.”
I giggled at my ex-mother-in-law. She expects me to believe that.
“That dress in your window,” she says, pointing her perfectly manicured nail to a long blue chiffon dress I made as a sample. “Could you alter that to fit me?”
“Of course, but you have your own fashion house. I very much doubt you’re short of options.”
Her eyebrows lift, and she smiles. “Yes, but my fashion house doesn’t have my favorite stylist working there, now does it?”
Standing in the middle of the shop, she turns to Boyd behind her. “Lock the door,” she orders, then lifted her cream summer dress over her head. “Measure me.”
After three hours of measurements, adaptations, and alterations, Imelda stands wearing my creation. She looks incredible.
“Yes, this will do,” she trills. “Thank you, darling.”
She reaches into her bag and pulls out a rectangular piece of card, handing it to me. The Parker crest proudly embossed at its center.
“Let Boyd know how much I owe you for the dress. He will sort you out.” She taps the card in my hand. “Think about it. I hope you make the right decision. There will be people in attendance who can help you.”
I place the card on the counter, resolving to return to it later when no spying eyes are watching.
Parker Industries Charity Garden Party
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Parker Fashion House, Glasgow
2pm
The team would like to invite you along to sample the best cuisine and drink the city has to offer. There will be a fashion show and a charity auction.
All proceeds go to Action Against Knife Crime. Our organization is working to stop knife crime on Glasgow City Streets. Find out more at www.AAKCGlasgow.com.
I laugh out loud. The Parker family is campaigning against the back-alley violence their thugs partake in. The irony is breathtaking. But Imelda is right. Everyone who is everyone will be there. My phone rings. The name Boyd flashes onto the screen.
“Hello, Boyd. I want nothing for the dress.”
“Mrs. Parker, thanks you for your generosity,” he replies. “But that’s not why I’m calling. She wanted to offer you two places on the catwalk if you decide to come to the garden party. A chance to get your work in front of people who count.”
“Why would she do that?” I mutter, and he chuckles.
“Forgive me for speaking out of turn,” he says, “but Imelda thinks a lot of you and your work. She’s saddened by how everything has turned out. This is her way of helping you up theladder, back to where you were before this all happened.” He’s never called her by her first name in front of me before, and the familiarity surprises me.
“I’ll think about it,” I say and quickly put the phone down.
***
My soft pink dress fits just below my expanding bust, then flows gracefully over my curves. At four and a half months pregnant, I’m not showing, but there is a fullness to me that wasn’t there before. He’ll be there today, I know it. I wonder if she’ll be there too.
His partner, Ebony. My nemesis. The woman who took me down.
Boyd told me he would send a car for Sophie and me. It’s due to arrive in ten minutes. My friend looks incredible in a floral fitted dress and kitten heels.
