rewards.”
Growing up, Josie had put herself out there for friends. Many times. The results—those had always been the same. This table is taken. Our study group is full. There’s no room in the car, maybe you can come next time. Eventually, Josie had sought refuge among the books in the library and counted the days until she’d step out of the foster system and into her own life.
But this wasn’t the moment to let old wishes interfere. The only old that signified: antique sequined lace. Besides, alone was what Josie knew best. Time to focus on the bride. “How did you and Ryan meet?”
“Through friends of friends.” Adriana smoothed her napkin across her lap. “Although it was slightly more complicated. There were missed opportunities to meet. Schedule conflicts. Blind dates, but not with each other. Until finally, everything aligned at a hotel bar in Chicago, oddly enough. He was there for a conference. I was there for a buyers’ symposium.”
There was nothing complicated about how Josie had met Theo. He’d walked into her store, judged her unworthy, then tried to dismiss her. Josie had refused to be dismissed. She shifted her gaze toward Theo as the server delivered their meals. Was Theo regretting that decision now?
“Then they fell in love, got engaged and here we are now.” Theo waved his fork as if pushing aside the details. “Ready to discuss my sister’s potential wedding gown.”
Potential. Josie had to work harder. Impress Theo and earn Adriana’s trust. First, she needed the details. Those would surely spark her own inspiration. She’d always had a weakness for a good love story. “How would you describe the love between you and Ryan?”
“Don’t you want to know her favorite color instead?” Theo asked. “Or if she has allergies to certain fabrics? Or what dress length she prefers?”
Josie frowned at him.
Theo sighed and bit into his sandwich. He gestured with his sandwich, as if giving Josie permission to continue the questioning her way.
Had Josie really wanted to hold his hand earlier?
“It’s the kind of love that fills you with starlight and sunbeams. The kind of love that makes you smile even when you’re exhausted and at your lowest.” Adriana glanced at her engagement ring as if the secret was encased in her round-cut diamond.
Josie had felt that kind of love in every all-inclusive hug from Mimi.
“Have you ever experienced this kind of love?” The sigh in Adriana’s voice was the kind that wobbled around good tears…happy tears.
Theo set his unfinished sandwich on his plate and shifted toward Josie as if suddenly invested in the conversation.
“I haven’t, but my clients have.” Josie shook her head and pushed the spinach leaves around her plate. She’d imagined she had that sort of love when she’d recited her marriage vows. But it had never been real. Only a deceptive wish of her broken heart.
“But you want to find love like that one day, don’t you?” Adriana asked.
“I share the experience with my brides.” Josie speared a piece of chicken on her fork. A deep numbness had seized her chest during her divorce. Only then had she realized the truth: love required a part of herself that her childhood had damaged. She’d lost a piece of herself in each of the seven transitions to new foster homes. Her two failed adoptions had smashed her childish hope for parents to call Mom and Dad. Finally, Mimi’s sudden passing had splintered the last of Josie’s heart into unrecognizable pieces. Josie forced herself to smile and added an upbeat note to her voice. “Besides, my work fulfills me. I’m much too busy to even look for love.”
“Once again, Ms. Beck and I agree.” Theo toasted Josie once more.
“Well, I highly recommend falling in love.” Adriana touched her ring and everything about the woman turned blissful, from her green eyes to her soft smile to her relaxed posture. “It’s much better than being alone.”
“I’ll take your word on that.” Josie would let Adriana have love with all its starbursts and sun rays. After all, what did a damaged heart like Josie’s know about a love like that? Josie claimed her knife. “You’re going to be a gorgeous, unforgettable bride.”
“Only if Adriana has an actual wedding dress.” Theo tossed his napkin on his empty plate. A deep frown settled on his face, his focus transitioning from the table to the entrance. “But it appears work has followed us here.”
Adriana turned around and waved at a trio of men. “Barry, Nolan and Timmy recorded their initial footage of me this morning at the offices, then they filmed me at the store. Now it’s your turn, Theo.”
Theo’s frown etched into an even deeper scowl. He stopped the waitress, asked for their bill and stuck cash into the portfolio.
Josie tracked the men. The tallest and leanest held a video camera and an endearing smile. The youngest adjusted a slouchy maroon beanie on his head and worked not to bump his equipment against the other café guests. “Why are you being filmed?”
“It’s a possible business venture. Nothing to concern yourself with.” Theo tucked his wallet in his back pocket and stood. “You’re going to be too busy making the perfect exclusive gown for Adriana. One suitable for a Taylor bride.”
Josie looked at Adriana. The woman’s bright smile only increased Josie’s confusion. Theo had labeled her designs nice and now expected Josie to create an original gown. Josie scrambled to collect her purse and rushed after Theo. He’d already motioned to the men, directing the group back toward the street, his long strides taking him farther away from Josie. Outside, on the sidewalk, she said, “Just to clarify. I’m making Adriana’s wedding dress.” You are choosing nice. You are choosing me.
“I’d like two prototypes by this Sunday.” His unwavering gaze landed on Josie, pinning her in place. He added, “Is that feasible?”
“Yes.” Sunday was four days away. Sunday was her one day to catch up on her projects. Sunday just became another opportunity to prove herself. To be more than nice. “Should I schedule the follow-up appointment with your admin?”
Adriana breezed onto the sidewalk, organizing her shopping bags. She squeezed Josie’s arm with her free hand. “We’ll come to you for a private fitting. That will be fun.” With that, Adriana slipped away to talk to the small film crew.
Josie’s gaze collided with Theo’s and held. Questions bounced against her teeth. Why are you playing me? You don’t even like me. “I look forward to Sunday.”
Theo nodded, then turned, gathering his sister and the three men like a coach calling together his best players. Josie stood outside the café…alone. Inside, her uncertainty and determination battled for control.
She had only four days and her entire afternoon was already booked. Five appointments for winter formal-gown alterations and one to measure for a business suit. She needed to find more time. And standing in place solved nothing.
Josie headed in the opposite direction of the Taylors and the film crew, working her way through the tourists and local lunch crowd. Ahead of her, a children’s store claimed an entire street corner, inviting shoppers of all ages to drop in and look around.
Sequined hats, fancy
