Chapter 31
-:- VICTORIA -:-
Once I had dropped Corey at school, I stopped by the bridal shop to try the fit of my suit. As I walk inside the shop, the seamstress Colleen greets me.
We quickly get down to trying on the dress. “The fit is perfect. I don’t think it could have fit you any better than it does, Victoria. Take a look in the mirrors.” Colleen points to one end of the fitting room where a mirror is on either wall. It gives you a back and front view of what you are wearing.
Perfect. She’s right. The dress fits beautifully, and the jacket gives it the look I need for the wedding. The dress itself I can wear to go out for restaurant meals, or just as a summer dress. I really love it.
“It’s gorgeous, Colleen. Can I take it with me today?” I ask, hoping that I can, because I don’t want to have to come back before the wedding.
“Yes, take it off and I’ll wrap it for you.”
I quickly remove the jacket and dress, check out the shoes that Colleen had handed to me, and get dressed in my black pants and blouse that I’d picked for working in today.
After paying the balance on the outfit, I give Colleen a hug of thanks and carry the box to the truck. I’m hoping Chaos will get me the SUV soon so he can have his vehicle on hand again. I know he swaps from his bike to the truck depending on what he has going on, and me having the truck could be a problem.
I’m feeling happy and excited as I walk into Specs’ office a short while later. “Good morning, Specs.”
Specs turns and gives me a crooked grin, “Well, aren’t you a happy one this morning?”
“I am. I’ve just collected my outfit for the wedding.” I place my purse on one side of my desk and take my seat. Rubbing my hands together ready to get started.
“Are you not going to show me?” Specs asks with amusement in his voice. I laugh while shaking my head that nope, I definitely am not showing him.
My mind closes out everything around me as I delve into the code I’m writing. I love this part of my life. Coding engrosses my thoughts, and building something from nothing, it feels like creating a living being when I hit the key to give it life.
My codes are in demand due to the reliability and safety they possess. My experience includes working with banks, corporations, and small businesses. The club is like family to me, thanks to Chaos, so helping is easy for me.
I nibbled the sandwich that Specs placed at the side of me on the desk. I sip at the bottle of water, which is room temperature at this point. Specs doesn’t speak to me, knowing what it’s like to keep your concentration on the job at hand.
Sitting up straight and rubbing my lower back, I look over my shoulder at Specs. “I’m ready. Do you want me to send you the password for it now? Then, when you are satisfied you can launch it.”
“That would be great, Victoria.”
I write down the information Specs needs to get to the code as I’ve locked it down tight on the server. The last thing we need is anyone finding this code. I step over to Specs’ desk and place the note in front of him.
“Thanks. Go get a fresh drink and stretch your legs for a few minutes.”
I pat Specs' shoulder and walk out of the office, taking my warm bottle of water with me. I head into the kitchen and throw out the bottle before heading to the coffee machine.
“Are you having a good day, Bitty?” I ask as she’s working at the counter near where the coffee machine and I are.
“I’m okay, thank you for asking, Victoria.”
Now, I’m not sure why, but her quiet answer doesn’t sit well. I look at Amelia who is working alongside Meat. Sybil isn’t in the kitchen at this point. Stitch is sitting at a table working and making notes on a pad while reading a medical magazine.
Taking my coffee mug, I step closer to Bitty. “Bitty, are you okay?” I ask keeping my voice low.
Bitty looks at me and she has sadness in her eyes. “Yes, I’m okay. Are you ready for the wedding?”
“Well, I am sort of…” A thought flashes across my mind, and I look at Bitty, thinking this might be a good idea. “You know, I don’t have a mother to be with me in the morning, before the actual wedding.”
I pause and watch Bitty nodding, but not saying what I expected, which was her immediate offer to be a stand-in mother for the morning.
Amelia must have heard what I’d just said to Bitty as she steps closer and loudly offers. “I’ll be a stand-in mother for the morning.”
I see Bitty close her eyes and shrink into herself a little, and I turn, giving Amelia an honest smile. “No, thanks, Amelia. Bitty is going to do it for me. Aren’t you, Bitty?”
