"That woman is dreadful, Maggie," the celebrity stated.
"She is a bit much," Maggie confirmed.
"But I have to admit I haven’t had so much fun in a long time,” she admitted gleefully.
"It’s not over yet." Maggie sighed. “While you’re here, let me show you the changes.”
"I’m so excited to see them," her eyes lit up with excitement.
Maggie showed her the changes and the new sketch, which the celebrity signed off on as soon as she saw the gown.
“Oh, my, Maggie!” she breathed. “It’s… It’s out of this world.”
“I’m glad you’re happy with it,” Maggie told her.
“Well, I’m ready to sign it off,” she told Maggie.
Once the documents were signed. Maggie locked it all away, then closed the closet that hid the safe.
Maggie placed it back in its sleeve.
“Maggie, I’m truly sorry for ever doubting you,” she told Maggie. “After meeting that dreadful woman…” She breathed. “I actually drove past her boutique earlier today.” She shuddered. “Goodness, there must be a way to completely close that place down. It was just one big den of copies.”
Maggie nodded and sighed. “I think after today, Vanessa won’t want to copy another design again.”
“Let’s hope so,” the celebrity said.
Maggie picked up the decoy sketch from where she had hidden it and set it back on the drafting table, at the same angle Vanessa had seen the first time. She added a few fresh pencil notes in the margin for good measure, then capped the pencil.
“If you could sign this one for me, please,” Maggie slid it toward her with a smile.
"Of course," her perfect bow mouth curved into a mischievous smile. “Let me authorize my wedding gown.”
They laughed before Maggie walked her out of the design room.
Out on the floor, Kevin and Vanessa had retreated to the small velvet sofa by the window where Maggie had her bridal clients sit. Michael was leaning against the counter, very deliberately not looking at Vanessa. He straightened the second the design room door opened.
"All sorted," Maggie announced brightly. "I am going to walk my client out. Could the three of you give me five more minutes? Go through to the office. I’ll be right behind you."
"Of course," Kevin agreed.
Vanessa was already on her feet.
Michael nodded and turned toward the design room as his phone rang. “Sorry, I have to take this. It’s a client.”
“You can take it in the break room,” Brianna informed him.
Michael nodded and walked toward the room while Vanessa and Kevin ducked into the design room.
Maggie walked the celebrity to the front door, with one bodyguard leading and the other two falling in behind. The third paused at the door, and the celebrity turned in the open doorway and laid one warm hand against Maggie's cheek.
"Make her pay, Maggie," the celebrity said quietly.
"I intend to," Maggie answered.
“Call me once it’s all done,” she made Maggie promise as they air-kissed goodbye.
The celebrity smiled and stepped out into the late morning sun.
