AllFreeNovel
Share Us
You get what you pay for in this life, and David has no problems following instructions. I mention I’m bringing a female friend as well, so his wife knows to expect a new client.
I get a thumbs up from him, so I can give Krystal my full attention, quizzing her on what she likes most and least about anything and everything I can think of that’s photography-based, which I know isn’t much.
The drive to the city is a stretch longer than the airport. These new suburbs get further and further away every time they build them, but with some directions and the fortune of a decent parking spot, we’re at the tailor in time for their regular hours to be over.
“They won’t be closed?” Krystal asks, making an ‘O’ shape with her mouth when I tell her that we have an appointment already.
“We?” she asks further, waiting for me to get out of the car first for some reason.
“Yep,” I confirm.
“By way of thanks for everything today,” I explain. Trying hard still not to take her hand or put my arm around her once she’s within range.
It feels like the most natural thing for me to do, but I remind myself that although I’m close, I’m way off from staking my claim let alone claiming her as my own just yet.
She misses my look, which I know is filled with longing for her.
She’s distracted by the sheen of the gold-colored awnings and shining brass fixtures out front of my favorite and only tailor.
“Daphne’s waiting for you,” I murmur, holding the door open, noticing the smiling pair waiting by the doorway to greet us.
“This is Krystal Carter,” I let them know. “She’ll need to be measured and fitted with an outfit for every occasion, but we’ll need something for dinner wear this evening,” I remark.
The oldest of the pair, an eager and astute Daphne nods patiently with a smile. Letting me know she understands without another word what I want.
A wardrobe for my queen, and with no expense to be spared.
“And for you, Mr. Mason?” David asks, playing his part to perfection and making me feel good to be able to be me for a change.
“I’ll need some casual wear and something a little dressy for dinner as well,” I remark, looking down at what I’m currently wearing.
He doesn’t bat an eyelid, only ushers me through to the men’s side of the business as I give Krystal a reassuring nod to follow Daphne for her own fitting.
“Something to snack on would be great, David,” I add quietly, knowing that if I’m a little weak from hunger, Krystal must be feeling the same.
Before starting with the clothes, he lifts a handset and murmurs some instructions. His hanging up is all I need to know that it’s all taken care of.
Within ten minutes a couple of trays of sushi arrive with chilled mineral waters.
“Excellent choice,” I remark to my tailor, who gives a little bow as he smiles.
I watch the other tray disappear towards Krystal, hoping she likes fish.
Raw fish at that. I never even thought to ask.
Bringing out a selection of old favorites of mine, I let David know which I’ll take now and which to send out to the house.
“Your house?” he whispers, really reading ahead in the situation.
“Uh, actually. No,” I tell him quietly, scratching the address on the back of one of the business cards he has in holders placed around the boutique.
“Very good,” he comments. “And dinner? Do you have reservations anywhere?” he asks.
“Got me again, there.” I have to admit.
I’ve been so distracted with Krystal I hadn’t even thought about it.
“Fellini’s, seven-thirty?” he suggests, carefully hanging a suit jacket and reaching for the handset again, making my mind up for me as I nod with satisfaction.
Fellini’s will be perfect.
If this dynamic duo weren’t so busy, so successful with their own business, I’d hire them full time.
I’ve already asked a half dozen times over the years, but no. They’re too much in love with what they do and it shows.
What would I have them do if they did come work for me?
Who cares, they’d do it so well they could just say hi and bye to me every morning, setting out my clothes for all I care.
Between filling the gap in my hunger and picking out what I’ll wear tonight, I can’t help but wonder what Krystal’s choosing.
Admitting to myself that this is probably as much a treat for me as it is for her, but she can have this every day if she wants.
And a thousand times more, without ever having to even ask.
Fortunately, I don’t have long to wait. My stuff’s easy to pick and choose from, with David having a ready supply on hand of what I usually want.
Without any warning, Krystal comes in, leaving me totally speechless.
