AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Seven
Good plans always havea way of going south. Austin looked across the street and it appeared that everyone was aware of his plan to announce what his business was. That was the only reason he could account for the lingering crowd across the street in Claudia’s shop. There was no way that many people were having a baby or even knew of one. Austin thought there was more milling around Claudia’s shop than zombies in a zombie movie.
When he walked into the store a silence blanketed the shop. The sea of people parted and gave him a clear path to Claudia.
“Jillian?” he asked.
Claudia leaned in closer to his ear.
“You’re making a good choice doing this,” she congratulated him.
Claudia gave him a smile and nodded towards the back of the store. He wondered if that would be the last smile, he would ever receive from her. Austin pushed his worries away when he saw Jillian in the back. She was putting away supplies in plastic containers. He knocked on the frame of the door and Jillian looked up at first surprise and then with a healthy dose of suspicion in her face.
“Aren’t you in the wrong place?” she said testily.
“I’m in the right place and you are the right woman. I thought you might want to take a trip with me.”
“A trip? My Mama taught me better than to take a trip with good looking men.”
“Even if it’s your neighbor?” Austin said with a smile.
“When you say that before? You kids need to learn how to lead with the right things. Let’s go so I can see what kind of mischief you’re up to.”
Jillian walked through the crowd like a queen. When she got to the door it was opened by Sasha.
“Do I know you?” Jillian asked looking at Sasha.
“Not yet but a strong woman like you who can get Austin here to give you the private first tour I’m sure we will get to know each other. I’m Sasha Lipanzi, seamstress extraordinaire and fashion critic.”
“That’s right. Claudia is a big fan of yours. Aren’t you part of a trio? I could have sworn she’s always going on and on about the Witches of Stitches?”
Sasha grinned.
“I am one of those witches. The other two are my sisters,” she said happily.
Jillian smiled.
“I have to say you look amazing for a witch and I’m glad to make your acquaintance. Claudia will be so pleased. What made you decide to come here?” Jillian asked.
No one said anything and still I just turned and gave a sly look toward Austin. Jillian smiled.
“It seems as though Austin is trying to work his charm on everyone,” Jillian commented. “Well, go forward Mr. charisma. Sell me on this idea but you’ve decided to go all in with. I assume it has something to do with what Claudia does.”
When Austin saw that Jillian was open to his words his smile widen and he hoped he didn’t look like the joker.
“I’ve always worked in fashion but one of the things that I have really never liked about it is how it seems to only happen in the city. My vision is to draw the fashions of women who are everyday women who still want to look beautiful. To do that I need some amazing people around me.”
“Ahh, so I guess that’s where Claudia comes in right?” Jillian said.
“Actually, I was thinking that is where you and Claudia come in. I know that’s the reason why Claudia’s business is so successful is because you are a great salesperson. I believe that Claudia is an amazing creator but the way she presents her product isn’t always to its best advantage. I’m hoping to give her a place to be creative and give me the opportunity to draw beauty every day.”
