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Fran rushed in holding a white garment bag in her arms. “Here it is.”
Fran helped Colleen out of the blue dress.
Stella unzipped the garment bag and removed a light lemon yellow, chiffon gown. She shook it out and held it up, turning it around on the hanger. It was a one-shouldered, A-line dress with a tight bodice and a full, flouncy skirt. A belt made of rhinestones circled the waist. “Yes, this is the one.”
Colleen couldn’t wait to try it on.
Fran took the dress from Stella and helped Colleen into it.
“Do you like it?” Stella asked, her head tilted.
“Yes,” Colleen gushed, looking at her reflection. “It’s the prettiest dress I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s gorgeous,” Fran added.
Stella pinched the waist. “We’ll have to take it in a bit at the waist, but that’s all.”
A soft knock at the door. Was someone bringing another dress?
“Come in,” Stella said.
“Excuse me,” Natalie said, peeking around the door. “Mr. O’Connor is here for Colleen.”
“Tell him we’re almost done,” Stella said, giving a final look at the dress. She looked up at Colleen with a wide smile. “I’d like to give you this dress as a gift.”
A gift? This dress was way too expensive to be gifted. “Umm…Finn wanted to pay for it.”
“No,” Stella said with a firm shake of her head. “Molly is my friend and Finn is someone I care about. Please allow me this favor.”
She wasn’t sure Finn would agree to this offer. He’d been adamant about wanting to buy a dress for her. “You’ll have to talk to Finn.”
“Fran,” Stella said. “Find shoes and a clutch purse for Colleen. I’ll be with Finn. By the way, no jewelry with this dress. That’s an order,” she said over her shoulder as she left.
“Yes, ma’am,” Colleen said, giving a small salute. She dressed quickly while Fran organized the dresses on the rack. Colleen ran her hand over the dress one last time before Fran zipped up the garment bag. For the first time, she was excited for the gala, and proud to wear such a stunning gown. “Thank you. I appreciate all your help.”
“My pleasure. You’ll be a knockout. Make sure Natalie has your contact information and we’ll text you when the dress is ready. Stella is also sending her favorite stylists to your place to do your hair and makeup.”
“Wow. That’s generous, but it’s not necessary.”
“She insisted. And you never refuse Stella.”
“Okay, then. Bye, Fran,” Colleen said, leaving the dressing room.
“Right this way, Ms. Murphy,” Natalie said, guiding Colleen to a reception desk. “If you’ll fill out this online form, we’ll be able to contact you about the dress and deliver any other messages Stella has for you.”
Colleen entered her information on the tablet.
A tall blonde entered the store, dressed in a designer suit with heavy jewelry, sunglasses, and killer stilettos. She looked like a caricature of a spoiled, rich woman.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Natalie said, scurrying away to assist the customer.
The mystery woman became increasingly angry. “What do you mean, Stella isn’t free? I’m here for my final fitting.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Dalton,” Natalie said, “but Stella has a very important client and was unexpectedly delayed. She’s suggested you work with her assistant until she’s free. If you’ll come with me, please.” Natalie gestured for the woman to follow her.
The woman stomped off behind Natalie, giving Colleen a scrutinizing once-over as she passed by, and concluding her inspection with a smirk. Colleen instantly recognized that she’d been assessed, found lacking, and dismissed. This woman had probably never spent one day working or struggling to make ends meet. Colleen kept her eyes on the woman as she entered the dressing room.
“Ah, here she is,” Stella said, walking with Finn toward Colleen. He was dressed casually in jeans and a blue shirt, but still managed to look at ease amidst all this opulence.
