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“I’ll see if Victoria can meet with you.” Charmaine clears her throat and glides to the back of the store.
“I’m so sorry.” Ash cups my cheek. “I know the designer. Her father and mine do business together. He’s an asshole, too, but Victoria is genuine. She wanted her own career.”
He speaks like she’s special to him.
“Ash?” a friendly voice calls out as a woman with blonde hair, black trousers, and a red satin blouse strides toward us. “Is there a problem?”
“Yeah, there is. Charmaine insulted my guest, a customer.”
Victoria glances at me and swivels around to face the other woman. “Collect your things and get out.”
“What?” Charmaine gasps. “You didn’t even askme what happened?”
“I know you well enough. I’ve heard you make comments about customers in the past after they left. We discussed this before. Clearly, you haven’t learned anything. I’ve known Ash for years. He wouldn’t make a fuss for nothing. I said leave. Or do you want me to make a video that will go viral all over social media about how you’re rude and biased?”
My breathing goes ragged, seeing all the lives I’m affecting.
“You don’t have to fire her because of me.” I step forward. “Bernadette Armstrong. I design plus-size fashion. Better to educate the sales force on how to dress someone my size.”
“Really?” Victoria gives me a once-over. “Can I see your portfolio?”
My eyes slip closed. “It’s being tweaked. I can send it to you...in a month or so. This is one of the dresses.” I hold up my phone and show her the cerulean gown Ford loved.
“This is breathtaking.” Victoria covers her mouth with a hand that draws my attention.
A huge diamond and matching wedding band blind me.
“That is gorgeous, baby.” Ash gushes at me. “Did you make this dress yet?”
“No. But I sourced the fabrics.” I glance at Victoria. “From a mill in Texas. Made in the USA.”
Victoria takes the phone from me and pinches the screen to get a closer look. “What kind of darts are those?”
“Double-pointed. They’re more flattering than French darts.” I glance at Charmaine, who said I had a lot to learn.
Victoria tracks my gaze to see her sales clerk rolling her eyes.
“Take the rest of the day off,” Victoria says to Charmaine. “If you want to come back, adjust your attitude. You treat my customers,all of them, with respect, or you can find another job.”
“Okay, Victoria.” Charmaine bows her head. “Thank you.”
“Ahem,” Ash clears his throat and points to me.
“I’m sorry, miss.” She doesn’t wait for my acknowledgment and leaves.
“What canIshow you?” Victoria practically twirls, proud of her store.
This... I want this...
“Bernie is going to this month’s galas with me.” Ash winds his arm around me. “She needs several dresses.”
“I know all the events. I used to go to them with my father. Come with me.” Victoria strolls toward the back of her store.
My heart sinks because I’m betting anything my size is shoved back here.
But she goes to the sales desk and takes out an iPad. She taps it with a stylus and turns it around.
“I have these dresses being made right now in my production warehouse in Brooklyn. Let me take your measurements, and I’ll have a set made up just for you.”
