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Each dress is prettier than the next, but simply making them bigger will have them hanging off me.
“Can I?” My hands reach for her iPad.
“Absolutely.”
“Can I install an app on here?”
“Sure.”
I find the Apple store and install a plus-size pattern app I use.
“If you load your patterns into this app, they will give you a few plus-size versions based on body type. I’m an hourglass shape. It tells you where to pinch the waist, and how much extra room is needed in the hips. You can customize bust and butt sizes, too.”
Victoria takes the iPad, and her face lights up, seeing what she can do.
“I love these tricks to slim a curvy body. I have a maternity brand that can benefit from this, too. Even for me.” She pats her tummy. “It’s getting harder and harder to lose weight after every baby.”
On her wrist, a shiny silver link bracelet with two baby bottle charms softly jingles. A closer look at Victoria’s outfit, I see hints of how she tries to hide baby weight after two kids.
“Victoria, do you have anything for tomorrow night?” Ash jumps in. “I’m sorry for the short notice.”
“I do.” She ducks into her storeroom and returns with a burgundy floor-length gown with black jeweled cap sleeves. “While plus-size isn’t a main part of my business, I think this will work with a few adjustments.”
“That is gorgeous, Victoria.” I don’t want to be crass and look at the price tag.
“Great. It was never picked up. It’s been months. Here, it’s yours for free.”
“I’ll pay you.” Ash reaches into his wallet.
“Keep your money. In fact, I told my father to buy an entire table for your fundraiser tomorrow night.”
The idea I’ll see this woman again perks me up.
But dread crawls into my throat having to try this dress on. It may say my size, but I can’t rely on itfitting me in the right places.
Victoria senses my anxiety, and with a pin cushion in hand, she says, “Come on, let’s make sure this looks fabulous on you.”
“Thank you so much, Victoria.”
She steers me to a viewing room that is befitting the price tag of her clothes with a posh sofa, and thick, sparkly wallpaper.
But also, a three-way mirror to show all my flaws, if I’m made to stand on the platform.
I slide into the dress behind a silk curtain that hangs from the ceiling. It’s zipped on the side and pinched at the waist exactly where I need it.
When I come out, Victoria smiles.
“Not bad, huh? I don’t need to alter much. Just the length.” She steers me to the platform, and I don’t know if I’m staring at a trick mirror, but I feel beautiful.
I should have known a serious designer would take meticulous care to make sure a plus-size client looked great.
“Shoe size?” she asks, browsing a rack of elegant heels. “I’m glad Ash found someone.”
“Seven, and it’s not like that.” I take a deep breath. “I sort of fibbed before. My portfolio isn’t being tweaked. My jerk ex-boyfriend is holding it ransom.” I hide my face. “I had to auction myself to pay for his legal fees or he won’t give them back.”
“That’s awful.” Victoria chooses a pair of black satin pumps and places them on the floor in front of me. “And illegal.”
I step into them. “He’s already in jail.”
