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“It’s just . . . well, it’s easier to remove extra material than add it in. The dress is a perfect fit right now and anything can happen in six weeks.”
“Are you actually stupid?” she snaps, getting Cruella’s attention.
She rushes over. “Is everything okay?” The bride-to-be wastes no time listing my incompetency, and Cruella glares at me. “Take a break,” she hisses. “I’ll take over.”
I roll my eyes and sigh, marching over to the front desk and opening the appointment book. I have back-to-back clients all day, so it’s a welcome rest. The shop doorbell tinkers and I look up into the eyes of the man I love. “Nate,” I murmur.
He smiles, leaning on the counter to reach across and gently stroke his thumb over my cut cheek. “Nasty,” he whispers. “How are you?”
I glance at Cruella nervously. “I’m at work, Nate, what do you want?”
“It’s about work actually. Mum told Rebecca what an amazing dress designer you are, and I was wondering if you’d design hers?”
I’m already shaking my head before he’s finished. “It’s not a good idea.”
“Why? You’re brilliant, and she’s got some great ideas.”
“Because you know how I feel about you,” I hiss, as if he’s lost his mind. “And now you’re asking me to have consultations with your fiancée to talk about your wedding?”
“Come on, Bug, we went through this.”
“I’m sorry. I’m booked up, so it’s impossible.”
Cruella strides over, her smile firmly in place as she assesses Nate. “How can we help you?”
“I wanted Andi to design my fiancée’s dress, but she tells me she’s too booked up,” he replies glumly.
“Nonsense,” snaps Cruella, snatching the diary and flicking through. “I can move things around. How does tomorrow suit?” I glare at Nate, but he’s already grinning and nodding. “Fantastic. Andi, give this gentleman your hourly rate and an appointment card,” she orders.
CHAPTER FOUR
“You’ve been avoiding me,” says Beth accusingly, placing her hands on her hips. She’s standing in my bedroom doorway and glaring like an annoyed parent.
I laugh. “I have not. I saw you yesterday.”
“And then you ran out on me. And you didn’t come to dinner.”
“I told you, Dad wasn’t well.”
“He’s an alcoholic,” she snaps. “He’s never well.” I scowl, and she sighs. “Sorry,” she mumbles.
“I’ve had a hell of a day at work. Cruella was in top form and completely screwed me over. She squeezed your brother into my day tomorrow, and now, I’m pushed to the limit.”
Beth flops down on my bed. “Yeah, he said he went to see you.”
“I’m not sure I’m right for Rebecca. I have so much on, I’m worried I won’t give it my all. Maybe she should find someone else?”
Beth takes my hand and gives me a sympathetic smile. “Listen, I know how much you like Nate, and it must be hard to see him happy like this. But to him, you’re like a kid sister. He loves you, just not in that way.”
I snatch my hand away. “I know that!” I snap.
“So be happy for him,” she pleads.
“I am happy, Beth. I just have a busy schedule.”
“She’s practically family. You have to design her dress.”
“It’s like they want to torture me!” I yell, throwing my arms in the air.
