Addicted to you, p.16
Addicted to You, page 16
“Oh, Aimee, I’m so sorry.” Elin pulled her into a hug. “No worries, as my grandpop said, you are now part of the family.”
“I like that.”
“Good. Now I need to call my folks and tell them the good news as I am sure they have been waiting by the phone.”
“Not yet,” Aimee said. “I have other plans for us right now.”
“You do, do you? And may I ask what that is?”
“I’d rather show you.” Aimee stood and took Elin’s hand and led her into the bedroom.
Chapter Nineteen
The time had finally arrived. Elin and Sarah had worked long hours perfecting all the designs for today’s women. They also had added several evening gowns to the collection. In two short weeks Elin would know the fate of her lifelong dream. For six years, Bess allowed Elin to work to have her brand name, Elin, resonate in the fashion world. Standing behind the curtain as model after model strolled down the runway wearing her creations, she recalled the moment her brand became a reality…
Elin walked toward the store. She had been gone for ten days on her honeymoon after the wedding. The wedding had been everything she dreamed of. She smiled remembering Pops who had insisted that he be the one to walk Aimee down the aisle. All her family were in attendance. Aimee had called her mother and invited her family to the wedding, but none attended. Despite that, everyone had a wonderful time and the memories of the happy event still lingered as she walked into Boutique La René
“Elin, you’re back.” Bess gave her a tight squeeze. “I had such a good time at your wedding. The girls here are still talking about it.”
“It’s good to be back. I do have to admit I miss Cabo and the beaches. We were on the water so every night we went to sleep with the sound of the waves. It was very relaxing.”
“Which you so nicely reminded us all by the pictures you sent in emails.” Bess grinned. “Someday maybe Bill and I will go. Yeah right, all the kids and grandkids will want to go too.”
“You wouldn’t want it any other way, Bess.”
“No, I wouldn’t.” Bess gave her a Cheshire cat smile. “I have something to show you.”
“What? I finally have a new chair in my office?”
“Better.” Bess laughed. “Follow me.”
Elin followed Bess down the wall where all the samples from different designers were displayed. Above each collection was the designer’s name and Elin stopped and held her hand over her mouth when she saw a collection with the Elin name above it.
“Oh, Bess,” she said in awe.”
“I take it that you like it.”
“No, Bess, I love it. You did this for me?”
“Yes. I believe in you and your brand. In fact, we sold two of your suits while you were gone.”
“I can’t believe it.” Elin shook her head trying to take it all in.
“Now all you have to do is keep designing and adding to the collection. Mark my words, you will make it big in the fashion world.”
“From your lips to God’s ears,” Elin whispered. “I actually did some drawings while we were gone.” She grinned. “They have all been Aimee approved.”
“And how is the good doctor?”
“She is wonderful. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have her in my life, much less be married to her.”
“She told me almost the same thing at the wedding,” Bess said. “I am happy for you but unfortunately we have to get back to work. Your first client, Mrs. Truman, is due at ten thirty.”
“Thank you, Bess, for everything. Without your support I don’t know that,” she pointed to her name above them, “would ever have happened this soon.”
Bess hugged her again before they both went off in different directions.
†
Establishing the Elin brand among the Boutique La René clients had been a no-brainer, but new horizons were needed to move to the heady heights of reaching more than the clientele here. The question became, after three years as a brand, did she need to consider going out on her own to achieve it? Elin decided to surprise her wife and take her for a four-day weekend break to a ski resort that she’d been given a free pass to from one of her clients. It would give her time to think about her options. Aims could always be relied upon to give her sound advice. She was Elin’s rock in any storm and she loved her more and more each day.
†
When Elin returned to work on the following Tuesday, Bess gave her some wonderful news…
On one cold and bright January day, one of Bess’s clients that had been with her for years, Marie Baltz, came into the boutique.
“Marie, welcome,” Bess greeted her after Camille showed her to the office. “How have you and your family been?”
“Fantastic in all ways,” Marie gushed. “Did you see Kelly’s nomination?”
“Yes, I did.” Bess pictured Marie’s movie-star daughter who was just nominated for an Oscar. “Please tell her congratulations for me.”
“I will. How is your family, Bess?”
“They are all good. It’s hard to keep up with all their comings and goings. May I take your coat?” Bess stood behind the woman and helped her off with her coat before hanging it up. “Are you ready for your spring selection?”
“Yes, but I’d also like to make an appointment with your Elin for tomorrow.”
“Elin? Unfortunately, she’s away until Tuesday. Let me check her appointment schedule for next week” Bess consulted the computer. “Hmm, the only thing open is first thing Wednesday, at nine o’clock. Will that work?”
“Give me a moment to text my daughter and see if she is available then.”
Bess watched her client tap on her phone as it dawned on her why they wanted an appointment. When Marie turned to her, Bess held her breath.
“Yes, Kelly can be here at that time.”
“Excellent. May I ask what she is looking for so Elin can prepare for her?”
Marie grinned. “She needs a gown for the Oscars and I told her all about your upcoming designer Elin and she wanted me to make an appointment. Kelly said that anyone can show up in a de la Renta, Versace, or Wang and she wanted something different and unique.”
“If that is what she wants, then Elin is the right designer for her.”
†
Elin sat at her desk trying to calm her nerves. In the years that Elin had worked at Boutique La René her clients and those of the others were CEOs, senators, entrepreneurs, governors, and other positions in the country. One of Elin’s clients had a minor role in a television series but no one had been a genuine Hollywood A-list movie star. Until now. A knock on the door had her heartbeat increasing.
“Come in.” Elin stood and went to the door.
“She’s here,” Camille said. “Are you ready for me to bring her back?”
“Sure, show her in.”
“She’s even more beautiful than she is in the movies,” Camille said as she left.
The next knock had Elin’s heart racing. She took a deep breath and opened the door. “Ms. Baltz, it is good to meet you.” Elin held out her hand and was surprised by the warmth and strength of Kelly Marie Baltz’s handshake.
“It is my pleasure to meet you Elin…may I call you Elin?”
“Of course.” Elin was confused. Wasn’t she the one who asked that question? “Please come in and tell me how I can help you.”
“I have an idea of what I want, but it is hard to explain,” Kelly said.
“Why don’t you tell me what you were thinking and we will work together to make it happen.”
An hour later they had the makings of the gown Kelly had envisioned.
“I think I have an idea now, Kelly. Do you think you could return tomorrow afternoon? I should have a refined drawing and we can tweak it some if you like it.”
“Well, let me see.” Kelly pulled out her phone and looked at it. “I can’t come back until around five thirty at the earliest. Six would probably be better.”
“I can be here then but I won’t be able to stay more than forty-five minutes. I have plans go with my wife to a hospital function at seven thirty.”
Kelly had a perplexed look. “How long will it take to make the gown?”
“If we come to an agreement on what you want in the way of the gown, and the type of material you’d like, then we can get done in around four weeks, which will give you plenty of time before the Oscars. Once we know all the particulars, then we will do measurements and purchase the material. Since this is a custom piece we will require several fitting dates so it will be perfect for you.” Elin smiled. “I know it is overwhelming at first but we will make the process as easy as possible for you. I’ll even come to your home if that is necessary.” Elin held her breath.
“That sounds reasonable to me. The Oscars are at the end of February. Will you have enough time?”
“You will be my priority.”
“And the cost?”
“If you will mention Elin designs when you are on the red carpet and any other time that you are asked about your gown, there will be no cost.”
Kelly stood and held out her hand. “Then it is a deal. I will sign any papers necessary tomorrow afternoon. I will try to be here as soon as I can.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Elin said, shaking the offered hand. “I look forward to working with you, Kelly. I will show you out.”
Kelly went on to win the Academy Award and made sure that everyone knew about Elin’s designs. It didn’t take long before new clients were coming into Boutique La René that had the exclusive rights to the Elin line of clothes.
Chapter Twenty
“Elin, Elin over here.” The designer turned before she went backstage and smiled as a flash went off.
“Elin,” the reporter said following her. “One more question, what do you attribute your successful show to?”
She stopped and considered the question. “There were many events that lead to this night but the two defining moments were when Bess Matthews hired me at Boutique La René and when Kelly Marie Baltz wore my creation to the Oscars.”
Elin basked in the glow of the success as her first major show featuring the ELIN line of clothing concluded. The reception following the showing included dignitaries, friends, models, fashion reporters, and other well-wishers. She turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Bess, can you believe it?” Elin embraced her friend who was instrumental in arranging and running the show. “This never would have happened without you.”
“Elin, I am so proud of you.” Bess stepped back and gave her protégée a once over. “You are glowing. Success agrees with you.”
“It agrees with you too, Bess, I don’t—”
Bess interrupted by patting Elin’s hand. “You were always destined for this.” She extended her hand to the woman by Elin’s side. “It’s good to see you again, Doctor.”
“You too, Bess, you do know I have a name beyond doctor, right?” Aimee took the proffered hand, grinned, and raised her glass. “If you two will excuse me, I will get us all refills.” Aimee kissed Elin’s cheek. “Be right back.”
Bess turned back to Elin. “Things have been so crazy these past months with you off-site putting the final touches on your designs that I keep forgetting to tell you who came in to the shop asking for you when you were away on your ski weekend. ”
“Who?”
“Your very first client…what was her name?”
“Marissa Banks.” Elin answered immediately and virtually choked on her breath, straightened, gulped deeply, and searched the crowd for Aimee. “Really?” Her eyes kept looking for her wife.
“She harassed Camille, demanding to see you. When I came out to see what the problem was, she told me she would only do business with you. She acted like you were her personal property, demanding to know where you were.” Bess’ derisive laugh made Elin look directly at her.
“What do you mean?” She saw Aimee making her way toward them and Elin let out a breath.
“There was no way I was going to tell her anything about you. I never did like her, and thought even less of her when she tried to intimidate Camille and myself into revealing where you were. Now mind you, I wanted to tell her about your upcoming show, but I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction.”
Elin’s body calmed as Aimee appeared and placed an arm around her.
“You two look way too serious for such a wonderful day. What’s going on?”
Elin eased back into Aimee’s reassuring arm. “Nothing, we were just talking about old times.” She looked wistfully around the room. “It’s kinda hard to believe this is real.”
“Oh, it is,” Bess said, patting Elin’s arm. “And, you deserve every minute of it, dear, so relax and enjoy the ride.”
“I will, Bess, thank you for not only all the time and hard work you put into making this a success, but for the faith and trust you put in me over the years. This never would have happened without you.”
When Elin saw the publicist Bess had hired waving at her, she sighed. “No rest for the weary. I need to mingle. Please excuse me.”
Bess watched Elin walk away before turning to Aimee. “For a time in the early days, I was really worried about her.” She touched Aimee’s arm. “Thank you for coming into her life. She’s blossomed so much since meeting you, and I know it’s you and only you.” Bess smiled.
Aimee nodded. “It works both ways. She’s made a big difference in my life. I don’t know how I existed before she came along.”
“You are a perfect couple.” Bess saw Aimee’s eyes focus on Elin.
“What were you two talking about? I can tell something is bothering her.”
“We were just talking about our clients.” Bess swallowed hard. She didn’t know if Aimee knew about Marissa Banks and she certainly wasn’t going to spill the beans.
“Will you excuse me, Bess?”
“Certainly.” Bess watched Aimee thread through the crowd toward Elin.
†
Elin finally allowed herself to relax as satisfaction crept over her face while she shook the hand of the last guest to leave. Brenda Baxter, her assistant, scurried around the room picking up glasses and plates.
“Brenda, leave those. The caterers will take care of them tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
“Yep, why don’t you go home, and I will see you on Monday.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.”
“I am, now get going.”
“Have I told you lately how much I love you and how proud I am of you?” Aimee wrapped her arms around her waist.
“Hmm, I think I heard you say that about,” Elin answered, lifting her arm and looking at her wristwatch, “five hours ago.”
Aimee nestled closer and kissed Elin’s neck. “So, what were you and Bess talking about that got you so upset?”
Elin pulled Aimee’s hands apart then turned to face her wife. “She said Marissa had been in six months ago looking for me.”
“Well that would be a mood buster. What else did she say?” Aimee laughed sarcastically.
“Not much really.” Elin’s eyes saddened. “Will she ever go away? It’s been years since either of us heard from her and here, on my big day, she’s back.”
“Remember we have our support group.” Aimee pulled Elin closer, so she rested on her shoulder.
“I do remember, darling. You gave me hope and love when I thought I didn’t deserve it.” Elin kissed Aimee. “Thank you for saving me.”
“I think it was mutual. Come on, let’s go home and celebrate privately.”
Elin took Aimee’s hand and together they left for their home.
†
Elin opened her eyes and stretched. The night before was a wonderful success. All her dreams for becoming a fashion designer had come true. Her eyes tracked to the empty pillow beside her.
“Aimee?”
“Good morning, beautiful.” Aimee came into the bedroom carrying a tray laden with breakfast. “Bet you’re hungry this morning. I have all your favorites.”
Sitting up with a pillow propped behind her back, Elin’s eyes grew wide as Aimee placed a tray over her lap. “Who else is joining us?”
“Not to worry, my dear, I know you can eat it all.” She gave Elin a quick kiss before she moved around to the other side of the bed. “Mind if I join you?” Snuggling up close to Elin, she snagged a piece of toast before picking up the paper. “Shall we see what’s exciting in the fashion section of the newspaper?” She flipped through the various sections before dramatically opening the style section.
“Come on, let me see too,” Elin begged.
“All in good time, darlin’.” Aimee positioned the paper away from Elin’s view and smiled slyly.
“So, what does it say?”
“Well, there is an interesting article on how to dress appropriately for a wedding.” She continued to peruse the page. “Oh, and there’s one here about some new designer.”
“Aimee!”
Aimee leaned over and kissed Elin’s cheek. “Since you asked so nicely, I will read it to you.”
Has Elin Prescot arrived? Has she crossed the threshold from promising newcomer into a style establishment? Those uncertain of her fate when they turned up Saturday afternoon at her first big runway show had only to glance at the parade of models in stylish fashions to make up their minds. The new darling of the fashion world is sure to be a favorite of not only the business world but of the ladies’ lunch set too. Her designs are fresh, affordable classics, with a bit more of an edge than Ralph Lauren. For the winter season, she focused on party dresses of the breezy romantic variety, but for the spring has branched out into daywear. She has married light-weight leg-elongating trousers with tiny knit sweaters, and added adorable drop-waist dresses in breezy cotton-silk that look just right with flat sandals. When Prescot came out the end of the show for her bow, a standing ovation greeted her as the models made one last lap down the runway. The accolades that will come to this talented young lady are all well-deserved. The mass appeal of the line should have Prescot’s ever-growing following coming back for more. To see more, visit Boutique La René.
