Chapter 37: Ellie’s Dress
Cassandra’s POV
I took a step back to admire the dress. Finally, after what seemed like countless hours of work, Ellie’s dress was finished. I’d followed her list of instructions to a fault. I double–checked the stitching to ensure there weren’t any flaws. I inspected the silk to ensure it hadn’t bunched or unraveled anywhere. And of course scanned the hand–stitched embroidery to make sure it was perfect.
I had to admit, although I’d been initially annoyed by Ellie’s long list of instructions and demands for the dress, the end product was superb. It was a glamorous gown, in a soft, cream–colored silk with a fitted, halter–style bodice covered in hand- embroidered, delicate designs in a rose gold.
The skirt was floor–length and full with several stiff crinoline, hand sewn to perfection. On the skirt, there was more embroidery cascading from the waist to the knee. It had an open back that scooped to the small of the back.
Needless to say, it wasn’t your average wedding dress. It had a pop of subtle color with the rose colored embroidery and the revealing back was more ‘sexy‘ than ‘traditional‘ bride. Given the scope of the dress, I could only imagine what her actual wedding would be like. Over the top and lavish, to be sure.
I wondered for a moment if Jordyn was really prepared for the price tag of Ellie’s dream wedding. But then again, he’d known her for a long time. The fact that she had champagne taste was surely no surprise to him I assumed.
So good riddance, I shrugged, finishing up my final inspection. I’d done my job – I’d provided the client with the wedding dress of her dreams. It didn’t matter who the client was, or at least, it shouldn’t matter. I snapped a few pictures of the dress to add to my portfolio. Then I called in my assistant, Lora.
Lora rushed into the studio, with Stella and a few other co–workers close behind. I hadn’t let anyone see the dress for a few days now while I put all the pieces together. I knew they were eagerly waiting for the big reveal.
“Ta–da!” I exclaimed, holding up the dress. Then I held my breath.
Everyone gasped. Perfect. That was exactly the reaction I was looking for.
“Holy shit, Cass,” Stella exclaimed. “It’s…it’s perfect.”
Everyone else agreed, nodding and remarking on the dress’s beauty.
“I mean, I knew it would be good, but you’ve REALLY outdone yourself. It’s just a shame it’s going to such a…”
I cut Stella off with a stern glare. We both detested Ellie but calling a client names in front our staff wasn’t professional./
“…difficult client,” Stella finished.
“She’ll be the most beautiful bride in the world,” a co–worker sighed.
“I can’t wait to get married,” another one gushed.
There was something about a wedding dress that brought out ‘bride envy‘ in all unmarried women it seemed. They weren’t just gushing over the dress; they were gushing over the fact that someone was getting married, and secretly lamenting the fact that it wasn’t them.
After everyone had a good look, I asked them to leave so Lora and I could get the dress wrapped up. Lora carefully packed the dress in a Hot House Flower bag, making sure not to wrinkle it. Then she slipped in our signature Hot House Flower gift. It was a special thing we did – all our custom orders came with a small gift. It could be a wardrobe satchel, or scented laundry bea even a small sample–size perfume. We found it was a nice touch and clients appreciated the little ‘extra‘. It helped contri our good reputation.
“What gift do you put in?” I asked Lora.
LO
“A lavender–scented satchel. I thought maybe she could use it for her suitcase when she goes on her honeymoon,” Lora replied dreamily.
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Chapter 37: Ellie’s Dress
+25 BONUS
Gag.
The last thing I wanted to think about was Ellie and Jordyn’s honeymoon.
“Well, that was thoughtful,” I said, taking a smile.
“It’s ready to go,” Lora said. “All I need know is the address and I be on my way.”
“Oh, thank you, Lora, but I’ll be delivering this one personally.”
Lora cocked her head to the side and looked at me quizzically. Normally, we shipped our clothing direct to the client. However, there were times when the client requested personal delivery. This was especially true in the case of very expensive dresses, like wedding dresses or gowns for awards ceremonies, charity balls, et When that was the case, Lora always delivered them. And I wished I could just pass off this dress to her and let her go and find Ellie.
But…
Ellie had been very clear in her instructions. I had to deliver the dress myself. Of course, she thought I was just a personal assistant and demanding that I deliver her wedding dress was just her way of ridiculing me. It didn’t matter though. I’d done everything else she asked for. I wasn’t about to leave out the final instruction.
I didn’t want to give her ANY opportunity to launch any complaints
“Are you sure?” Lora asked, still baffled.
“Yes,” I smiled. “It was the client’s request.”
Lora handed over the dress. “You’re the boss,” she said, also smiling.
I took the dress, got into my car, and punched the address Ellie had given me into the GPS. Fifteen minutes later, I pulled up in front of a brownstone walk–up.
I got out of the car and collected the dress hanging in the back seat. I was just about to walk up the steps when a man stepped out of Ellie’s front door, followed directly by Ellie.
Ellie grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and kissed him.
What the?
I squinted, making sure I was seeing it clearly.
I was.
Ellie was standing in her doorway, lips locked with a man.
Stunned, I stayed frozen in place.
Who was that man? Was Ellie cheating on Jordyn? Was she having an affair with another man?
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