Chapter

Twenty-Two

The next day Sophie wasn’t scheduled to work. She took advantage of the time to finish the intricate details of her mother’s dress. The dress was piecing together nicely and she could envision what her mother was going to look like as she walked down the aisle. Sophie’s fingers caressed the smooth, lush material and the lacework as she made every stitch. She took her time making sure that the seams were flawless and as perfect as her mother deserved.

Mel woke up earlier than usual. She was slowly adjusting to more regular hours since she was no longer working late nights at the club. She curled up on the sofa with her laptop, keeping Sophie company as they both worked on their projects. Soothing music was playing in the background and they each took turns making tea. It was almost noon when Sophie stepped back and admired her work.

“All finished,” she declared.

Mel hopped off the sofa to regard the finished product. “Holy fucking shit balls. Your mother is going to die when she sees this dress.”

“I hope she likes it. I want it to be perfect for her.” Sophie fluffed the skirting and ran her fingers over the seams, making sure she didn’t miss anything.

“You are fabulous. Everything you do is fabulous…and that’s why we should go into business together.” Mel’s eyes widened with hope. “I’ve been doing some research. I think we should open a tea and cookie shop. Ever since you mentioned it yesterday it has been running through my brain over and over. It feels right. I think we should go for it.”

“Wow. Okay. I need to think about it.”

“Yay!” Mel hugged her.

“I said I would think about it.”

“I’m just excited you didn’t say no. I thought you were gonna laugh in my face,” Mel confessed.

“Thought about it.” Sophie chuckled. Mel gently slapped her arm. “I was joking. What we have to do is make a plan and see how feasible it is.”

Sophie and Mel sat down for the rest of the afternoon trying to put together a business plan. Sophie was surprised how much experience Mel had with how a bakery runs from her family’s business. The Internet gave them access to endless information about starting up similar companies and what’s involved. After researching costs, the start-up fees added up.

“I think I gave up stripping too soon. I might have to go back to work for a while.” Mel sounded a little deflated.

“We’ll figure it out, but the thing that’s working against us is the fact that that neither one of us is familiar with running a business. Let me talk to Margaret and ask her if she knows a good business consultant we can hire and iron out the details before we try to approach anyone for financing.” Sophie added some more notes to their growing list.

“I’m starting to get some savings from the amazing pay from Margaret. She has a lot of contacts and she’s been involved in a few local companies. It wouldn’t hurt. Until then, you can figure out what we’ll be selling. The red velvet cookies and the thumb drops are definitely in, they are highly addictive. I hope you realize this business could be very bad for our waistline.” Sophie laughed.

When they finally stopped working, night had already taken over the sky and the stars were struggling to make their appearance through the city lights. After all their research they were both in a good head space for what they had to work toward if they were going to make this a reality.

“Are we really gonna do this?” Mel asked, curled up beside Sophie in their dark apartment.

“Yes. I think we are.” Sophie admitted. “Let’s go for it. What do we have to lose?”

“All of our money.”

“True. I guess if it doesn’t work out I’ll have to join you on stage for your comeback show.” Sophie laughed.

“I highly doubt Mr. Hot Ass will let you back into that place, let alone up on stage after last time.”

“I have no idea where that’s going. He could be long gone by that point.” Sophie said sadly.

“God-boy looks at you like you’re the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. I highly doubt he has plans to go anywhere.”

“I don’t feel like the key to his anything.” Sophie laughed Mel’s comment off.

“I’m serious.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fine. What is your mom gonna say when you tell her that you’re going into business with the crazy stripper?”

“I was thinking I might not tell her.” Sophie laughed. “Seriously though, I think she’s warmed up to you. It has been a couple of years now. I mean, who doesn’t eventually fall for your delightful character?”

“True.”

***

The next day Sophie arrived at Margaret’s early. The morning was unusually warm for the early hour. The night air brought no relief and the day threatened to bring an unruly heat. Sophie was glad she'd decided to wear her pale green sundress. It was lightweight, making it perfect for hot days. She always received compliments whenever she wore it because it matched her eyes. She wanted Ashton to notice her, despite Lucinda’s arrival and what it potentially meant. As much as Sophie tried to push him from taking center stage in her mind, she couldn’t stop her heart from thumping to the beat of Ashton’s song. Sophie ran her fingers through her hair before she knocked on the door.

“Good morning, Miss Sophie,” Charlotte said brightly as she swung open the door. “How are you this morning?”

“Great. Yourself?” Sophie asked, stepping into the house and looking around.

Charlotte chuckled. “He’s not here, dear. He went back to his place, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon. That boy is such a doting grandson to Mrs. Margaret. Never too far away.”

“Oh. I wasn’t looking for him,” Sophie denied.

“Of course.” Charlotte smiled, seemingly unconvinced. “Margaret is in the sitting room having her tea.”

Margaret was dressed and ready to take on the day when she walked in. “Good morning. How was your weekend?”

“It was great. I didn’t know that Ashton had a place around here.” She found herself speaking before she could stop herself.

“I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. He found a place shortly after he moved back into town and had it renovated. It turned out beautifully.”

Sophie decided to change the subject. Margaret was far too perceptive and she didn’t want to expose her feelings for Ashton. She didn’t know what Margaret would think of her lusting after her grandson. She didn’t want to upset her. “I finished my mother’s dress yesterday. She’s coming up this week to try it on. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m very nervous.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it, I know what you’re capable of and I have no doubt that it’s a beautiful dress.” Margaret smiled, sipping on her tea. “I have some good news for you,” Margaret said mischievously. Sophie couldn’t help but smile at Margaret’s lively mood. “Sit and pour some tea.” Margaret waved her toward the other armchair adjacent to her own. Sophie sat down and let herself sink into the cushions.

“Okay, spill.” Sophie encouraged now that she was settled.

“Mr. Heshman, the gentleman who purchased your paintings at the auction, contacted me and requested to meet with you. He’s interested in showing some of your work in his gallery.”

“Really?” Sophie couldn’t help the ridiculous smile that consumed her face. “He wants to show my work?”

“Yes, dear.” Margaret chuckled with amusement. “I told him you would contact him today and set up the meeting.”

“That would be a dream!”

Sophie was barely able to hold the phone as she dialed Mr. Heshman later that morning. She was so nervous that she had to concentrate on keeping her voice steady and professional. He was a perfect gentleman on the other end of the line, going over details of what he had in mind. He was making changes at his gallery for a scheduled reopening. He wanted to present some new, fresh work and thought Sophie’s style was the perfect fit for what he was looking for. Mr. Heshman made an appointment with her to view her other work. When Sophie hung up her phone, she was overcome with excitement.