16
CLEMENTINE
I make the final adjustment to the dress and brush the curly red wig before placing it on top of the mannequin’s head. I just purchased it this morning and it’s a perfect match for Merida’s hair. Opening the notes app in my phone, I add the cost of the wig to my weekly expense list.
“You ready?” Ann enters my office after a brief knock. “Holy shit!” His eyes widen as they land on the dress. “Vanessa is going to have a blast.”
As before, we stand outside Vanessa’s office and Ann knocks on the door.
“You’re bringing your design early,” she comments when we walk in.
I nod as Ann places the dummy under the overhanging white light. My heart beats fast in a mixed state of anticipation and excitement.
Vanessa gets up from her chair and stands a few steps away from the dress, before motioning for me to remove the cover.
“Why red hair?” she asks after several minutes of quiet, giving nothing away.
“The girl who inspired me has red hair.” Her lack of emotion creates a quiver in my stomach. I’d hoped for a more enthusiastic response. Did I disappoint her again?
Taking a step closer to the dress, she moves her hand over and under the embroidery. “What fabric is this? I don’t remember seeing it before?” Her head slightly turns toward Ann.
“It’s not from the warehouse,” I reply and her gaze skids to me. “I ordered some plain crepe and embroidered on it.” Her constant questioning aggravates my nervousness.
“This is not our crepe.” Her fingers slide back and forth over the fabric.
“No. I ordered it from my own retailer.”
“Why?”
I can’t tell if she’s angry, but the way her brows knit together, she looks confused more than anything. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
It’d do no good if you pass out before hearing the final verdict, Clem.
“The crepe in our warehouse is on the heavier side. After embroidery it would have increased the weight of the dress significantly. We don’t want our prom queen to be unable to dance.”
“Why didn’t you tell Ann?” She lightly weighs the skirt of the dress in her hands.
“I… I wasn’t sure which material would be most suitable. I tried three different fabrics and it came out best in this.”
I’m not sure how my test is going. But Vanessa isn’t screaming, so I’m considering that a plus.
“What do we call it?” She turns away from the dress and now her full attention is on me.
“I’m calling it Merida in my head.” I run my clammy palms over my skirt, waiting for my fate, and Vanessa doesn’t keep me waiting for long.
Her next words blow my mind. “Great. This is the showstopper for our prom collection.”
“Sh-showstopper?”
Without confirming, she motions for me to follow her through the door behind her desk.
I always thought it was a bathroom. But this is no bathroom.
It’s a studio with a bed, a kitchenette and all. The bed isn’t made. It’s as if someone just rolled out of it, in a hurry.
“You sleep here?” I blurt. Vanessa looks at the bed and then at me but doesn’t answer.
Zip it, Clem!