Chapter Two

Kit was late getting to Rosie’s Bridals. The storm had moved past town with the rumble of retreating thunder, as if it were shouting out a goodbye. Yeah, thanks for nothing.

She went into the shop through the front door. A year ago Rosie’s Bridals would have had a few brides-to-be perusing the dress selections on a Wednesday afternoon, young ladies accompanied by a friend or their mother in search for their dream wedding gowns.

But a lot had happened in a year’s time. The shop had suffered a decline in business despite Rylee and Darius’ efforts to build clientele. The townies thought the new upscale turnover was ruining everything. It was no secret. All she had to do was look at the storefronts on the square. Gentrification had barreled through Sycamore River’s downtown like a steamroller.

Rylee sat at the table, pouring through sample catalogues for the upcoming season. Kit’s heart did a flip at her friend’s dogged hope. She loved Rylee like a sister, and it hurt that her livelihood was hanging by a thread.

Rylee let go of the book in front of her and came around to greet Kit. “I can’t believe what happened with that old tree crushing your car. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, girl, but yeah, the car is ruined. But thank God for my neighbor Hop. He’s a lifesaver.”

“How’d you get here?”

“I ran. The rain stopped, and I needed to blow off some steam. Oh, and it’s the price I pay for a winter of gluttony.” She gave her midsection a slap.

Rylee’s mouth turned into a wry smile. “You’re too hard on yourself, my friend.”

Kit took a seat at the table. “With no car, I better get used to hoofing it. Seriously, though, I might have to find a part-time job or something to get some extra money for a car.”

“I’m sorry I can’t offer you more hours. Not these days.”

She blew out a whoosh of air. Rylee had her own things to worry about, and she would never want to make her feel bad. “Something will crop up, I’m sure. So what did you want to talk with me about?” Kit’s insides squeezed. Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.

“Kit, wipe that look off your face. Rosie’s Bridals is not done yet. Granted things are far from wonderful, but we’ve still got some business coming in. Especially because of your reputation in alterations. Word’s out that you work magic.”

“I don’t know how magical it is, but thank you.”

“So here it is. I had to let Freda and Mary Ann go. It killed me to do it. They’ve been with the store since my grandmother owned the place.”

“That’s too bad. I’m sorry.” Kit did her best to keep her face neutral so as not to betray her concern and disappointment. Freda had been her alterations assistant for the whole time Kit had been on board, and Mary Ann had done sales for years. She’d miss them both.

“So, my friend, for now it’s you and me around here.” Rylee shook her head. “Think we can do it?”

“I know we can.” I hope we can. She reached over and squeezed Rylee’s hand. “Nothing can stop us. And thank you for telling me in person.”

“There’s something else.”

She didn’t like the look on Rylee’s face. “Okay. Whatever it is, it’ll be fine. Just tell me.”

“It’s about a phone call I received from a bride-to-be. She wants us to alter a gown that’s a family heirloom.”

“I can do that.” She didn’t have a lot of experience with vintage dresses, but she was a quick study. She wouldn’t let Rylee sense an iota of hesitation.

“Well, the soon-to-be bride did ask for you specifically, even though I was hedging.”

“Hedging? Why? Maybe this could be a whole new angle for the shop. Vintage is on trend. We can advertise that we do custom makeovers of old gowns. I mean, I’ve only done it a time or two, but the results were wonderful. I’d give it my all. Trust me.”

“That could be an idea,” Rylee said. “But…”

“But what? Maybe this is a gift dropped into our laps, Ry. This bride and her antique dress could serve as a catalyst for a whole new uptick in business. I hope you told her yes.”

“Not yet. I wanted to make sure you were okay with it.”

“Of course I’m okay with it.”

“But—”

“Stop saying but. But what?”

“The bride is your cousin Co-Co.”

“What?” Kit’s insides cinched like a tourniquet, cutting off her air. She coughed. “Co-Co and Brian are getting married?” Kit had gone out with the guy for nearly a year, and not once would he have even discussed the idea of getting married. One time he didn’t call for two days after she’d randomly mentioned her ideas about a country-themed wedding.

Rylee gave her head one quick nod. “I’m going to tell her no.”

“The dress!” Kit stood up from the bench. “Is it my grandmother’s wedding gown she wants altered?”

“She didn’t say.”

“It is. It has to be.” Kit paced back and forth in front of the worktable. “That bitch.” She made a scoffing sound. “I always wanted Gram’s dress. She knew that. I used to talk about it when we were growing up. Co-Co doesn’t have a sentimental bone in her scrawny body. What a snake.”

“I couldn’t believe it when she called here,” Rylee said. “She’s got nerve. I’ll say that much.”

“Bitch.”

Rylee went to the small desk in the corner and picked up the handset of the phone.

“Wait, what are you doing?” Kit charged over to her. “Put the phone down.”

“Kit, I’ll just tell her we’re too busy. It’s easier that way.”

“No. It’s an opportunity for the store, and we can’t let it go.”

“Don’t be crazy.”

“I’m serious. This could be the start of a new avenue for us. Remaking vintage gowns. We can do some advertising. Ask Darius. Your dreamboat will know how to spin it.”

A smile broke out on Rylee’s face. Darius, Rylee’s fiancé, had been involved in media and was now campaigning for a town council position. He loved Sycamore River, and he loved Rylee more. He’d have ideas on how to make a new aspect of Rosie’s Bridals work to their advantage.

“But I couldn’t ask you to deal with your cousin after what you’ve been through.”

“We have to think with our heads. I won’t let you turn business away.”

“She did mention all her bridesmaids will need dresses. And the mothers of the bride and groom will need gowns as well.”

Kit swallowed hard. “So tell the snake yes.”

“She and her mother want to come by tomorrow with the dress.” She reached a hand to Kit’s arm and gave it a squeeze. “Are you sure about this?”

Kit’s mouth was dry. This was up there on a list of bad days. “I might need a chili dog for this, but yeah. I’m sure.”

Rylee pulled Kit into her arms. “How’d I get so lucky to have you for a friend?”

“Just do me one favor. When my bitch of a cousin’s here, make sure you supervise my use of sharp objects.”

Kit’s cell phone rang, and she pulled the device out of her back pocket. “I swear to God if this is Co-Co, I might have to go visit Gio at the hot-dog cart right now.” She connected the call with a zealous swipe without looking at the screen.

“Hey, kiddo.”

Her heart warmed as relief washed over her. “Hi, Hop.”

“The tree guy’s here now, and later the tow truck’s coming to take away the Honda.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Hop. Seriously, if there’s anything I can do for you, just name it.”

“Come for dinner at my place tonight. I’ll order in. I’ll get that eggplant parm you like. There is something I want to talk to you about.”

“Okay, sure. I’ll bring wine. After this crazy day, I’m going to need some.”