29 September 2012
Chapter 26:
"I'm glad to hear it Sophia. I'll keep in touch. Are you sure a week is enough time?" Asked Evie sympathetically. "It'll be fine. Thank you." I put down the phone suddenly feeling a huge amount of pressure on my shoulders. I was just short of a thousand, and knew in my heart a week wasn't enough. I was missing Jasmine and needed her with me to tell me what to do. I had to speak to her and see what she thought.
"Soph! Hi!" She said excitedly answering her FaceTime call, "Hi Jasie! How are you?" She stood up straight away and showed me her ever growing bump. I had been so busy recently but her wedding was in two months time and so I made space to work on her gown. I couldn't wait for her to see it. "You're getting so big! Do you know way it is?" "Mmmmmm...." She replied with a cheeky grin. "Tell me!" I shouted through the camera, giving her a fright. "I'll tell you when I next see you, ok?" "But that's ages away! I can't wait that long." "Actually, we're flying over in a few weeks to start the preparations so it won't be that long!" "Oh yey! I can't wait!" "And I can tell you when it's due If you like." I nodded excitedly. "July the 4th!" "Wow! That's a perfect day! But wait, that's only two weeks after wedding!" I said excited and worried about the stress Jas would be under. "It'll be fine, Soph. Bubba can wait!"
We said our goodbyes and I quickly started to fit in bookings whenever I could. I called a few of my customers up that had patiently been sitting on my waiting list and booked them whenever there was time. I now had at least five each day and even a few on the Sunday, and hoped this would be enough.
The week flew by and each of my fittings brought in some profit. The dresses I had chosen for the women were purposely expensive, but needed the extra boost to get me by.
The following Saturday morning I drove to the empty shop to meet Mrs Renton. She stood in the middle with a clipboard and key and gave me a loving smile. I had met the budget, but there was always a risk that my completion would offer more. Then, I was stuck. "So, any luck my dear?" "Yes, I've got it all here." I said, handing her the thin envelope containing my cheque. Soon after the couple also fighting for the store came in and told us of their plans if they were successful. They were going to create a little stationary shop with little notebooks and cards and although this idea was sweet and went nicely with the area, I knew mine topped it by a long way. "We are willing to offer another 1000 to secure the deal." Answered the man snarkily to Evie. "Sophia? Anything?" "I paced around for a few seconds then quickly came to a stop. "One hour. That's all I need."
I quickly got on the phone with a man I had helped while I was still in uni. To earn extra credit, I had done a minor case for free just for the experience; something to do with a damaged car, but the man I had helped, Ron Thompson, offered to pay me for my work, although at the time I couldn't except it as I didn't have a degree. Now, with my minor degree that came later, I could accept the payment with no problem. I rang him up impatiently waiting for the beeping noise to be replaced by his voice: "Sophia! So good to hear from you! How have you been?" "I'm very well thank you sir. Now, I need to ask you for a favour, could you spare me a few minutes?"
We sat on some plastic chairs, the couple opposite me shared nervous glances whilst Evie gave me a wink. At that moment, a speeding motor came to a jolt in front of the boutique and mr Thompson stepped out in his expensive Duchamp suite and sparkling cuff links hugging me at his entrance. "You go get em girl!" He said whispering, "just so you know though, your law skills are pretty top notch!" "Thank you mr Thompson, I can't thank you enough. Sorry for the rush." "It's not a problem sweet heart, your earned it."
I handed Mrs Renton the extra envelope and she smiled shaking my hand. It was done, the shop was mine.
After the final paper work was done, the two hours of signing papers and laughing with Evie and Matt beside me were over and I quickly rushed my pen over the final dotted line. "After all your hard work, my dear, the shop is finally yours. How do you feel?" "Amazing." I said taking in a deep breath. "Congratulations Soph. You did it." I held the keys close to my chest, feeling proud and excited. The start of another brand new adventure began at that moment.
by vera©
The Wedding Shop • Opuss № I