Chapter 22
***During the same evening***
Kevin paced around his house. He knew that he needed to call Dee to make arrangements for tomorrow night. Everytime he tried to pick up the phone and dial, he clammed up and couldn't do it.
"Damnit, Kevin, get a grip!" He thought to himself. "She is only a lady, but, oh…what a beautiful lady she is!" he said aloud to no one in particular.
He continued to pace around, then finally got up the nerve to call her. He dialed the number, and then waited for her answer.
"Hello?" the voice on the other end of the line answered.
"Hi, Dee? This is Kevin. How are you?" he questioned,
feeling very nervous.
"Oh Kevin! I have been sitting here waiting forever to hear from you. Is everything okay? We are still having dinner tomorrow night, aren't we?" she asked.
"Oh! yes, of course…I was just so nervous, umm, that I couldn't seem to dial the number." He admitted to her.
"Aha…Mr. Richardson is being shy?" she giggled.
"Hey, that is not true!" he said, trying to defend himself.
"Well, what did you have in mind for tomorrow?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"Do you like Thai food?" he asked, hoping she would. He was tired of the usual stuff, burgers, pizza, Chinese food, Mexican food…you name it. He was hoping for something different tomorrow.
"I love Thai food!! There is this wonderful place downtown that has the best Thai I have ever had." she exclaimed.
"Yeah…I was thinking the same thing!" he finished, feeling a bit more at ease.
The two continued to talk for several minutes, exchanging addresses and other stuff. He told her that he would be there to pick her up at about 7:00 pm and to dress nice. He knew that she had style, just from the looks of her boutique. She seemed to be a very headstrong person, but kind and gentle at the same time. She knew what she wanted, and she would get it, no matter what.
Kevin finally hung up the phone, letting out a smile. For the first time in a long time, he finally felt totally happy.
***
The next morning….
I awoke, feeling tired after last night's events. I leaned over and kissed Nick on the forehead and let him sleep. I walked out to the kitchen, getting myself a cup of tea. It was just the right thing to get me moving. I had to get down to the store, although I didn't know exactly what time Dee wanted me there. I figured to play it safe, and get down there when the store opened at 10:00 am. As I was about to get in the shower, I heard the phone ring. I ran to catch it before it woke up Nick, but it was too late. I picked up the phone, overhearing the conversation.
"What?! You can't mean that! I thought we still had another two weeks before the video shoot and rehearsals started. She is not going to like this! You all could have given me more notice!" he yelled as he hung up the phone.
I just stood in the kitchen, upset at what I had just heard. I knew that the moment would come eventually. I knew that they all had a job to do, and fans to please. I just wasn't ready to let him go so soon. We had actually only been together for a few days…and I just wanted more time with him.
He had gotten up, noticing that I wasn't there. He got dressed and came to the kitchen. I was sitting at the table, tears streaming down my face. He walked in and I tried to hide the fact that I was crying. I didn't want to make him feel bad…so, I turned away.
"Heather, hon. Are you okay?" he asked, very concerned.
"Yeah, it’s just that, well, you are leaving in a few days, and I am just having a hard time dealing with this. I didn't realize it would be so hard." I said, trying to hold back the tears.
"Shit, you overheard the telephone conversation? Oh, I am so sorry
Heather. I wanted to tell you myself. We have to fly out tomorrow
for a video shoot in LA, then we will be back for a few days, and then
we start rehearsals. But, you can come along with me. You are
welcome to." he finished, trying hard to make things easier for me.
"Nick, I can't…I just started this new job with Dee…and I can't back
out on her now. I need that job, to keep me busy when you are gone.
I love you, and this hurts so much to see you come and go. But, I
understand it is your job." she said softly.
"I understand Heather. I am glad that you will have the job to keep you busy. It will help make the time go by faster. BUT, I will fly you out every weekend to visit me wherever we are. How does that sound?" he asked, hoping it would make thing right.
"That sounds wonderful! I am sure that I can tell Dee that I can only work weekdays. I am sure she will understand." I said as I ran off to get ready."
Nick was so amazed out how strong I was. However, he didn't know that it was killing me on the inside. I finally came out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go to work.
"Nick, how does this look?" I asked.
He turned to see me dressed in a the full length gown that he had bought in Europe. He was glad to see me in it again. It pleased him to know that I loved the dress…and that I would enjoy wearing it.
"You look stunning my dear. Now, go out there and do a great job. I will drive you down and then you can call me when you are ready to be picked up. Now, let's get going." he smiled.
We drove to the mall, and he dropped me off. Before I got out of the car, he leaned over and kissed me gently. "Remember last night, and never forget how much I love you Heather. Good luck today. I will see you a little later." he finished and gave me another quick kiss as I stepped out of the car.
"Bye! I love you Nick!" I yelled as I walked towards the mall entrance.
Minutes later I arrived at Creations By Me. I was so amazed at all the great clothing Dee had. Everything was hand made, and exclusive to her. Yes, the prices where high, but the quality and the amazing designs outweighed the price. This was a place for those who enjoyed being treated like royalty and was willing to spend a few pretty pennies for a nice dress.
"Hiya Dee!" I said as I entered the store.
"Heather, you are right on time. I was hoping to get a chance to get to talk to you before I put you to work." she said politely.
"Sure, what is it?" I asked eagerly.
"Well, you know, Kevin called me last night. We are going out tonight, and well, I was hoping you could help me out." she said shyly.
"Umm, sure, what do you need?" I questioned.
"Well, I was going to try this outfit on, and then I was hoping you
could tell me if it was appropriate or not." she said.
I nodded my head and then she went off to change. I gazed around
the store, trying to familiarize myself with her designs. Some of
the stuff was made fit for a queen. There were plenty of low necked,
high slit, and tastefully revealing clothing. I started to remember
when Nick came around the corner and saw me. I couldn't believe the
look on his face when he saw me dressed like a super model.
Dee finally emerged from the dressing room. I was stunned. The outfit was not only appropriate, but gorgeous!
"Dee, if he doesn't like that, then I will personally kill him for you!" I joked. "You look amazing, just wait til Mr. Richardson gets a look at you!"
Dee was happy and excited about my opinion. "Heather, I think you and I are going to be great friends! Thank you for helping me out." she said as returned to change back to her work clothes.
The afternoon went on and I had already sold several of Dee's ensembles to the shoppers. Dee was amazed at how quickly I picked up the trade. I was in the middle of a big sale, (a satin evening gown, with diamond studs across the low cut neckline.), when Nick walked in. He very quietly sat himself down in one of the many velvet chairs that were around the store. He just watched as I continued to make the sale. After the customers left, with a smile across the woman's face, Nick approached me.
"How is my amazing saleslady doing? Congrats on that sale, by the way." he said as he leaned in for a kiss.
"Ahem, are you harassing my staff, Mr. Carter?" he heard a voice say. He jumped back and the noticed Dee standing there, with a smile on her face.
"Umm, no ma'am. I didn't mean to interrupt. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to get Heather in trouble." he said noticeably worried.
"Now, now Nick, you didn't do anything wrong. I was teasing you. Honest." she said, putting his mind at ease. "I must say, you have a very special young lady here Nick. She sold more outfits today than any of my salespeople have ever sold in a week. And you should be very grateful, because soon she will be able to support you in the lifestyle you have always wanted to be accustomed to." she finished with a giggle.
I blushed, feeling very embarrassed. This was just all too weird. I had a wonderful fiancee, and well a great new job. Everything was going so well.
"Nick, have you seen Kevin today? He and Dee have a dinner date tonight. Kevin sure is going to like what he sees too!" I teased Dee. He just nodded his head No.
You could see the excitement in her eyes at the mentioning of Kevin's name. He was all she could think about today. That tall, dark, and handsome man who had wandered into her life, just the day before. She was in love with him, and she hardly knew him. She just hoped that he felt that same way.
"Well, it is 5:00 pm Heather. You and I can get going. The evening shift will take over and close the shop. So, how was your first day here? Are you happy?" Dee asked.
"Oh yes, ma'am, I love it here. Thank you so much for asking me to help you. It sure feels good to know that I am actually doing something for once. However, I had a little question for you. Umm, I know that this is only my first day, but Nick and I were talking. He goes out on tour in a few weeks, and he and I were hoping that maybe I could work the weekdays here, so I could be with him on the weekends." I asked, waiting for the answer to be no.
"Of course, I would love to have you work the weekday, daytime shift, and then you can have the weekends off to fly off to see your lucky fiancee." she said.
"Oh thank you Dee!" I was so excited that I hugged her and then hugged Nick.
"Now, Nick, you have to have her here by 10:00 am every morning, and if she is not, then I will come and find you. I don't want my best saleslady to miss her work!" Dee finished.
The three of us just laughed and then left the store. Dee was on her way to get ready for an evening with Kevin. Nick and I decided to pick up a Stuffed Crust® Pepperoni and Extra Cheese pizza from Pizza Hut™. Nick and I then went home to eat and get a decent night's sleep. He had a long day ahead of him, and he knew it would be a hard one for me too.
*****
Dee was frantically trying to get ready. It was already 6:45 and she hadn't even gotten dressed yet. Her hair and make-up were finally finished, and she ran to her room to put on her dress.
Right on time, Kevin showed up at the door and rang the doorbell. Dee yelled for him to come in and make himself at home while she finished getting ready.
"I am sorry Kevin, I am running just a little late. Please, help yourself to something to drink, and have a seat…I should be done in about 10 minutes." Dee told him from upstairs.
Kevin walked around the house, noticing her intriguing art designs, sculptures, and photos that hung on the wall. He noticed several of the movie stars on the walls, and soon realized that the clothing they wore were her designs. He thought to himself, "Well, at least she is successful, and has a great sense of business. I think I am going to like this."
He continued to admire her house and all her things, and then, he looked
up at the top of the stairs. There, poised on the top step was Dee…looking
more gorgeous than could have ever imagined.