Talk of the Town by Sherrill Bodine Read Free Book Online Page B

on her nose to study the enormous gilt-edged mirror and the oriental rugs partially covering the patina of the old wood floor. She ran her fingertips over an antique chest displaying vintage costume jewelry. “Very tasteful. You’re right, Rebecca. There is an article here for the Home section.”
    Thrilled at Kate’s reaction, Rebecca urged her farther into the store.
    Finally free of other customers, Laurie glanced up and saw them. She swept around the desk. “Rebecca, how nice to see you. This must be your friend.” She smiled toward Kate, giving her the once-over.
    Without a doubt Laurie was already at work to make sure Kate would leave here with some treasure. Rebecca felt warm with gratitude. “Darling, we just
had
to thank you personally for your support.”
    Laurie’s shrug was a grand gesture that flipped her straight black ponytail over her shoulder, making her gold hoop earrings swing provocatively and showing off her wrist full of gold bangles and the big oval ring set in pavé diamonds on her expressive hand. “You know me; I’m all about business. Why wouldn’t I move to your new section? Everyone will be reading your recipe column to see what you do. Besides, you’re a brilliant writer.”
    All at once Laurie swayed backward, studying Rebecca the way Kate had the decor. “Normally I don’t do suits, but I’ve found the most extraordinary one with your name on it. You’re going to die when you see it! Absolutely no one will have anything like it. It would be perfect for a date with that gorgeous guy I saw you with at Gibson’s. Or better yet, for Dayson Cottington’s Handbag and Halo luncheon on Friday.”
    Rebecca tried to surreptitiously signal Laurie to get on with Kate’s makeover, but she ignored the frantic gesture. She turned toward one of the beautiful built-in closets without doors that lined the walls.
    Trying to buy time, Rebecca looked at Kate, who had suspicion in her eyes. “The luncheon Friday is a fund-raiser Dayson does for the Howard Brown Health Center.”
    “I know. I read about it in your column,” Kate said quietly.
    Of course
this
year Shannon would be writing about it instead of Rebecca, so there was no professional reason for her to attend. But she
wanted
to go, as she’d done for years. Would it make Shannon uncomfortable if Rebecca showed up?
    Rebecca jumped when Laurie twirled back to them, a black broadtail suit in one hand and a black crepe dress in the other.
    “I have this beautiful dress from the forties for you to wear, Kate. Very simple. Very elegant,” Laurie raved. “In those days the dresses were cut to make a woman’s body look phenomenal. Classic and chic. You can slip this on, while Rebecca tries on the suit.”
    Kate appeared slightly dazed. With clothes and accessories, Laurie
was
a force of nature.
    Kate shook her head and perched on the edge of the cream settee in the middle of the room. “No, thank you. I’ll wait while Rebecca tries on the suit.”
    “No, Kate, I don’t want to keep you waiting while I try on clothes.” Rebecca looked pleadingly at Laurie for help.
    “Go!” Laurie demanded. “I’ll show Kate some accessories while she’s waiting for you.”
    Behind the heavy rich brown velvet curtain, Rebecca slipped off her clothes and carefully put on the black broadtail suit. She peeped out to make sure Laurie was still at work.
    She was holding up a beautiful vintage rhinestone brooch and earrings to the crepe dress. Kate’s face lit up with interest.
    Laurie’s right again. If Kate feels too heavy to buy new clothes, she can always accessorize.
    Unable to stall a moment longer, Rebecca stepped out to stand before the gilt mirror.
    Laurie gasped. “Your body looks amazing in that!” She expertly pushed the collar up to frame Rebecca’s face. “There! Wear your pearls. Black heels. Carry one of your fabulous Nancy Gonzales bags in some color that will pop the outfit.”
    She’d had absolutely no plans to shop today, but