12 Chapter 14
Chapter 14 – Surprising Favor and a Sterling Proposition
Mrs. Sterling’s hands were still clasped around mine, her gaze intensely focused on my face in a way that made me feel both seen and strangely exposed. The solarium fell quiet as the other women watched our interaction with undisguised curiosity.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation on such short notice, Mrs. Sterling finally said, releasing my hands. “Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Ashworth.”
I swallowed hard. “I hope in a good way.”
To my surprise, she laughed–a genuine, warm sound that immediately put me at ease. “In the very best way. Your designs are exquisite. I’ve admired your work since your first collection.”
“That’s… incredibly kind of you,” I managed, still thrown by her familiarity. My first collection had been small and barely noticed by anyone but the most dedicated fashion followers.
Mrs. Sterling turned to address the room. “Ladies, this is Hazel Ashworth, the designer I’ve been raving about: She gestured to my assistant. “And her associate, Cherry Chen.”
The women nodded politely, some murmuring greetings. I recognized several of them from society pages–the wives and mothers of the city’s elite.
“Please, sit, Mrs. Sterling indicated an empty chair beside her own plush seat. “Tea?”
Before I could answer, a server appeared with an elegant tea service. Mrs. Sterling poured for me herself–a gesture of respect that wasn’t lost on me.
“Now,” she said, settling back, “I’d like to commission several outfits for my upcoming sixtieth birthday celebration. Nothing too ostentatious, but memorable.”
y expression
I nearly choked on my tea. Mrs. Sterling looked nowhere near sixty. She caught my and smiled knowingly.
“Good genes and better skincare,” she whispered conspiratorially. “But yes, sixty. Hard to
believe, isn’t it?”
I found myself instantly warming to her. “What kind of pieces did you have in mind?”
“A formal gown for the main event,” she replied. “Then perhaps five or six other outfits for the various activities. We’ll be celebrating for a week at our lake house.”
Cherry, sitting slightly behind me, was frantically tapping notes into her tablet. I could practically feel her excitement radiating.
“I’d be honored,” I said sincerely. “Would it be helpful if I took your measurements today?”
