Secret Designs(16)

"Well, then, you have to charge me as if you were already in business."

Ari sighed with relief. The money would sure come in handy.

"So how much would you charge me for this dress?" Jasmine asked.

She told her.

Jasmine stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.

"If you think that's too much, we can negotiate," she said hurriedly.

"Oh, God, Ari. You're crazy! You'll never make it in business if you keep on thinking like that! I've had a look around to get ideas of designs I would like and the price you want for this is, like, a quarter or what other couturiers charge. I don't mind you treating me like a VIP, but Ari, I bet that's only what the materials cost."

"But, Jaz, you're my friend!"

"If you didn't know who I was and I was in your shop right now, how much would you quote me?"

She inhaled deeply and reluctantly quoted Jasmine a figure that a creation such as her wedding dress was worth.

Jasmine nodded delightedly. "I knew I was getting a dress that was special. I'm happy to pay that price. Actually, my parents insist on paying for it."

"Okay," she relented. "But I'm giving you a twenty percent discount because you're my friend and I love you."

Jasmine hugged her tight. "Thank you. I appreciate that. Now, how much deposit do you need? If you give me your bank account details, I'll ask my mum to transfer the money straight away."

Ari felt much lighter as they discussed the payment plan.





*******



Ari shook her head with fondness as Jasmine made phone calls to her sister Jessa and her mother. After hearing about her redundancy, Jasmine had jubilantly asked her to also design her bridesmaid dresses. Apparently, Jasmine had always wanted her to make them, but had been worried that she might be too busy to take them on. Since Ari was almost certain she wouldn't have a job lined up after Eros, she would have all the time in the world to work on Jasmine's orders.

"Now I have to convince Sam and Kris to come back here for a fitting. Or maybe we could go to Melbourne," Jasmine mused.

"Maybe we could Skype with them and they could take each other's measurements while I watch," Ari suggested, not liking the idea of flying to Melbourne. That would be shelling out money she might need for something else.

"Oh, that's not a bad idea! I'll ask the girls what they think about that," Jasmine responded. "My mum said she would also appreciate a new dress for her to wear on my wedding and she's considering getting you to make one. Maybe Kane's mum would want one too."

"Jaz!" she said laughingly. "Maybe you should be my marketing manager."

"I already am, honey," Jasmine said with a smug smile. "At least these orders should tide you over until you find yourself another job."

Ari couldn't help it. She just couldn't. They were in a busy restaurant and she just started sobbing. She was grateful for Jasmine's support, and at the same time overwhelmed by worry about the future—not hers, but her nephew's.

"Oh, geez, Ari. I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll find a new job very soon. How could you not?" Jasmine said worriedly, giving her a serviette and patting her gently on the back.

"I might not get another one for weeks, even months, unless I get a job stacking shelves at the supermarket," she joked tearfully.

"Don't be ridiculous. You've been in the fashion industry for years. Lots of people know you. I'm sure they'll be tripping all over themselves to hire you."

"I already made plenty of calls, Jaz. Nothing."

"Oh, Ari," Jasmine said with compassion. "Well, maybe this is an opportunity for you to start your own business."

She sniffed. "I'm afraid I don't have the capital for that, or a savings cushion if it doesn't take off. Plus, at this point in time, I need something secure. I haven't told you this but I'm financially supporting my sister and my nephew. They need me."

"I didn't know that. Tell me about them," Jasmine encouraged.

She sighed deeply. "A year and a half ago, my nephew Kenny was riding his bike downhill on a steep street. He lost control and hit a pile of bricks that were stacked in someone's driveway. The bricks toppled on him, fortunately not on his body but on his left leg. But unfortunately...they had to amputate that leg. He was only five years old then."

Jasmine gasped in horror.

"Sylvie is a single mother," she continued. "Her husband died three years ago from a heart attack and she was left with some debts. She was a stay-at-home mum when her husband died and was lucky enough to get a receptionist job even though she lacked experience. She was coping okay until Kenny's accident.

"Fortunately, I had enough savings then to help pay Kenny's large medical and rehabilitation bills. But they have ongoing needs that Sylvie simply can't afford with just her salary, so I help them out."