"Please, call me Linda, Ari. It's wonderful to meet you. Please, come in. The others are on their way."
Ari followed Linda meekly, a little uncomfortable that she was the first one to arrive.
"I've seen some of your designs that Jasmine's worn and I'm really impressed," Linda said conversationally, as they went to sit on the couch. "I've looked around for something to wear for the two weddings coming up, but I just can't find anything I like. The person making Faye's dress only does wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Faye said she wishes she'd known about you when she was doing research for her dress. Anyway, it would be great if you could design a couple of outfits for me that would blend in well with the themes of the two weddings without me looking like a bridesmaid."
"I'd be glad to, Linda. I've brought a few sketches along, and we could talk about what you want exactly."
"Good. Let's do that after dinner, shall we?"
Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell chime. Linda answered it, and Ari was surprised to see a stunning looking woman with long, raven hair at the door.
"Rosalie! Are you hand-delivering my spices again?" Linda asked with delight.
"Yes. I know how stressed out you get when your pantry is not stocked up. I also brought you some new items you haven't tried before," Rosalie said, opening a carry-bag and showing Linda the contents.
"Ooh, thank you. I am running low on these. Come on in, darling. Do you want a drink?"
"Thank you. Whatever's on offer would be great," Rosalie responded.
Ari watched the interaction with interest. Rosalie looked to be in her mid-twenties. She was wearing a sexy black dress with high heels to match. She looked like a model, not a delivery girl. She idly wondered who she really was, and was pleased when Linda started the introductions.
"This is Ari, Rosalie. She's Jasmine's friend and she'll be designing her wedding dress."
Rosalie extended a hand to her. "Hi, Ari. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Ari replied with a smile.
"Rosalie is the daughter of a friend of mine, Ari. They own a spice shop and provide me with the best herbs and spices I could hope for," Linda said.
"I can smell something really wonderful in your kitchen, Linda," Rosalie commented.
"That's just my chicken pasta bake. Say, would you like to stay for dinner, Rosalie? There's plenty of food."
"Linda, you always cook plenty of food. Are all of your boys coming tonight?" Rosalie asked nonchalantly.
"Only Kane. Although I think I will call Dylan and ask him to come, too," Linda said with a wink to Rosalie. "Why don't you two come with me to the kitchen? We can continue talking there while I check on my bake."
Ari followed the two women, frowning at the unsettling suspicion that Linda was inviting Dylan for Rosalie's benefit. The way that Rosalie's eyes sparkled at Linda's suggestive wink, she was clearly thrilled to bits about it.
*******
Ari was coming out of the bathroom when she heard Linda call out.
"Dylan! Why are you so late, darling? We've finished eating."
Her heart started galloping. She pressed her hand to her chest, coaxing herself to relax.
"You called me at the last minute, Mum," she heard Dylan answer. "I had to finish something for work. But I haven't eaten yet, so are there leftovers for me?"
"Plenty. Anyway, it's good you're here. Rosalie needs some company while the rest of us girls discuss wedding and bridesmaid dresses," Linda said.
Ari stood still, hidden from view, as curiosity burned within her. How would Dylan react to Rosalie?
"Dylan!"
"Rosie, this is a surprise. I didn't know you'd be here," Dylan said pleasantly.
Rosie?
"I just dropped by to give your mum some spices and she invited me to stay. You must be hungry, darling. Come and I'll fix you up a plate. Your mother's busy with wedding stuff."
Darling?
"Why, thank you. That's so nice of you," Dylan responded in a tone too flirty for her liking.
"Oh, Dylan. I've missed you. I haven't seen you for over a month," Rosalie whined.
Ari didn't catch Dylan's reply as the couple went into the kitchen. The two were evidently well acquainted.
Quietly, she went back inside the bathroom and gazed at herself in the mirror. She tapped that part of her chest where a pinching sensation bothered her and gave herself a little pep talk.
Arielle Mitchell, you'll be fine. Tonight, you are working. Those clients are also your friends and they expect you to be enthusiastic and professional. You will wow them and they will be more than happy to pay good prices for your creations.
You need this. Kenny needs this.
You don't need Dylan. Plus he obviously doesn't need you since he's got Pretty Miss Rosie.