Secret Designs(39)

"What are we going to do, Ari? Shall we look into cheaper alternatives?"

Ari shut her eyes tight. Without the prospect of permanent employment, and with Sylvie's salary only enough to meet everyday expenses, she wasn't even sure how they could afford a new prosthesis on top of Kenny's physical rehab, counselling sessions, and other medical expenses.

"That's a good idea, Vie. But don't order one yet until you absolutely have to. Who knows, I might land a job next week."

"How's the dressmaking thing going?" Sylvie asked.

She rolled her eyes. She was a couturier, not just a mere dressmaker, but Sylvie just couldn't get the difference.

"It's going well, actually," she answered. "The problem is I don't know where to find my next customers after I finish this lot I'm doing for Jasmine's wedding." She didn't add that she needed capital to get it off the ground.

"Maybe I have to go for full-time work or find a second job," Sylvie mused.

"But who's going to take Kenny to school and doctor's appointments and sports sessions? Kenny needs your time, Vie."

"So what's the answer, Ari? I can't hold off changing Kenny's prosthesis. He needs a new one sooner rather than later."

"Find out how much all the alternatives will cost and we'll talk again on Wednesday. I'll check out my current finances and see how much we can afford. Everything will be fine," she said with confidence she didn't feel.

"Oh, Ari. I'm so sorry. And thank you so much."

"What are you sorry for, you silly goose?" she demanded.

"If you didn't give me the money you saved for yourself, you wouldn't be struggling like you are now that you don't have a job."

"Stop it, Vie. I don't want to hear about this again."

Sylvie sniffed. "Okay. So when are you coming to visit us?"

"Soon. I just need to be at a point where I'm confident of finishing Jasmine's wedding orders on time. Then I'll clear a weekend to visit you guys."

"Okay. Kenny and I miss you."

"I miss you guys, too."





*******



Ari stood outside Dylan's balcony, willing the beautiful vista to give her some inspiration. Or luck.

Poor little Kenny. He was so young, and he was still recovering from the physical, mental and emotional scars from his horrifying accident. She admired how far he'd gone already—the kid was so resilient—but he still had some way to go before he fully healed. She would so love for him to have the best prosthesis and the best care money could buy—if only she and Sylvie could afford them.

Her phone buzzed with a message and she frowned when she read it.

*Babe, Trey will be passing by the apartment around 9:30 to pick up his four bottles of wine from the Wine Club. I get them delivered to my place. He has spare keys but I told him to buzz as you're there. Hope you're still around when I come back. :)*

She grimaced. She hoped Trey didn't get annoyed or offended that he had to ring the buzzer just because she was there. She knew how a new girlfriend or boyfriend could affect the dynamics of a very close friendship, especially when the friends were used to spending a lot of time together.

Well, if Trey had misgivings about her, she'd like to change his mind. But first, she had to find out what he really thought of her.





*******



"I was surprised when Dylan said you're here today, Ari."

"It was a last-minute decision," Ari replied as she followed Trey to where Dylan kept his wine collection.

"You don't need to work today?" Trey queried.

"I do. I'm leaving as soon as Dylan comes back from his meeting."

"Any luck with your job hunting?"

She sighed despondently. "No. If you know of any vacancy anywhere, even if it's stacking shelves in the supermarket, just let me know," she half-joked, hoping to reach out to him.

Trey shot her a surprised look. "You're that desperate?"

She laughed mirthlessly. "Almost."

"Why? I don't mean to be nosy but from what I've heard from Dylan, you worked as a senior designer for well-known companies in the past, I'm sure you would have been on a good salary that would have allowed you to save a bit?"

She was surprised at Trey's candid question. He was the first one to ask her such a thing. She wasn't offended. It made sense to wonder what she'd done with her past earnings.

"Like I mentioned last week, when we were all here for dinner, I have to help my sister financially."

"You're a good sister. It sounds like you do a lot for her?" Trey asked, looking at her in a manner that made her skin prickle.

"Thanks. We support each other," she replied but loyalty to Sylvie made her hold her tongue on exactly what that support was for. Sylvie's lack of financial ability to look after her son's every need was a very sensitive topic for her sister. She didn't like talking about it to people she hardly knew.