Page 53 of Highland Stars
“Good mornin’, lass,” he says before releasing me. “I’ll get ready and be down in a wee minute.”
“Mornin’,” is all I can manage. If he’s gonna keep this up, I’m gonna have to learn how to speak while dumbstruck.
I’m on Malcolm’s couch, looking around on my phone for a safe place for lunch, and somewhere to go look for a dress, when there’s a knock on his door. He’s been gone an hour and a half, and I’m certainly not expecting anyone.
I hear a woman’s voice calling through the door and stand to step closer.
“Makenna? It’s Fiona. Malcolm’s favourite sister.”
I look out the window and find a woman who matches the photo Malcolm has on his bookshelf. He’d told me she put it there, but he seemed glad to have it.
I open the door and I’m met by a woman with eyes that match Malcolm’s exactly.
“Fiona. Hi. Come in,” I say. “I’m sorry, but Malcolm’s not here.”
“I know. I was sad to miss dinner yesterday, but when my brother said he was working today and overnight, I thought I’d keep you company. If that’s alright. We can do whatever you have planned. Though, Malcolm did say we should work on your things for the gala.”
“Oh.” Malcolm knew she was coming and suggested we go dress shopping. That’s thoughtful.
“Ach. I’m sorry. I should have asked you about coming. You may have been looking forward to some alone time. I can go spend time with Mam and Da—”
“No, no. I would love to hang out with you today. Really. I was disappointed you couldn’t be there last night. I’d planned to take it easy today. Look for a dress. So actually, this is perfect. I’m so indecisive about clothes, so I was going to try to FaceTime my friend, but this will be much better.”
Fiona grins. “I love clothes. I actually design for a sustainable luxury clothing brand in Edinburgh, that’s why I moved there. And I went to the office this morning before driving up to see if there was anything that might work for you. I didny have anything to go off besides one selfie from the elbows up and a guess at your height, but I think I may have something. If not, or if you don’t like it, we’ll shop!”
“That’s amazing! Thank you. I’m so excited.”
“Well, don’t thank me yet. We’ll see.” Fiona motioned for me to follow her to her car. “Oh! Malcolm said you like old things. Well … there’s a fantastic antique store nearby, we have to go if you hevny already been.”
“This is sounding like the perfect day.”
We bring Fiona’s overnight bag, and several garment bags inside, and set up in my bedroom upstairs.
“Have you eaten lunch?” Fiona asks. “I drove straight here, so I’m starvin’.”
“I was about to walk to this place nearby when you got here,” I say.
“Let’s do it.”
After lunch, we’re back upstairs in my bedroom and Fiona has laid three stunning dresses across the bed. There were two others that she deemed too short, and one she decided would wash me out.
My eyes go immediately to a deep green silk gown. Green is my favorite color, and the silk looks so luxurious. I reach and glide my fingers along the fabric.
“Oh my gosh, I love this. I’m afraid I would spend the entire night feeling my dress.”
“That’s my favourite too.”
“Did you design this?”
“No. I don’t typically design formalwear. My friend Ellen designed it. If this is the one, I’ll have to send her a picture. I’ll step out so you can change. Let me know if you need help.”
I make quick work of changing and take a minute in front of the mirror to take a look. I’ll need a different bra. The v-neckline leads to off-the-shoulder sleeves. I grab my claw clip from the dresser and twist my hair up. Oh yes. This dress begs for an updo. It reminds me of the wedding dress of a client from years ago. She was stunning.
The empire waist gives me a little space in the tummy region, which I appreciate. I move as if dancing and the movement is mesmerizing as I sway.
I think I found it. I don’t even want to try the others.
I open the door and find Fiona leaning against the opposite wall. She gasps.
