Page 66 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

“I think it’s wonderful how close you two are,” said Tarquin. “Take it from personal experience, not everyone has that.”

Leia nodded. “Yeah, we were never like the other sisters we knew—the ones who barely tolerated each other. If I was at a hockey game, the movies, Saz was, too. My little sister, my shadow. But don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t all Beanie Baby parties and dressing up as Spice Girls. We drove each other crazy, too. Still do—like last night. Saz thought she was helping, I thought she was overstepping, and—dun, dun, dun, storm clouds!” Leia chuckled. “I bet you thought we hated each other.”

“I wouldn’t say hated, but it did feel like I walked right into the middle of something.”

“But that’s just it. Saz and I can be yelling at each other one moment then cooing over a puppy the next, like nothing happened.” Leia smiled. “I won the sister lottery. I’ll always have her back and she mine.”

“I love that.” He squeezed her forearm softly and let go. “Thank you for telling me, about the accident and everything. You’ve been through so much.”

“Yeah.” Leia looked down. “At the pub, you asked why I started sewing…”

“You said you were bored…your mom roped you in, right?”

He remembered. “Yeah, but that’s not the real reason. Sarah is.”

“Oh. How come?”

“She really struggled with getting dressed on her own after the accident. Clothes were difficult to get on and off, and hard seams, rivets, and pockets pinched or dug into her skin. Mom scoured the mall for anything that would make Sarah’s life easier but always came home frustrated and empty-handed. That’s when she began upcycling Sarah’s clothes.”

His smile crept up to his eyes. “And you helped?”

Leia nodded. “It was a huge learning experience—for all three of us. Mom had to figure out which materials were soft but still strong enough to withstand wear and tear. She played with pieces Sarah loved, repurposing them into something better. Jeans and pants were altered to be higher in the back and more comfortable around her stomach. Mom adjusted pockets, zippers, buttons, added magnets in some cases—everything had to be pain-free and easy to get on, but still cute.”

“I never thought—I guess I take getting dressed in the morning for granted.”

“I know, right? We all do. But Mom made sure all of Sarah’s stuff was comfy, functional, and stylish. Little girls can be so picky about what they wear!”

“There were battles?” asked Tarquin.

Leia laughed. “You have no idea! But seeing Sarah regain some independence made them all worth it. Some people say fashion is superficial, but they couldn’t be more wrong. We’re happier, more confident—ready to take on the world when we feel good in what we’re wearing, and helping Saz introduced me to my passion for upcycling. I still make most of her clothes and offer adaptive pieces in every collection. I also do custom work and alterations for clients with disabilities, too.”

“Wow. All because of your sister.”

“Yeah. I’d do anything for that girl—including shopping during a blackout on New Year’s Eve—” Something fuzzy rubbed against Leia’s ankle. Oh? She glanced down. “Your cat! Mrs…”

“Chuzzlewit.” Tarquin scooped up the chubby tabby, cuddling her on his lap. “My little tiger. Isn’t she beautiful?”

“Yeah.” Leia let the feline sniff her hand. “It’s a good thing you showed up, Mrs. Chuzzlewit because I was beginning to think your owner made you up.”

“Oh, she’s just a tad standoffish. I don’t think her previous person treated her very well.”

I know that feeling.

“That’s why I give her everything.” He kissed his pet on the head. “She’s worth it, aren’t you, my beauty?”

Aw, he genuinely adores her. The cat pressed her fuzzy face against Leia’s hand, begging to be scratched. And I can see why—she’s a total love bug. Leia gently rubbed behind her stripy ears, and the tabby squirmed out of Tarquin’s grasp, leaping onto her lap. Mrs. Chuzzlewit closed her butterscotch eyes, and her rumbly symphony of purrs grew loud as they vibrated against Leia’s thigh.

“I think you’ve got another fan. See, even Chuzza wants you to stay.”

“Oh, I see the plan now! Hey cat, did your owner put you up to this?” Leia happily scratched Mrs. Chuzzlewit’s shoulders. I’m so conflicted. The way Tarquin reacted to my scars, the accident, Sarah’s story… he didn’t glaze over or change the subject. He listened, asked questions. He really cared. She glanced up at him, his warm smile easy and brimming with adoration. I can’t deny it—he’s lovely. If I lived here, if I was looking for something serious—if I wasn’t scared—he’d be perfect. She grinned back but pulled away, ruffling the cat’s ears. But I can’t have my heart shattered again. Even the sweetest guys don’t come with a guarantee. “I’d love to hang out, Tarquin, really, but Shantelle’s gown won’t sew itself. I really should get a move on.”

“Oh, no worries. I’ll drive you to Islington.”

“You really don’t want to work today, do you?” Leia smirked.

“I hate the boss. He’s a right bastard.”

A laugh burst through her lips. “Well, I can’t help you with that!” She gave Mrs. Chuzzlewit one last pet. “I appreciate your offer—you’re such a sweetheart—but the Tube’s fine.”