Alice And The Hatter_A Dirty Fairytale Romance Read online

  “I wish you’d get along. I don’t have time for your petty fights, but yeah, if I had to guess, I’d say he’s ragging hard. He had bad news for me.”

  “You mean the sales for the show? I’ve already heard they sucked big ones.”

  “How’d you hear that?”

  “Your bestie, Nate was blabbing his theories, and one of them was about my department, so naturally, I heard about it. Nothing is said in this place that I don’t catch wind of. Or at least a little smoke.” That was his way of telling me that whoever had told him, had done so to get high. Most everyone in the company was friends with Weed for his willingness to share. With the Weedman as your friend, you could stay high and never pay for it.

  “You’re not wrong.” I shrugged. “I already defended you.”

  “He’s only mad because I won’t hook him up with some weed. But you know me, I share, I don’t sell. Not without a doctor’s signature anyway. And I’m pretty sure he’s mad that he’s attracted to me. Most straight men are.” He gave me a wink and straightened his trademark scarf which he wore in place of a tie.

  Weed and I had our agreement from the first time we met. I’d never remark on his preferences if he didn’t remark on mine. We’d been good ever since. “You know Nate’s straight as an arrow.”

  “Of course, he is, but even arrows bend, honey.” He belted a laugh. “Besides, he’s kind of sexy in a Freddie Mercury, big teeth kind of way. I bet he’d suck a mean—

  I made a face. “That’s enough. I don’t want that image in my head.” Weed threw his head back and laughed even louder.

  “Strangely, neither do I, doll. Moving right along, I wanted to tell you that everything was accounted for and we’re all set for the next show.” He ran a tight ship in his department, and no one would ever question him and the way he did things. I’d never doubted him, but he’d always come in and tell me that things were going smoothly just for my peace of mind.

  He always shot me straight.

  “What do you think of the newest designs?” I watched as his face fell and he clicked his tongue.

  “I was hoping you’d never ask.” He raised his hand and clicked his long, manicured nails together. One of them had silver polish and a big crystal star; the others were hot pink.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “Stale is a word I’d like to use.” He shifted forward in his seat. “Look, love, I’m always going to tell it like it is and I think you need a little inspiration. You’re working too hard. Your work is feeding your work, not your creativity. Creativity needs to be fed too once in a while. You should take a day away from this place.”

  “I just went to Paris.”

  “To work. It’s not the same, and you know it.” He reached across the desk and placed his hand on mine. “Take a day or two to refresh yourself. It will do a world of good.” He leaned back in his chair. “I can get you some Purple Kush if you want. It’s psychoactive. That will change your thinking, maybe spark your creativity?”

  “No thanks. I’ll pass, but if I ever decide to revisit my youth and take up drugs again, it’s good to know I have connections.” I let out a long breath. “Nate wants to bring someone else in. He’s got it in his head that we should form a think tank. Some kind of brainstorming group.”

  The look on his face, the way his lips went into a tight O and the way he averted his eyes, told me he agreed.

  “You think he’s right?”

  “I think it wouldn’t hurt. But I do understand where you’re coming from too. You want them to be your designs, and you don’t feel they could be if the idea is from someone else?”

  “Well, I’m not totally against it, actually. He’s got someone in mind; I’m just not sure what kind of credentials they’d have. I don’t want someone that doesn’t know shit about fashion coming in to waste my time. Besides, there’s the brand to protect. If I go pulling everything now, it will look like I’m letting the opinions of the critics sway me.”

  “Oh, you should definitely be careful. I’d love to be a part of your think tank, and I have credentials, but that doesn’t mean I’d be the perfect fit. I mean, if I had to throw out ideas I’d give you loafers with heels and floral-printed business suits. Maybe the office kilt? That could be a thing.”

  “You’re right; I should be careful.” We shared a laugh. I couldn’t imagine designing clothes like those that he’d wear. He was a mix mash of styles and androgyny at its best, but he always looked good.

  “It kills me to think Nate’s right. We’re going to have to find some new designs, and my brain is in such a lazy fog with all of the shows and events coming up, that I’m not sure if I’ll have my next line ready by next season.”

  “Fall is a huge season, Johnny. I’ll try and work my brain around something. I’m pretty good with color if I do say so myself. Maybe I could help with that.” He brushed off his shoulder and gave me a sidelong glance.

  “I’ll take all the help I can get from friends. It’s bringing in this outsider I’m not too fond of. I don’t know what made Nate think this wouldn’t damper my mood. Maybe I’ll tell him to forget the whole idea.”

  I leaned back in my seat and wondered if at forty-six I’d expended all of my creativity.

  Chapter 4

  Liss

  As I ran the fabric through the machine, I felt the tension loose and sure enough my bobbin had run out. I had thought I’d changed it, but with so much work, I’d run out again. I got up and walked to the other machine, that’s why I had it threaded on the side, so I didn’t have to interrupt progress for something like that.

  Changing it would be simple enough, but only after I finished this final pass. I already had plans for the dress. I was going to wear it out with my friends later that night. I hadn’t seen Sabrina in over a month. She was my best friend, and the two of us had an awful lot of catching up to do. Her about school and finishing her final year, and me about my shop. It felt good to have something exciting to talk about for a change. Too many times all I’d had to talk about was school. As I did my final reverse stitch to finish the piece, the door chimed out front.

  It’d been a busy day, with people coming in and out to check on their orders and to shop for gowns. There was a pageant coming up in the fall, and I had already altered one gown for that, and I was hoping to get another one done. I got up, and when I walked out to find a man looking at my designs, I felt my nerves tremble.

  “May I help you?”

  When he turned around and saw me, his eyes widened. “Hello, I’m looking for Alice Carroll. My sister told me she owned this place.” He stepped forward and shoved his hands in his pocket.

  “I’m Alice Carroll. People call me Liss.” I extended my hand, and he quickly took his out of his pocket and offered it up.

  “I’m Nathan Hare. I’m sorry, I was expecting someone much older.” He tilted his head. “You’re the one who owns this shop and makes all of the dresses?” His tone indicated that he still didn’t believe me.

  “Yes, I even dye some of the fabrics, as you can see. I’m sorry, you said your sister?” I thought for a moment and realized that this man had the same toothy grin as the woman who had come in and bought all of those scarves and two dresses.

  “Yes, my younger sister, Natalie. She was in here the other day. She bought a few things, actually and she’s bragged on your talent since. I am going to meet up with her and my mother today, so I decided to stop in.”

  I gave him a sidelong glance and sized him up. Maybe he crossed on weekends? To each his own. “You’re interested in something for an event? I mean, I only make dresses and scarves; things for women.”

  He chuckled. “No, I’m not shopping for myself, actually. She was so impressed by your talent that she called me because I’m in the fashion industry. Have you heard of Mad Mode?”

  I could see the double M logo in my head as he mentioned it. It was one of the hottest labels in the business. The designer was incredibly hot, and he had been an inspiration o
f mine for years.

  “You work for Johnny Hatter?” My heart began to race.

  He nodded as he spun the scarf rack. “Yes. These are amazing.” He looked up and met my eyes. “I think my sister was spot on.”

  “I’m sorry, I still don’t quite know what you’re here for.” I felt a touch light-headed and hoped this wasn’t some kind of joke.

  “I’d like to offer you a temporary position at Mad Mode. If things go well, then maybe Johnny would keep you on full time.” I didn't believe what he was saying.

  “Me? Why?” I caught my breath and stopped to think a minute before I made a fool of myself. “What kind of work?”

  “Because you’re crazy talented. You’d be there to assist with ideas for a new line.”

  “But Johnny Hatter would be there, right? I mean, they are his designs, aren’t they?” I wasn’t sure about offering my ideas out to someone else, but working with Johnny Hatter would be a dream come true.

  The man’s phone rang, and he glanced down at it and then offered me an apologetic look. “I’m going to need to take this. It’s Johnny.”

  My nerves were frazzled. This man was speaking to my favorite designer right here in my very own shop! His voice was low, and he turned his back to me. Even across the room, I could hear Johnny arguing on the phone with Nathan who was just as firm and not afraid to state his opinion.

  “She’s everything Natalie said she’d be and more.” He covered the phone and glanced over his shoulder. “Do you have a degree?” he asked in a whispered tone.

  “Yes.” I nodded. “In fashion design.”

  “She has a degree. Trust me on this one, Johnny. You’re going to love this girl.” There was more back and forth, and then he glanced over his shoulder at me again. “How old are you?”

  “I’m twenty-four.” Almost twenty-five, I’d wanted to say. It was hard not to be offended, but I tried not to listen in as he continued.

  Finally, he lifted his head and turned to face me. “I’ll handle it!” his tone was sharp, and I took a deep breath and wasn’t quite sure what to say.

  “Is everything okay?” I lifted my shoulders and fidgeted with my pony tail. I liked having my hair up when I sewed.

  “It’s perfect.” He stepped closer and did one more look around the room. “You look like a girl with a lot of ideas. How would like to come out and work with us for a while?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve only recently got this place up and running and—

  The door chimed as a woman and who I believed to be her daughter entered. They went right to looking at gowns, and I took pause to greet them. “Hi, let me know if I can help you.”

  “We’re just looking. Thanks,” said the older woman.

  “Look, you’ve got a great thing going here, and I respect that,” said Nathan. “But this is the opportunity of a lifetime for someone like you. Think of the things you could learn, the inspiration you could not only give him but gain in return.” His eyes seemed to search mine as he waited for my response.

  It was the offer of a lifetime, and I knew that my work was caught up and if I didn’t take on new orders for a while, I’d still be covered by the ones I already had. Working fast and staying ahead of the game had paid off and the inventory I had was going to last me a while. I’d have to make more scarves before I left, but that wouldn’t take but a few hours. But then I thought of my father. I couldn’t just up and leave him. And since I’d never left home, not even for a vacation, I was afraid to step out and leave my home. Mad Mode was stationed in L.A.

  “Where exactly would I be going?”

  “The home office is in Los Angeles.” He glanced over his shoulder at the women who were gasping and cooing over my collection. “They seem to like your stuff.”

  “Where would I be staying? If this is an internship without pay, I can’t afford to come. I mean, I have to make a living.”

  “I said it’s a temporary job. I’ll gladly pay you. As for where you’ll be staying, since the job is temporary, we’ll arrange a hotel room.”

  “Do you usually take in other designers?” I was still feeling this deal out.

  “It’s my job to find fresh talent to work on Mad Mode’s everyday collections, but Johnny Hatter is the only one who has done the exclusives.” I couldn’t imagine why they’d want me to work with the best designer on his exclusive line. “Say yes, and I’ll make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.”

  “I’d have to talk to my father. How much time will you give me to decide?”

  “I’d need to know something by tomorrow. I’m only in town another couple of days, and I have some family business. Here’s my card. Call or text me with your answer, and I’ll make arrangements for you to join us next week.”

  “Next week?” That seemed like no time at all.

  “Yes, we need you to start as soon as possible.” I thought about the phone call he’d made.

  “It didn’t seem like Johnny Hatter was too on board with this. That was who you were arguing with, wasn’t it?”

  “He’s on board. As a matter of fact, he knew what I was coming here for. He just wanted to make sure you had some experience.”

  “I see. Well, I haven’t had as much as he has.” I knew he’d been around for years. He was a billionaire rich kid who had inherited his family fortune at twenty-eight and been in the fashion industry ever since. His brand was one of the biggest, and his mirrored M logo was on the butt of every college kid in the country.

  “Don’t sell yourself short, kiddo. Say yes, and let me get this rolling.”

  “Okay. I need to tell my father, but I’ll do it.” A wide grin spread across his face and he reached out to pat my arm.

  “You’re making the right decision. This is going to catapult you into the world of fashion, Alice.”

  “Liss. Call me Liss.” No one had called me Alice since my mother had died. Not even my father.

  “Liss, sorry.” He shook my hand. “Do you mind if I step over here and make a call.” He motioned to the other side of the room.

  “Not at all. I’ll just be with my customers.” I left him and went to tend to the mother, and sure enough, her daughter was looking for a bridal gown. Luckily, the wedding was a while away, and even if I took the order, I’d have plenty of time to pull off the job and go to work in L.A.

  I was discussing the price of the order as Nathan returned and he overheard as they put down their deposit which was half up front. I thanked them and came around to walk them out.

  As I returned, he was staring at my sales slip. “You know, a little time with us and you’ll get three times this.” He flashed me a wink. “I have to run too, but I’ll be in touch, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again.” With a smile that was full of charm, he gave me a little bow and left me with my thoughts.

  Los Angeles. Johnny Hatter. This had to be a dream. I ran over to the door and cut off the open sign and locked the door. It was still thirty minutes till I had to shut down, but I needed to get home and talk to my father. I hoped he wouldn’t be upset that I’d made the commitment without asking him first, but I was a grown woman and didn’t really need his permission. His approval though was everything to me.

  I grabbed my bag and the dress I’d finished and then shut off my iron, which I kept steaming on its base, and hurried out.

  Leaving early would not only give me time to talk to my dad, but I’d still have time to get ready for girl’s night out with Sabrina. With all of the decisions I’d made today, I’d need a little time to unwind.

  Three hours later, I found myself sitting at dinner with Sabrina. “The dirtier, the better,” she said, ordering her drink.

  I ordered a simple Cosmo and waited for her to tell me once again, what I should’ve ordered.

  “You should’ve gotten a daiquiri here,” she said right on cue. She’d never suggest a drink until after you ordered, and I’d never managed to order the proper drink.

  I decided not to let it get me down
and share my good news. “You’ll never guess who came into the store today.” I waited to see if she’d try and when she shrugged I went ahead and spilled. “Johnny Hatter’s assistant.”

  “His assistant? How did you know? That could be anybody trying to play a joke.” She waved her hand dismissively and gave me a sympathetic look.

  “I hope not. He gave me his card and offered me a job.”

  Her eyes widened. “A job! Seriously? Do you think it’s legit?”

  “Here.” I took the card out from my handbag and passed it to her. “See, it looks official. His sister came in the store the other day and bought a few things. She was so impressed by my style that she sent her brother to see me. She kept hinting around that I’d do well if I had the right opportunity. I guess she was feeling me out.”

  “That’s amazing! I thought for sure it was someone playing a gag, but your talent was bound to attract the real deal someday. You’ve always designed the best clothes.” She pointed down to her own dress which was one of my originals as well. “I guess I’ll have to hang on to this thing for the rest of my life if you become super-famous and have you autograph it for a shadow box display.”

  We shared a laugh. “I’ll be working with Johnny supposedly. I’ll believe that part when it happens. I’m trying to not get my hopes up.” I didn’t want to get to L.A. and find that I was going to be carrying fabric bolts and fetching patterns for the others.

  “Is he single? Gay or straight? If you’re lucky maybe he’ll ask you out.” Leave it to Sabrina to think sex.

  “It’s a business opportunity, not a party. I’m not even sure about his personal life. I know he’s like in his forties and incredibly rich, so since he’s almost my father’s age, I think I’ll pass.” Although Johnny Hatter didn’t look his age, he looked at least twenty years younger than my father, though I knew he wasn’t.

  “We’ll see. You’ll come in a hot affair with an older man. Your dad will freak out. Did he say anything about you going?”

  “He was supportive. He was a little surprised that I’d go considering it’s in L.A., but, he understood my need to go. He said he’d watch the shop for me. Could you imagine?” I laughed thinking about my father working the bridal section.