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Like fabrics. And supplies. And planning Robbie’s pool party. My pace quickens as I head to my room, trying to shake off the doubts. Once I have my list, I’ll head out and lose myself in the tactile joy of picking out fabric—the textures, the colors, the endless possibilities.
But before I leave, a snack is definitely in order.
I make my way to the kitchen, where Evelyn is at the counter, her hands deftly chopping a pile of fresh vegetables. Sometimes she has a helper at mealtimes—there’s a whole team of them for big dinner events—but with everyone out of the house, there’s no need now.
She glances up when I enter, offering a warm smile.
“Hello, Annie,” she says, her tone cheerful as always.
“Hi,” I reply, opening the fridge and scanning its contents. “Just grabbing a quick bite before I head out.”
“You’re always on the go,” she says with a chuckle. “Did Robbie get off to school all right?”
“He was practically vibrating with excitement,” I say, pulling out some yogurt and fruit. “He can’t stop talking about the pool party.”
As if on cue, Ellis enters the kitchen, his posture as impeccable as ever. He’s carrying a clipboard, his expression serious but not unkind.
“Ladies,” he says, nodding to both Evelyn and me.
“Hey, Ellis,” I say, reaching for a spoon.
“I wanted to inform you,” he begins, his voice calm and measured, “that per your request, we’ve begun preparations to open the pool. It should be ready before the end of the week.”
I nearly drop my spoon. “Wait, really? That fast?”
Ellis nods. “Yes, Miss Fox. Mr. Wagner instructed me to prioritize it.”
“Wow,” I say, genuinely impressed. “Thank you, Ellis. That’s amazing.”
“It’s my job,” he says simply, though there’s a faint hint of pride in his tone.
As he turns back to his clipboard, my thoughts shift back to the growing to-do list in my head. “Well, I guess I better start planning this pool party for real. I still need to send out invites, and now I have to work around the gala, too.”
Evelyn perks up at the mention of the gala. “Oh, have you decided what you’re going to wear?” she asks, her tone a bit excited.
The question pulls me out of my thoughts, and I glance at her, spoon halfway to my mouth. “Not quite yet. Actually, I’m going to look at fabrics right now,” I say, setting the yogurt down on the counter.
“Fabrics?” Evelyn interjects, her brow furrowing slightly as she looks at me.
I nod, unable to hide my excitement. “Yeah. I decided I’m going to make my dress for the gala.”
Both Evelyn and Ellis pause, exchanging a quick glance. It’s subtle, but I catch the flicker of doubt in their expressions.
“Annie,” Evelyn begins gently, setting down her knife. “This isn’t just any party. It’s the event of the year. Maybe it would be better to... buy something?”
“I appreciate the concern,” I say, holding up a hand, “but I’ve got this. I don’t have the design down exactly, but that’ll come when I see the right fabric.”
Evelyn hesitates. “Honey, I know you went to fashion school, but this is… ambitious. And you didn’t finish, if I understand correctly,” she says carefully. “You know this is a very formal event, and very important to Cole. It’s not just any party.”
“I know,” I assure her, though her hesitation makes me second-guess myself for a moment. “That’s why I want to make something really special. Something unique.”
Ellis clears his throat. “Forgive me, Miss Fox, but wouldn’t it be easier to purchase a gown? Mr. Wagner ensures that staff he invites are provided for.”
I shake my head quickly, trying to explain. “I know he’s offering, and that’s incredibly generous, but this isn’t aboutmoney. I love designing dresses—it’s what I went to school for. And I’ve made formal gowns before. It’s pretty much all I did at Atelier.”
Evelyn’s jaw drops slightly, and even Ellis’s usually stoic expression shows a flicker of surprise. “BianchiAtelier?” Evelyn echoes, her tone rising in disbelief.
“Yeah,” I say, smiling at the memory. “It was incredible. Tons of work, very demanding, but, if anything, that’s just made me more prepared for this.”