Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 144908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
FOURTEEN
“I’m pretty sure she used to be a quiet little thing,” Keys whispered to Savage loud enough for Ambrielle to hear when Sabelia had taken their orders and walked away.
The two Torpedo Ink members were joined by Destroyer. He was so large he seemed to take up the entire store. That didn’t stop him from sitting in one of the empty chairs at the table beside Keys.
“Who was a quiet little thing? Not the new bride,” Destroyer asked.
Ambrielle blushed for no reason. The spotlight was back on her just like that.
Seychelle reached for her hand. “The rings are beautiful. Anything Ice creates is amazing.”
“May I see them?” Mama Anat asked. “I love his work. Every piece he does is different and so beautiful.”
“He puts such love into his craft,” Lana said. “He always has. He has a group of other designers he trades gems with. They’ve been doing it for years. He manages to get just what he needs through them. They keep their circle very small and know which mine each stone comes from.”
“You put love into every garment you create,” Tessa said. “That’s why everyone wants your clothing. It’s so popular we can’t keep up. The coolest thing you do, though, is when Darcy or Kenny brings some kid to the shop and you custom design clothes for them and tell them they got them on a scholarship, or whatever it is you say. I love that you do that. Those kids have nothing at all. You give them the best clothes, and it changes how they feel about themselves. You don’t just give them clothes; you talk to them while you measure them. All about life and getting knocked down and standing back up and never letting other people’s opinions stop you from pursuing your dream because you’re different.”
Lana waved the compliments away. Ambrielle looked at her in a whole new light. She was fairly certain Master had said it was Lana on the roof of a building with a sniper rifle covering him when he was on the patio of the restaurant. If Lana had been the one trusted to keep Master from being killed, she had to be a dead shot with that rifle. Yet she was clearly compassionate with teens needing clothing, and she took the time to talk to them when they needed someone to hear them and give them advice. She also wasn’t afraid to apologize and admit when she was wrong in front of others. There was a lot to admire about her.
“That’s wonderful, Lana,” Mama Anat said. “Zyah keeps telling me I have to go by your shop, but I’m always so late when I go to the market. I sew, but I’m not nearly as good at design as you are.”
“Thank you,” Lana murmured. “Tessa is beginning to come up with some wonderful ideas. I’m really excited for her.”
Tessa flushed a beautiful rose. “I love to create new looks. I especially would like to come up with ideas for young people to make them have confidence the way Lana does, but so far, I haven’t managed to do that. I think I’ve designed a couple of vests and jackets that are pretty cool, but nothing else. Nothing that would sell.”
“That’s not true, Tessa,” Lana denied. “Your designs are going to be huge sellers, especially those little camisoles. They’re almost perfect. You just need to decide on the right material and how you want each one made. If you’re going to do custom clothing, you can’t think in terms of mass production. Under Label 287, everything must be custom in order for us to afford to give away the clothing for the kids who don’t have anything. Later, if we want to get into mass production, we’d need a partner and a different label.”
“What do you do, Ambrielle?” Seychelle asked.
Ambrielle had known the question would be asked sooner or later. “My profession is probably boring to most people, but I love it. I’m a financial advisor. I help my clients with planning and with their investments and building their retirements. I happen to love numbers the way Lana and Tessa love design. I enjoy helping my clients feel safer about their futures. It’s also very satisfying to get them out of debt.”
“You do sound enthusiastic, dear,” Inez said. “I have terrible debt. I’m not afraid to admit it in front of everyone. It’s not like my friends don’t know. I was solid at one time, but I helped a friend and then the bottom dropped out of the market and things went downhill fast. I should have known someone like you then.” Her laughter was a little hollow. “I don’t regret helping my friend, but I do worry about our future. I’m getting a little too old to be running the store every single day.”