Page 55 of Small Town Sash

"Count on it." Hadley's response was confident, lifted by the unexpected support. "Who knows, maybe one day you'll wear one of my designs."

"Perhaps," her mother conceded, standing up. "But only if it's elegant, timeless, and...what's that word you use? Edgy?"

"Edgy," Hadley confirmed, laughing. "Got it. Elegant, timeless, and a hint of edgy. Just like us."

"Us?" Her mother arched an eyebrow, the ghost of a smirk playing on her lips. "Now, don't push it, dear."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Mom." Hadley grinned, opening the door to leave. "Thanks for...well, you know."

"Being a mother?" Her voice followed Hadley out, a hint of warmth seeping through its usual coolness.

"Something like that," Hadley called back, stepping out with a newfound lightness in her step.

Once she finished packing the last of her pageant boxes, Hadley headed for the dress shop. It wasn't long before she was lost in design heaven. Bolts of fabric lined the walls of the back room, patterns and colors colliding in a beautiful chaos.

Candace was there, hunched over a sewing machine, sending fabric flying like it was her business…because it was.

"Candace," Hadley announced, stepping around mannequins. "I'm ready to tackle this fashion thing."

Candace looked up, her hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, it's about time. I knew you couldn't resist coming in today." She gestured towards a stack of fabrics. "You're just in time. Pick your poison."

Hadley examined the stack, running her fingers over chiffon and silk. "So many options." She eventually settled on a bolt of sapphire blue chiffon.

"You got good taste," Candace praised, nodding approvingly. "Let's get to work then."

Hours later, coaxing bobbins and threading needles, Hadley felt the thrill of creating something from nothing with the help of her new friend and mentor.

Candace leaned back on a stool, watching Hadley's concentration. "You know," she mused, twirling a ribbon around her finger, "you might be more cut out for this than even me."

"That's a huge compliment," Hadley replied with a grin, adjusting her piece of fabric. "Mom's going to love this," she murmured to herself.

"Oh?" Candace raised an eyebrow. "Planning on dressing your mom?"

"Hopefully," Hadley laughed, tugging at the fabric in her hand. "I need to do something if I'm going to convince her that switching my focus from pageants to design was a good idea. I figure bribing her with an eye-catching outfit might be a step in the right direction."

Candace chuckled as she watched Hadley sew. "Well, you're a natural. I'd say you've found your calling."

"Maybe," Hadley mused. "Or maybe this is just my way of rebelling."

"Rebelling by sewing?" Candace asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement. "You're definitely my type of girl, then."

Hadley shrugged, continuing with her stitches. "I've learned rebellion doesn't have to be loud," she said quietly.

Candace nodded, watching Hadley work. "Rebellion comes in all shapes and sizes, after all."

"I think I'm done," Hadley finally announced, holding up a self-made skirt and matching jacket with a proud grin. "Now, all I need to do is make a shirt that complements it."

Candace whistled, walking over to inspect it. "Pretty impressive for a beginner," she said with an approving nod. "It took me over six months to get this good, and with chiffon no less."

"Well," Hadley started, her blue eyes sparkling with mirth, "I am being mentored by the best, so this win goes as much to you as it does me."

"You sweet talker," Candace said, nudging Hadley playfully. "By the way, I say we celebrate this victory with a glass of wine."

"Oh?" Hadley gave her a sidelong glance. "You're not trying to get me drunk and steal my designs, are you?"

"Caught me," Candace laughed, shoving her lightly. "But seriously, you did a great job. Let's toast to the start of your new career."

They spent the evening in high spirits, toasting and laughing at shared jokes. Wine glasses clinked, and fabric swatches fluttered around the room as they celebrated.

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