Page 65 of Hibiscus Heights

She hurried into her friend’s shop. Babe called to her from beside a rack that had what looked like a curtain panel thrown over it.

“You’re just in time,” Babe said, her eyes widening with relief. “There was a woman your size pawing through the silks and lace. I had to tell her these were all reserved. I grabbed a dressing room drapery in case other people tried to snatch an evening gown.”

Deb hugged her. “You’re the best, thanks. Now, show me what you have.”

Babe unveiled the rack of shimmering evening gowns. “I thought of you when I unpacked these. Aren’t they glamorous? You’d look fabulous in any of these.”

Even though she spent a lot of time in casual clothes, Deb loved exquisite styles and fabrics. “There’s nothing like these on the island. You should work out a deal with the hotel to bring in fine evening, cocktail, and resort wear. There’s a need for that here, especially for the hotel’s upscale clientele.”

Babe’s face brightened. “April is coming in soon. Maybe she’ll put in a good word for me with Ryan. Now, let me show you what I put aside for you.”

Babe held up each dress in turn. “This slim ivory silk will go with your hair. The peach chiffon with a Grecian drape is marvelous. And this airy cerulean-blue silk gown will flow with your movements.” She held up other options.

A voice interrupted them.

“Try on the ivory and the blue. Those are my favorites for you.” Matteo stood behind them, studying each option with the seriousness of a connoisseur.

“You’re persistent,” Deb said, grinning.

Oddly, she didn’t mind Matteo being there. Maybe because she wasn’t trying to impress him. When she introduced him, Babe seemed instantly enamored.

“Welcome to Beach Babes. I’m Babe.” She smiled at his outfit. “I love your style. Aren’t you the vintner everyone’s talking about?”

He inclined his head modestly. “I suppose word travels fast on an island.”

Deb watched the immediate ease between them. Babe’s natural charm drew people in, making them feel like friends. Matteo also had that effect on people.

“Try on these.” Babe scooped a few dresses over her arm and bustled toward the fitting room. “I want to see how they fit. We still have time to make alterations.”

In the changing area, Deb tried on the first dress, but with its plunging neckline, it was too revealing for her purposes.

Babe peeked in. “Wow, that’s hot. You really rock that one.”

“Too sexy for the grand reopening,” Deb said, shaking her head. “This is business. Any man’s wife would immediately look for another designer, and I wouldn’t blame them.”

“Okay, I understand. Smart, stylish, successful. Try on the blue dress. And let us see it on you.” Babe unzipped her and took two items back.

Deb slipped into the cerulean-blue dress. It was a little more modest, and the bright color deepened her eyes.

Possibly a contender.

She stepped out to find Matteo and Babe talking about gifts for his children. Babe had chosen several T-shirts and handmade bracelets from local artisans for him.

Matteo looked up, and his expression brightened. “Wow. What a vivid color. Turn around.”

She did, while he and Babe consulted each other.

Their banter was fascinating. “I feel like I have a pair of stylists.”

Babe spoke up. “We’ve decided the color is fabulous, and it really stands out, but maybe too much.”

Matteo concurred with a nod. “Gorgeous, but more of a Las Vegas look. Try the other one I liked.”

She returned to the fitting room, hearing their voices continue, occasionally punctuated with laughter.

Deb slid into the ivory silk dress. The fabric was cool against her skin. When she turned to the mirror, she was pleasantly surprised that it checked all her requirements. While it didn’t look like much on the hanger, it was transformative.

She emerged from the fitting room, and her audience’s reaction was immediate.

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