Page 2 of Jurassic Measures
“Because she pays us an obscene amount of money and she is funny in the, I’m crazy rich but not offensive, way.”
Amber rolled her eyes and closed the curtain to the back room where I was putting the final touches on a wedding dress.
The sound of the shop door opening surprised me, only because we were appointment only and I didn’t have anything scheduled until one. The clock indicated it wasn’t the mailman, and morning deliveries were already in. Maybe Amber had to step out.
“Can I help you?” I heard Amber ask so it must have been someone walking in. It was uncommon as the shop had always been appointment only, which was stated on the front entrance, and most people respected that.
“Good afternoon, my name is Landry Astor. I was hoping I could order a few suits and McPherson’s Tailor and Designs came highly recommended.”
Amber giggled which was so unlike her, she was the epitome of professional.
“McPherson’s is the best, but I’m biased. Unfortunately, Mr. McPherson is booked out until the end of the year and doesn’t accept walk-ins.”
“Oh, I see.” The man’s voice dipped, almost a growl that while not scary, was very unhuman.
“Uh…I can get your contact information and call if there’s a cancellation?”
“That won’t do. May I speak with Mr. McPherson?”
“I’m sorry he?—”
“I don’t mean to be rude, Miss, but I’m in a bit of a bind and require only the best. Money is no object.”
I huffed and stood from my spot on the ground. I gently released the ivory lace and collected myself. I was going to have to go out there. Pretentious people never took no for an answer, unless they were Dellanore James…but this guy didn’t sound half as delightful.
“I understand, Mr. Astor, but time is, and Mr. McPherson has none left.” Amber was starting to get upset and while shetruly was the epitome of professional, she could, if pushed too far, extend that professionalism to one of a bouncer.
“What is your name?”
“Amber, sir.”
“Amber, I’m the CEO of Astor Pharmaceuticals which also funds A3, a research and development company. I’m quite important and?—”
Nope. I pulled back the curtain, opened my mouth ready to give this douchebag both barrels when we made eye contact, and I froze.
His eyes were a kaleidoscope of color. Red, green, gray, maybe flecks of light blue, and they were sparkling. Honest to God sparkling.
“Mr. McPherson I presume?”
That shook me from my stupor…right, douchebag.
“I am and you’re Mr. Astor.” He wasn’t super tall, maybe a little over my own five foot eight. His hair was different shades of brown, straight but full going a little past his ears. He was sleek, lithe, a swimmer maybe. The current suit he had on was like a second skin and tailored to perfection.
“You’ve heard of me, lovely.” He smirked and while I was sure it was meant to be a harmless expression, I took a small step back as something in the back of my mind tingled in warning.
“I have. I mean, I was in the back room when you came in here.”
He dipped his chin. “I didn’t mean to be rude to your assistant, but I’m honestly in a troublesome situation.”
I gestured to his expensive suit. “From where I’m standing it appears you have a rather extraordinary tailor. I’m unsure how much trouble you could possibly be in.”
“Right. You see, I’ve been in Johannesburg for the last five years and?—”
“Africa?”
He furrowed his brows and looked at me like maybe I was an idiot. “Yes, Africa. Anyway. My tailor was remarkable, but he passed away a couple of weeks ago and he had suits I was to pick up but somehow, they were removed from his studio and no one can find them. Currently, I have only four suits with me here and am desperate.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
