Page 69 of Just Say Yes
Izzy had been one of my first contacts when I started my business and I still always recommended clients to her if possible. She made the most incredible bridal gowns and her designs were always perfect. She had an innate sense of what people wanted and could transfer those wishes into reality with the most beautiful fabrics. Isobel Designs had gone from strength to strength in the time I’d known her, with a huge waiting list. But I also loved working with her as Izzy was one of the nicest, most supportive people I’d ever met.
‘Maddie!’ Izzy’s voice sang down the phone. ‘How are you? How’s things?’
‘I’m OK. Things have been a bit not so great but I’m hopeful they’re starting to pick up again now.’
‘I’m sure they will. I couldn’t wait to get back to the studio. Obviously I love Rob to bits but when we were both working full-time from home, it could get a bit tense from time to time. Like most people, I suspect.’
‘Oh, yes, this last few years certainly seems to have tested relationships, that’s for sure.’
‘I mean, how can one man type so loud? I swear he ordered an extra-loud keyboard just to wind me up,’ she said, laughing, not actually putting it past her husband to do just that as a tease. Izzy had gone through her own tough time and I was glad she’d found someone who appreciated her for the incredible woman she was. ‘Anyway, I’m rabbiting on as usual. What can I do for you?’
‘I just wondered if I could pop in and check on Peyton Leigh-Steele’s dress? I haven’t actually seen it in the flesh yet as she’d ordered it before I took over the wedding planning. I understand you’ve got the bridesmaids’ ones too?’
‘Oh God, I heard that the original planner let them down big time, the poor things. That was awful. I didn’t realise you’d got the job of picking up the pieces. How’s it going? Peyton said something about them not getting married in Dublin now, is that right?’
‘Yeah. They’ve moved the wedding to Patrick’s home town. Well, village actually, and I have to say, although it’s obviously been a nightmare for them, the new venue is absolutely stunning and the suppliers we’ve got on board so far are amazing and all so nice.’
‘Was it hard to find people there or are they coming in from elsewhere? I seem to remember Patrick mention in passing he comes from a tiny place.’
‘The village is small, yes, but luckily I had someone with inside knowledge with me on the trip to recce the place, which has been a huge help.’
‘Always good to have someone on the inside,’ she said, laughing. ‘So when do you want to come in?’
‘I’m flying back from Ireland later today and I need to just get organised again.’
‘I’ve never known a time you weren’t organised!’ Izzy replied, a smile in her voice.
‘Goes with the territory,’ I said, trying to push away Lorcan’s comment about my approach to doing things taking all the spontaneity out of life.
‘It absolutely does. I’m so glad Peyton and Patrick have hired you. They’re definitely in the best hands now.’ Izzy had a way of always saying the right thing. Perhaps that came with her territory, but I think it also came down to her being a lovely woman with a generous, kind heart. ‘So when would suit you? I’m in the studio Wednesday and Thursday this week if either of those are any good. Wednesday would probably have to be a later one though as I have a fitting at four. I should be done by half five at the latest so if you want to pop in around six? Is that too late?’
‘No, not at all. It will be good to get something else ticked off the list and I’ll have the silhouette and fabric more in my head then if I’ve seen it in person. Peyton’s shown me some photos you took, of course, but—’
‘It’s not the same as seeing it with your own eyes, I know.’ Izzy understood completely. ‘I can give you some swatches of each of the fabrics her dress and veil have been made up with, as well as some for the bridesmaid dresses too.’
‘Perfect. Exactly what I need. See, this is why I love working with you. You know just what I need before I even say it.’
‘Works both ways, hon. Do you want to grab a bite to eat with me and Rob afterwards? It’d be lovely to catch up if you have time?’
I quickly scanned my calendar and saw that I had an online Clubbercise session booked for seven. Well, that won’t be happening, I thought, glancing down at my leg.
‘That sounds great, Izzy.’
‘Fab! Any preference?’
‘Not at all. I’m happy to leave it to you.’
See, Lorcan, I don’t always have to plan everything. I can be just as spontaneous as the next person!
‘You sure?’ Izzy’s tone suggested she wasn’t convinced.
I paused. ‘Well, I do hear that new Greek restaurant near your place has been getting great reviews.’
Spontaneity is so overrated anyway.
‘Demeter?’
‘Yes, that’s the one.’
