The Cut of Her Cloth Read online

  “It’s just nerves getting the better of you. When you see your bride walking down that aisle, all your worries will melt away and you’ll just know that everything is going to be okay.”

  “Yeah, I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not so sure about that, Katie.” His eyes locked with hers and didn’t look away until the sales clerk that had been helping them earlier approached again.

  “Are there any more selections you’d like me to pull for you?” Kate looked over at her. She could still feel Brad’s eyes on her.

  “I think we’ve got it pretty much narrowed down, but thank you.”

  Kate stood up and stepped over to the rack of tuxedoes Brad had already tried on, sorting through them as she picked out the ones that had looked the best on him in her opinion. Once again she had to remind herself that she was only here to help. There could be nothing more between them; he was getting married to someone else in a few months. Yes, she had definitely sensed that since they’d first seen each other at the coffee shop again that something had sparked inside of him too. But whatever those sparks were, they were off limits. Yet when she glanced over her shoulder at him and saw that he was still looking at her with such intensity, she wasn’t sure how long those sparks could be quelled.

  Chapter 11

  It was a slow day at the shop. Kate had taken advantage of the down time by drawing up some more designs in her sketchpad. She’d caught up with all of the work her mom had been unable to finish and had even finished off a couple of pieces ahead of schedule. She was putting the finishing touches on a sketch when Garth peeked into the sewing room.

  “Care for a lunch break? I grabbed us both a couple of turkey sandwiches from Moe’s Deli.” Kate perked up at the mention of Moe’s. She’d been so wrapped up in the store since she’d gotten back to town that she hadn’t even given any thought to stopping by and indulging in one of their humongous sandwiches.

  “Did you remember the extra homemade Dijon mustard?” Kate continued sketching, trying to act nonchalant about sinking her teeth into her waiting sandwich.

  “Damn. I was sure it was extra horseradish you preferred. Guess now there’s more for me.” Garth ducked in the doorway as Kate picked up an eraser and threw it at him.

  A few moments later, Kate joined her brother out in the lobby munching on deli-style potato chips and their delicious sandwiches.

  “God, how does this taste so damn good?” Kate said as she took another big bite.

  “Can’t get this in the big city, huh?” Garth took a sip of his soda.

  “That’s the thing, you can. There are delis on every single block it seems like. But there’s something about Moe’s that just…I dunno, I just can’t explain it.”

  “Small town goodness.” Garth grinned as he took another bite.

  “I guess so, huh.”

  “Speaking of small towns. You sure seem to be kicking ass with this whole tailoring thing. We even got a compliment from Mrs. Taylor yesterday and that’s a big deal.” Garth grabbed a handful of chips.

  “Wow, then that really is a compliment. I remember mom always being so annoyed with her and her ridiculous specifications. I’ve just been so into the work, I didn’t even notice I’d done something of hers.” Kate munched on a few more chips as well before continuing. “What about you? You’ve seemed to be doing alright for yourself here. I’m actually quite proud of you.”

  “Don’t go getting all mushy on me now. I’m doing it to help out Mom.” Garth took another swig of soda. “But I have to admit, it’s not half bad watching the place and keeping track of things.”

  “Found your calling, have you?”

  “Let’s not go that far, alright? Are you gonna eat that last bite?” He attempted to swipe her last bit of sandwich, but was quickly met with Kate’s fast reflexes, and her swatting hand. They sat in silence for a bit longer as they finished up their lunches. Kate had to admit, it felt good to be getting along with Garth. And it felt even better that they were working together to help out with the business.

  “So what’s with you and Brad?”

  “Huh?” Kate nearly choked on the gulp of soda she’d just swallowed.

  “Look, it’s none of my business, I know. But I don’t trust an engaged man who shows interest in another woman, especially when that woman happens to be my sister.”

  “We’re just good friends, Garth. That’s how it’s always been.”

  “You’re still sticking with that, huh.” Garth eyed her with the look of concerned brother.

  “It’s the truth.” She didn’t even sound convinced herself hearing it come out of her mouth.

  “Just be careful, okay? That’s all I’m saying.”

  “Awww, thanks lil’ bro. I didn’t know you cared.” She gave him a wink, prompting Garth to roll his eyes. Kate had to admit, her brother was a good man. And his genuine concern had touched her. Now all she had to do was work on getting herself to believe in the ‘just friends’ thing.

  The whole notion of just friends pretty much went on the back burner when Brad had called Kate while she was still at the shop and had asked her if she wanted to come out with a few of his friends for drinks.

  They were going to a new bar just outside of town and he’d said she’d probably remember a few faces from high school. Granted, Kate wasn’t exactly keen on seeing anyone else she’d gone to high school with, but it had still sounded like a good time, and she could use a break from the latest monotony of small town life that she’d recently fallen into. After one last quick look in the mirror, a satisfied Kate headed out for what she hoped would be a fun and carefree evening.

  Although she was usually a highly punctual woman, this time she was running late. She was actually on her way out the door when Laurie called. She needed approval for the latest designs, which required a rather longer than she’d intended Skype session.

  But Laurie wasn’t to blame for that. She knew every detail had to be approved by Kate. And finally, an hour after Kate was supposed to have been at the bar, they’d succeeded at getting the final approvals done. The stress of being away and still trying to get her job done to her own high specifications and expectations had been weighing heavily on her. Granted, her work wasn’t suffering at all, but it was taking long hours into the night to try and stay on top of things. Aside from the burdens of making sure everything in New York was running smoothly from afar, there was also her personal life, or rather, now lack thereof. Jonathan had become more than distant the last couple of days since she’d told him she’d have to stay in Georgia a little longer to get things properly situated. She was surprised by his reaction. She thought it had been quite cold and aloof. Even the texts to check in on her were coming less frequently. In fact, she hadn’t heard at all from him today. Needless to say, Kate figured it was safe to assume that they were over.

  When she pulled into the bar parking lot, she saw Brad’s truck, and all of the stress and negative emotions that had been plaguing her mind seemed to melt away. Brad had always had a calming effect on her. From her first day at a new high school when he’d offered his friendly ‘southern style’ welcome to her at her locker in the hallway sensing that she was extremely nervous as a newbie, to when he’d stayed up all night helping her cram for the torturous Trig exam she’d been having near panic attacks over. Somehow he’d always known how to soothe her worries and fears. And here he was doing that again, well not even him, merely his truck. After parking her car, she walked up to his truck, running her hand along the side before stepping onto the sidewalk. She felt a warmth inside her heart. Her dear, old friend was inside, and she didn’t try to fight the excitement inside at seeing him. With a smile, she entered the bar.

  Chapter 11

  The bar was still buzzing well into the early morning hours. Kate had to admit, it was a great new place to hang out. There hadn’t been many places to have a few drinks and chill around town. Most of the places were small dives that only the grittier townsfolk liked to frequent. This place
was much larger than probably all of those bars put together. They had TV’s for the sports games, several dart boards, and two pool tables. Kate had been having a great time with Brad and his friends. None of them were into talking about the good old days, which was what she’d been dreading. On top of the good company, she’d had the pleasure of beating Brad twice at pool already, and was only a few plays away from beating him again as he missed another shot.

  “I can smell the sweet scent of a third victory!” Kate grinned ear to ear as Brad stood up straight with his pool stick and a dissatisfied frown.

  “It’s the wedding cake, I tell ya!”

  “Yeah, you keep sticking to that story while I wipe the floors with your pathetic pool skills.”

  “All that sugar…it’s hindered my hand-eye coordination.” He held up his free hand as if to give proof.

  “You’re full of something, but it’s not sugar.” Kate hit a few stripes into a corner pocket, making Brad grimace.

  “I’m throwing up the white flag before I’m further embarrassed.”

  “Nope, too late.” Kate sealed her win by sinking the eight ball in the side pocket. She walked over to Brad with a satisfied smirk.

  “Since when did you get to be a pool shark?”

  “All of those seedy joints in Brooklyn I hang out at, I guess.” Kate gave Brad a playful wink before heading over to put her cue away. When she turned back around, he seemed to be mulling over something.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” Kate went back over to him and placed her hand on his arm.

  “Have you thought about moving back here? I mean since you’ve been back. Do you think you’d consider it, or do you really love New York?”

  She wasn’t sure how to answer him. Of course she liked New York. She loved it, in fact. She loved her career and the future prospects it had. She loved her townhouse and the nightlife in the city. There wasn’t much about it she didn’t love, to be honest. Brad knew all that. But the look on his face in that moment told her what he was truly feeling, because it was most likely what she was feeling it too. But there was that one small complexity that prevented them from acting on it. He was taken. Brad’s eyes remained aimed at the ground as she spoke.

  “I do love New York. But…”

  “Last call!” The bartender’s yell was loud and stern. Kate lost her train of thought.

  “You better get home. You’ve got a shop to run in the morning.” Brad waited for Kate to lead the way out into the main room of the bar. After a few steps, she felt dizzy and had to hold onto him for support. “Whoa, did you forget how to hold your liquor in the big city?”

  “I’m fine.” She let go of Brad, not wanting to feel the strong attraction she felt when touching him. “I’m honestly fine.” She said again as she headed for the door.

  “Yeah, you said that already.” Brad quickly paid the tab and followed her out of the bar.

  Kate may have had a few drinks, but her head was as clear as it had ever been. Between the stuffy atmosphere of the bar, and feeling such an intense desire for Brad, she’d needed some fresh air before she’d say or do something she might end up regretting. But when Brad came up behind her and turned her around to face him, her clarity went by the wayside. When he slowly leaned in, his eyes looking gentle, yet knowing, she didn’t fight it. In that moment she realized there was no use anymore. The warmth of his lips upon hers nearly made her knees give out from under her as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The initial delicacy of the kiss turned into a rather passionate one a lot quicker than probably both of them intended. His lips seemed hungry for hers, and she was gladly feeding that hunger. But then suddenly, she was jolted back to reality as Suzanne popped into her head. Although it was not an ideal time for Brad’s fiancée to be making an appearance in her thoughts, she knew it happened for good reason. She broke the kiss and pushed him away. It took all she had to eventually look up into his eyes.

  “We can’t Brad.” Her voice wavered a bit, but she stood firm. She could see the hurt written all over his face.

  “I’m sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say. He wasn’t sorry, not in the least. Kissing Kate has felt like the only thing he’d done right in ages, and he wanted more than to keep doing it. He shoved both hands into his jean pockets, not sure what should be said next.

  “I have to go.” Kate said as she quickly got into her car, backed up, and pulled out of the parking lot. Brad watched, his heart hurting in a way he hadn’t felt since the last time Kate had walked out of his life.

  Chapter 12

  Kate awoke the next morning to drool on her pillow and a slightly aching head. Rolling over under the covers, she looked at the alarm clock next to the bed.

  “Oh crap.”

  She attempted to get out of bed, but her head decided to intensify its ache with a dull throb. As she rubbed her temples, trying to quell the pain, she couldn’t help but think of her hangover was punishment for kissing a soon to be married man. Yeah, the notion may have sounded a bit dramatic. It most likely was that last shot of tequila she’d taken before taking on another pool game with Brad, but he’d been right about turning into a lightweight. She was a woman who could hold her liquor. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d suffered from a hangover. Yes, this was definitely the universe telling her to back off. Standing with a groan, she headed for the bathroom.

  After a few splashes of cold water on her face, Kate felt a tad better. She opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed the bottle of aspirin before heading out into the kitchen.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “Good morning, sweetie. Would you like some breakfast?” She was busy doing the dishes when she turned to look at Kate. “Oh, my! Looks like you had a rough night. Sit down and I’ll get you some orange juice.”

  “Thanks.” Kate slouched down on a chair with her bottle of aspirin. “Have you seen Garth yet this morning? I’m hoping he can open the shop for me while I try and get this dragging ass of mine awake.”

  “Don’t worry, he’s already on his way there.”

  “Oh, that’s good.” Kate was about to open the aspirin bottle when what her mother had just said began to sink in. “Wait, what?”

  “You just missed him. He had some cereal and said he was heading to the shop. He must have known that you’d gotten in late last night.”

  “Yeah, I guess I did.”

  “How is Brad doing, by the way?” Her mom sat a glass of juice in front of her.

  “Huh?” Kate shot up in her chair as her mom walked away. Grateful she hadn’t seen her reaction to the mention of Brad’s name, she treaded carefully.

  “He’s fine, I guess. What makes you bring him up?” she opening the bottle of aspirin and popping a few in her mouth.

  “I saw his mother, Bethany yesterday at the market. I always did like her. They’re back in town, she and Brad’s father. They’d been in Atlanta for some time tending to business.”

  She brought over a bowl, set it in front of Kate and poured in some cereal. “Anyway, Garth mentioned that you were meeting up with him and some other friends at that new bar. Have you met his fiancée yet? Such a lovely young woman.”

  Kate nearly choked on her orange juice at the mention of Suzanne. But before she could figure out how to respond, the phone rang. She poured some milk onto her cereal as her mom headed into the living room to answer it. Before she could take a bite of her breakfast, her mother returned into the kitchen.

  “It’s for you.” She grabbing the milk Kate had left sitting on the table and made her way to the fridge.

  “Huh? What’s for me?”

  “The phone, silly. Wow, you really did have a long night. It’s Brad’s finace, Suzanne. She said your cell was off.”

  “Brad’s Suzanne?” Kate’s head began to pound again.

  “I’m thinking that’s the only Suzanne around these parts, dear. Hurry up, she’s waiting.”

  Kate reluctantly stood and trudged towards the living r
oom, not prepared for the almost certain wrath that kissing Brad most likely had caused.

  Chapter 13

  When Kate pulled up outside the shop to see Garth’s truck parked alongside the curb, she felt relief. But not as much relief as when she’d taken Suzanne’s call with dread only to realize she had decided she did want to buy the store. In fact, now that she was back in town as of this morning, she wanted to come by the store today and check things out. Kate had guessed it was just to be sure she truly did want it, and hopefully that turned out to be the case. Because the sooner she could get the deal to go through, the quicker she could get back to New York and put this town, and Brad, behind her once and for all.

  When she got inside, Garth greeted her with a stack of alteration orders that had already come in earlier.

  “Good morning, sis. Hard to believe I beat ya to it today. My how things have changed.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I don’t wanna hear it. My head still hasn’t recovered.”

  “Too much tequila? Or too much of a certain engaged man?” Garth was never good at being subtle. Kate picked up the magazine he’d been reading and wacked him on the head with it. “That only confirms it was the latter.” He chuckled as she headed to the back of the shop.

  “Oh, and make sure everything is in tip top shape before Suzanne gets here.” She yelled from the sewing room.

  “Suzanne? Why would we care what the place looks like for her? Isn’t she the enemy?” Garth stood and headed back to the sewing room. “What gives?”

  “She called this morning and said she wanted to buy the place after all. She just wants to stop by to…I don’t know, make sure or something? Who cares, just be sure everything looks immaculate.” When Kate looked up, she noticed a look of disappointment had come over Garth’s face. “What’s wrong? I figured you’d be ecstatic to be off the tailor shop duty.”

  “I guess I haven’t minded it so much, to be honest. It’s kept my mind off the pending divorce.”