“Since I have your permission to ask blunt questions,” Lacey said as they walked on the wide cobblestone sidewalk, “how are you feeling about Crista coming back today? And staying?”
Tessa exhaled. “Fine, I guess.”
Lacey gave her a side-eye. “I ask the blunt questions, I expect honest answers.”
Tessa laughed. “Okay, okay. On one hand, I’m kind of psyched to help her daughter. I relate to what that kid is going through. If I can make things easier for her, then that’s cool, I think.”
“There’s a ‘but’ buried in there.”
“Big one.” She grinned but felt it fade fast. “Crista thinks my dad was some kind of backstabbing monster, which I refuse to believe. Eli told me she thinks my father turned Roger in to the police. Honestly, I have a hard time believing he’d do that to a friend. He was ethical, yes, but he was also a person who would turn his life upside down to help a friend. Or”—she smiled—“his daughter.”
“I get that,” Lacey said. “And you need to remember that Crista is harmless. Lots of bark, not too much bite. But my grandmother?” She lifted both hands and backed up a step like she’d hit a forcefield. “Plenty of bite. I mean, I’ve never really gotten on her bad side and she’s famously softer on her grandkids than her kids. Still, whoa, that woman has opinions and likes things done her way or the highway.”
Tessa looked skyward, having a few memories ofthatMaggie.
“I can’t imagine how she and my chill mother became such tight sorority sisters,” she muttered. “And as far as I can tell, Crista is Maggie’s lapdog, right? Does exactly what she wants?”
“Well, she’s bringing Nolie to get your help, so…” Lacey lifted a shoulder. “She can break a Maggie rule if something is important to her.”
“Points for rebellion,” Tessa said. “Always warms my heart.”
They turned the corner to another street, this one full of modern, neutral-toned buildings, shops on the bottom, offices and maybe some high-end apartments on top. The sidewalk was lined with regal palm trees tucked into sharply manicured beds.
“I think we’re here,” Lacey said, glancing at her phone.
They slowed their step as they reached a corner storefront with large windows that showcased elegant bridal gowns on glossy mannequins. An understated gold sign readLumièrenext to the large glass door.
“Lumière,” Lacey said. “French for light, I think.”
“French for money,” Tessa muttered, then winked. “Ooh là là.”
“Should we knock or call her?”
“She said she’d leave the door open and…” Tessa pulled the oversized handle. “She did.”
They stepped inside, the soft chime of a bell announcing their arrival. The boutique smelled like roses and Chanel No. 5, with a hushed atmosphere and a soft cream-on-cream palette with pops of pale pink.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over displays of delicate lace, shimmering beaded bodices, and flowing silk skirts. A raised platform with three oversized mirrors stood at the center of the space, framed by blush-toned curtains.
A woman emerged from the back room, a yellow sundress floating down to her ankles, her hair falling like a black veil over her shoulders. She glided toward them, exuding grace and warmth.
“Tessa?” She extended her hand. “I’m Akari Tanaka. Welcome to Lumière.”
Shaking her smooth hand, Tessa smiled. “Hello, Akari. What a beautiful name.”
“Thank you. It’s Japanese for light, and I’m named after my grandmother.”
“And Lumière is French for the same thing,” Lacey exclaimed. “How cool.”
Akari turned and smiled. “Exactly!”
“This is my assistant, Lacey Knight,” Tessa said, making the introduction official. “We’re both delighted to meet you.”
“Thank you so much for coming at such short notice,” Akari said. “Please have a seat. Can I get you water or anything to drink?”
“No, thank you.” Tessa looked around as they settled into sofas facing each other. “Maybe a tour of this gorgeous place.”
“It is stunning,” Lacey agreed as she pulled out her tablet, ready to take notes, while Tessa leaned in. “I don’t think I’ve ever been to a bridal salon as elegant as this.”
