In this story I use some Italian phrases, so I apologize in advance if I have in any way slaughtered such a beautiful language. It was unintentional. I hope that you enjoy Empress and Nicola's story. All feedback is welcome.
Once upon a time.....there was an owner of a plus size woman's clothing store who was approached by the creator of a new style of clothing that is sure to be the rage. Empress Chikowski is the owner of this store and due to her statuesque physique she had always been in search of stylish clothes for her plus size figure. Enter Nicola Rambaudi, the creator of new style of clothing that is scandalous as it is beautiful. Can he convince Empress that they would look smashing even on her generous figure?
Empress Chikowski stormed into her back office. As usual her appearance had started out immaculate and professional but as her day had worn on - she ended up the same as she did everyday. She slipped into the washroom just off her office where she winced as she caught the reflection of herself in the mirror above her sink. Her once tidy French braid was now loose and several strands of hair had slipped free of their moorings. Not to mention the frizzy halo that all people with natural curls seem to possess. The light weight linen suit that looked so smart this morning was now wrinkled and even stained with a spot of antipasto sauce that she had somehow managed to spill on herself at lunch. One wouldn't think that a woman her age wouldn't need a bib to eat lunch. But at times she wondered.
"Em, there is a man out here who says he has an appointment to show you his new line?"
Empress looked up in the mirror to see Heidi, her head clerk and assistant in the doorway of the washroom.
"Yeah, I know. Give me ten minutes to refresh myself and I will see him," she replied.
* * * * *
Nicola stood in the midst of the woman's clothing store. His brother had first suggested the "Barely There" clothes idea. And as an active nudist, he had to admit the concept of clothing that mimicked a woman's natural skin tone and hinted at their beautiful curves was very appealing; but standing inside of this store he wasn't sure that the plus size woman would appreciate such clothing - that it might be a bit to much to ask that a large woman wear his designs. He was just thinking of leaving when the clerk that had left him standing returned from the back.
"She'll be out in a few minutes," the tall willowy woman said with a genuine smile. He stuffed his hands inside of his pockets and stared around the store again. It wasn't completely deserted but obviously his presence had hushed the warm atmosphere. The clerk joined one of the few customers and led her to what he assumed was a fitting room. He felt like an piece of meat in a room full of a vegetarians. The many racks of elegant clothing were a rainbow of many hues. Walking over to the closest rack, he pulled a silk dress off it. He was genuinely surprised to see the expert cut and design of the piece. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea, he thought.
* * * * *
Empress watched the man on the security monitor as he examined the dress he held. She licked her lips as she studied him. He was taller than the average man that much was for certain. The rack that he was standing next to was almost six feet tall and he stood a good six to eight inches taller than the rack. She swallowed roughly, knowing her weakness for tall men. At six foot one, she was almost always looked her dates in the in eye, if she didn't tower over them. Her heart beat faster as she noticed the way that he handled the delicate silk of the dress he was holding. In her experience most men were rough on the delicate fabrics; but it was obvious that he was savoring the soft feel against his skin. It made her wonder if he would do the same with a woman's delicate flesh. Her thighs quivered as she continued to watch him examine every inch of the dress in his hands.
"Isn't he just dreamy?" Heidi asked as she came to stand next to Em.
"Yes," Em admitted before turning away from the monitor. "You can send him in, Heidi. And be a dear, and clear my schedule for the rest of the day."
"Damn girl, I know that's he yummy but you don't have to jump his bones on the first date," Heidi joked, knowing full well her boss's view on casual relationships. In fact one night over a pitcher full of margaritas, Em had confided that she didn't get what the 'big deal' was concerning sex. But one look at the way her boss was reacting to the
man on the sales floor -- she was going to soon figure out exactly what the big deal was.
"Just show him in, Heidi," Em repeated as she walked over and sat down behind her cluttered desk. It seemed
that to her that her desk mimicked her, it started out neat and orderly but by the end of the day it was just as
messy - even cluttered as she was.
* * * * *
Nicola sauntered into the office carrying his briefcase. He took a quick glance around the small room, taking in the various details. It was a cozy room, more fitting for afternoon tea than a working office. Behind a hardwood desk sat the woman he was there to see. He could safely say she wasn't what he had expected. He thought he would be greeted by a woman that reminded him of his sainted grandmother... a round and pleasantly plump older woman. Instead the dark haired temptress that greeted him was not at all what he had expected.
"Hello, my name is Nicola Rambaudi, I have a meeting set up with Ms. Chikowski."
"Of course. I am Empress Chikowski. Have a seat Mr Rambaudi," she said, her softly accented voice sending chills of awareness up his spine,
"Empress?" he asked as he took the seat in front of her desk.
"Yes, and please no wise cracks about it. If Empress is to much of a mouth full, please call me Em. Most everyone does. Now what can I do for you, Mr Rambaudi?"
"Nicola, please. And I have a new design line of clothing I would like to show you," Nicola said as he opened his briefcase and pulled out a sheaf of papers. He handed them across the desk to her. She took them from him and opened to the first sketch. Shock was quickly masked as she stared the sheet in front of her. He watched as she slowly turned the pages. Although the shock at the first page was now gone, he could see her eyes flare with interest as she viewed the following pages.
He could see the flush on her face when she looked back up at him.
"These are not exactly what I was expecting. I am not sure that they are exactly what I would sell in my shop,Nicola They might be better suited for the shop down the street. They specialize in sexy lingerie and clothing. Most of the women that frequent my shop are up and coming business women that need suitable but attractive clothes for work."
"I did notice that you carry quite a the line of business clothes, but I also noticed that you had a whole section devoted to evening wear. This clothing line is not meant for the office any more than the evening dresses that you have displayed," Nicola pointed out as he relaxed in the chair.
"I am well aware of the clothing lines that I offer, Mr Rambaudi. I just can't see this line working well with the rest of the clothing that I offer," she said as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Let me ask you something Empress, what is it about my clothing design that bothers you?" he asked as he leaned forward cupping his chin with his hand and staring directly into her eyes.
* * * * *
Em stiffened. She looked back down at the drawings in her hands.
"Frankly, Nicola, these clothes are better suited on a nudist beach than actual wear. I can't see any woman of my stature wearing them comfortably. Even the evening clothes that I choose to carry are picked with the larger woman's body in mind."
"I see, and you think that a "larger woman" would not be comfortable in this design? Or is it you, Em, that wouldn't be comfortable wearing it?" he asked his voice going husky,
"Whether or not I choose to wear a particular design of clothing has nothing to do with whether or not I would purchase it for my shop," Em replied as she twirled the pencil through her fingers.
"I can totally understand that. No smart business woman would ever base her final decisions on her personal feelings alone. That is why I think you should let me have some "large women" as you call them, try on my clothing and have a 'feedback' session."
"A feedback session?" she asked arching one dark eyebrow at him.
"Yes, a honest rant and rave about my designs and how each woman feels - and how their significant other would like or even dislike my designs.
"And what would be the catch?" Em asked warily.
"What makes you think that there's a catch?" he asked.
"There's always a catch, Mr Rambaudi. So what is it?"
