Maxine's is the most exclusive furrier in the world. With salons in every major city around the globe it is the place where the wealthy and elite buy their furs. For the top one percent however, there is the option to have a private appointment at the headquarters in Chateau de Michel de Montaigne located 60 kilometers east of Bordeaux France. Scott Ankers was easily able to get one of these appointments as his father made a fortune developing MP3 files as well as owning the largest thoroughbred stud farm in the United States. After college Scott continued the family legacy as well when he developed several successful video and photo sharing mobile apps, the most advanced led to Instagram.
Scott met Katie in college, and though he originally went out with Sophia who was Katie's roommate but when he was introduced to Katie everything just clicked. Katie worked her way through college as a model and now has made a career of it. She also has built a decent social media following as a social influencer. She is but what Scott loves the most about her is that even though she is stunningly beautiful, Katie is still the sweetest person in the world. She is just as kind and caring to the richest person in the world as she is to the guy down on his luck asking for a handout.
The couple arrived in Maxine's private car to the French countryside. A Mercedes-Maybach S650. The seats had been upholstered with the finest sheared mink which had the slightest hint of the furrier's signature scent just to get the passengers in the mood. Katie wore a fitted silk dress and heels and Scott long pants and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The couple could not help but caress the plush seats as the traveled with the fur touching their exposed skin, the warmth and softness as well as the scent with hints of rose, vanilla, and lilac giving then the most relaxing ride they have ever had. Along the way they enjoyed champagne and hors d'oeuvres. As they turned up the drive Katie looked up and gasped, it was a classic French castle. She pulled in close to Scott and kissed him. The car pulled up to the door and the driver got out to open the door for the couple. It was a beautiful October morning, the leaves were just turning vibrant colors of orange, yellow and red. They paused and admired the vast grounds of the chateau. Katie took a quick selfie and posted it to her feed and then they entered the building.
Scott and Katie walked to the entrance and the doorman opened the door, the entrance was very lavish, with marble floors and mahogany trim. The walls were lined with classic French art depicting models in beautiful furs and there were several pedestals with vases full of roses. "Welcome to Chateau de Michel de Montaigne headquarters of Maxine's" the couple heard as they explored the room. They turned to see a tall stunning blonde in a lynx fur coat. The thick collar of the coat framed her face and highlighted her piercing blue eyes.
"My name is Francesca, and I am the head sales consultant on these grounds." She looked more like a model than salesperson. She glided over to the couple and shook their hands. The soft, large thick cuffs of her fur engulfing their hands as she shook them. "You must be Katie; I understand you have a big day coming up, when is the wedding?"
"The third weekend in March so it is right around the corner. Invitations will go out later this month."
"Well, I am so excited to dress you today and Scott a pleasure to meet you as well, thank you for entrusting us with your fiancΓ©. Is this a wedding present then?"
"Yes, it is." Said Scott.
"Wonderful then let's get started, now the way we do a private showing is that we will take you into the showroom and our models will present various coats to you so that you can get a feel for what style and fur may suit you. Once we have a better understanding of what you prefer, we can have you try on the coats you like so that we can see what is more preferable to you. Some may like a coat that is more fitted with one type of fur but an oversized look with another, sound good?"
"Oh yes, this is so exciting." Katie replied.
"I am here only as an observer, but whatever my bride to be wants." Scott looked lovingly into Katie's eyes.
"Very good then please follow me to the showroom and we can start your journey." With that Francesca opened the double doors to the showroom and the couple followed.
Walking into the showroom the couple surveyed the layout. The outer edge of the room was lined with furs of every shape style and color. There were areas on each side of the room with large mirrors to allow the customer to see how well the coat looks on them. On the far wall was a curtain leading to a runway that ran into the center of the room with steps at the end of it. They led down to a long crescent shaped couch at the end of the runway was placed so that customers could view the show. Fox and chinchilla blankets were draped over the top of the couch to make it warm and comfy. Standing at the end of the runway in huge oversized fox fur coats were a pair of models. Both Asian with fair skin and long jet-black hair. One in black and the other white, almost like yin and yang.
"Welcome to Maxine's" they said in unison.
"Katie, Scott, may I present Fay and May. They will oversee your viewing session." Francesca had now placed herself between the couple and put her arms around their waists.
"They are so beautiful, are they twins?"
"Oh yes they are, and they are the only models that are permanent employees here. The other models you see are hired from an agency, so they are the most knowledgeable about the coats you will see today." She turned to Katie and took her hands. "Now Katie, did you have any ideas on what type of fur you would like to see today?" the oversized cuffs flowing over Katie's wrists as she said this.
"I had not given it much thought, whatever you think would look good on me I suppose. I don't know a lot about fur"
Francesca leaned in close and whispered. "MMmmm, a fur virgin, I promise I will be as gentle as possible then." As she leaned back, Francesca's perfume lingered with Katie. It smelled just like the scent in the car they were brought in but more powerful and left Katie a little weak in the knees.
"However, before we get started, please allow me to present Maxine." With that the curtains opened, and Maxine entered the runway. She wore a long sable coat which opened as she walked showing her gold dress and thigh high boots beneath. She carried a large black fox fur muff and wore a matching fox hat as well. She had perfect long brown hair and smoky hazel eyes. As she reached the end of the runway, she descended the stairs and greeted the couple.