Gypsy Designs

Gypsy sat at the sewing machine, finishing steaming the panels she was about to finish the last seam on. Closing her eyes, she dropped her head, rolling her shoulders she tried to relive the tension and pressure she felt between her shoulder blades. She'd spent the past three days sewing every waking hour. The orders had been increasing on a daily basis with the holiday season about to officially kick off in three days, Friday.

Glancing to the gown Sophie had made for her, she frowned. Wishing she'd had the nerve to tell Sophie when she'd been in the shop earlier, she wouldn't be going so the gown had been a waste of time.

Gathering the fabric lying on the machine, she lifted the pressure foot, getting ready to make the final alterations her client had requested a few hours ago. Hearing voices, she looked out the window toward the estate house, wondering who was outside. She knew it wasn't Sophie; she'd gone to the house earlier to lie down, not feeling well after having caught a cold, which seemed to be making the rounds.

Pressing her foot down on the machines pedal, she sewed a quick accurate seam along the edges of the shining satin. Glancing up as she cut the loose threads. She saw a tall brunette woman walking with Megan. She wondered if she'd missed a scheduled fitting, or if this might be one Megan had made she wasn't aware of or remembered.

Walking to the steamer one last time, she waved over her shoulder, as the two women stepped through the door.

"You're right the notice is a little late, but Gypsy might have something lying around we can finish, or maybe an idea of something we can put together quickly," Megan was saying, closing the door behind her guest.

Gypsy glanced at the tall willowy woman, who was talking to Megan quietly. Taking a quick inventory having heard Megan's comments, she knew of a few pieces that she might be able to make work with the woman's figure.

"Megan if you're looking for something one piece, I think I have something you might want to show your client," she said adjusting the steamer, before hanging the skirt on a hanger.

Megan looked at Lucinda, seeing her smile; she realized Gypsy didn't have a clue who the woman was.

"I wasn't sure how busy you were, but I wanted to ask if you thought we might have something that would work for her," Megan said quietly, waiting for Gypsy to recognize the tall woman.

"How tall are you, if you don't mind my asking?" she said loudly, sorting through some unfinished gowns were hanging in one of the closets in the spare fitting room.

Lucinda chuckled quietly, motioning for Megan to not say anything. "I'm five, eleven bare foot, but the shoes I'd like to wear have a four inch heel, so that would make me six three," she said loudly, so Gypsy could hear her in the other room.

"I was asking because I have a few different ones to choose from, I wanted to make sure there was enough fabric for any alterations needed," she said, walking back in the room carrying a gown made of burnished silver fabric.

"You can take this into the dressing room and try it on if you'd like, we can see what we can do with it from there," she said with a smile, her voice fading when she met the unusual silver eyes of the tall brunette.

"I wasn't sure if you were going to be willing to help me or not," Lucinda said with a smile seeing realization hitting Gypsy like a truck. "This is me, as myself," she laughed as Gypsy stared at her.

Megan laughed seeing the shock on Gypsy's face, "I felt the same way when she walked into the kitchen, but when Victor asked her if she'd found a dress yet, and called her by name I knew," she smiled.

"Victor's going?" Gypsy said looking at the two women. "I wasn't aware he was going. Hell I don't really know who is, and isn't going," she said handing the dress to Lucinda. "Go ahead and try this on, we can talk when you come out."

Sitting at her machine she looked at Megan questioningly. "Caydn asked Victor if he'd like to join everyone. He agreed after Vince told him he had a tuxedo he could wear," she laughed, "Victor was trying it on as we walked out."

"Victor asked if I'd go as his partner, since he thought dancing with Lucien would be rather awkward for both of them," Lucinda explained, walking out of the dressing room, her arm across her chest holding the strapless gown in place. "I hate to ask but could one of you zip me up," she smiled.

Lucinda tossed her hair over her shoulder as Gypsy stepped behind her to zip the form fitting gown. Smiling she turned looking in the full length mirror. The bodice of the gown was stiff, allowing the full curves of her breasts to swell gently without being squeezed, trying to keep the dress in place.

"This is gorgeous," Lucinda laughed, spinning to look at Gypsy and Megan who were watching her as if they didn't know who she was. "I know, I haven't seemed much like the girly girl, but I love beautiful clothes as well as the next girl," she flashed them both a sparkling smile.

"Is the funny feeling band under my breasts, what's keeping the gown up?" she asked turning to see the back of the flowing gown.

Gypsy couldn't help but laugh seeing how happy the previously brooding, trouble making woman seemed. "The band seals the gown against your body so the bodice doesn't have to be strangling to keep it in place," Gypsy nodded, stepping over to gather a small amount of fabric along Lucinda's waist. "I think the only alterations we're going to need to make are right here in the waist, along with finishing the side slit and hem," she beamed proudly seeing one of her creations come to life.

Megan stepped to the table, for the measuring tape. "Is it my imagination or does this material match her eyes, or am I losing my mind?" she laughed, handing the tape to Gypsy who motioned Lucinda to the raised platform to mark the hem.

"Megan, would you mind grabbing those four inch heels we have in the fitting room? This way I can make an exact marking? We aren't going to have much time to get this finished," she said kneeling beside the platform.

"Sophie was talking about the gown she made for you," Lucinda said, taking the shoes Megan brought in. "She's so excited about it," she chuckled, stepping to the middle of the platform, standing still as Gypsy began measuring and pinning the hem.

"Where's the dress Sophie made?" Megan said sticking her head out of the back room questioningly. "I haven't seen it since she finished it," she frowned seeing Gypsy's noncommittal shrug.

"I hung it in the spare room, in a dress bag so nothing happens to it," she said quietly, intent on the clouds of silver fabric she was working on. "I've had so many calls yesterday and today. I'm thinking I might stay here, and make sure I have all of the orders finished and alterations done," she said, motioning Lucinda to turn. "Mrs. Clyburn has given our card to at least two dozen of her friends in the past week and a half, and I'm almost over whelmed with orders."

Lucinda glanced over her shoulder at Gypsy, who was kneeling beside her. She'd heard from the argument Lucien and Caydn had, she'd slammed her blocks up and hadn't let them budge in days. She also wasn't having much to say to anyone in the house, other than her aunt and uncle, occasionally her grandfather.

Megan shook her head, glaring at Gypsy's back. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she said heading toward the door. "I'm going to find Christian and let him know we've got to work, so he'll know I won't be going Friday either."

Sitting back on her heels Gypsy stared at Megan. "Why in the hell would you do something like that?" she asked, her cheeks flushed. "Caydn's using Friday to introduce you and Christian to the business community," she said shaking her head, motioning for Lucinda to turn again.

"I was under the assumption you and I were in this together, or was I missing something?" Megan said stopping at the door pinning Gypsy with her stare. "I'm also aware Caydn was going to introduce us to his business friends, but he was also planning on introducing you to those same people," she said firmly waiting for Gypsy to deny it.

"I don't know if I'm butting in, but knowing me it's never stopped me before. I think you should go Gypsy, or that's going to leave Lucien to dance with Caydn," Lucinda winked at Megan, before looking down at Gypsy who was silently staring at her, hands holding the pin cushion she'd been using.

"You're not butting in, and I understand what you're saying, but I just don't think it would be a good thing if I go, if Caydn even cares if I intend to go," Gypsy said softly, reaching to continue pinning the remainder of the gown Lucinda was wearing.

Megan walked over, sitting down watching Gypsy closely. "I think he'd care, and I care if you go. So make up your mind so I can let Christian know, one way or the other," Megan said firmly, forcing Gypsy to make a choice.

Taking a deep breath she continued to work on the hem. Leaning back she smiled up at Lucinda, who'd been watching her closely. "I'll have the alterations done by tomorrow night, if you'd like to try it one more time to make sure it fits perfectly," she said with a sigh.

Turning she looked at Megan, her first real friend in more years than she could remember. "Okay, I'll go. I hope you know that means I'm going to be monopolizing your time, and Christian might be ready to strangle you before the nights over," she laughed softly.

Megan smiled and nodded, "Luc, I'm going to head back to the house, Christian's looking for me," she said to Lucinda, as she stepped off the platform. "I'll be back to help you finish any pieces you need me to work on," she told Gypsy, who waved her off.

"I've finished the last one before you got here," she admitted with a blush. "I'm going to my room, and I'm going to soak in my tub until I'm wrinkled, then get some sleep, so I can meet with three clients before noon tomorrow," she forced a groan.

"Are you sure?" Megan said opening the door, waving to Christian who was waiting at his car for her. "I'm going to head home then, but if you need me give me a call or leave a message letting me know what you want me to take care of," she said with a smile, pulling the door closed behind her.

"Everyone told me you made amazing designs, but I'll be honest when I doubted them," Lucinda said walking back in the room, buttoning the cotton shirt she'd been wearing. "You don't seem like the type of person, with enough imagination to come up with one of a kind designs," she admitted with a sheepish smile, noticing Gypsy staring at her.

Lucinda walked over to the platform and sat down, pulling her ankle boots on, zipping them up. "I know I haven't done anything to make liking me easy or even something to think about," she said meeting Gypsy's eyes. "I wasn't sure if I really gave a damn if you liked me or not," she admitted honestly.

"You made it really easy to dislike you," Gypsy said quietly, sitting down in her chair at the sewing machine. "I can tell you, people disliking me isn't something unusual, so I didn't take it personally, for the most part," she sighed, covering her yawn.

"Grab your stuff, and let's walk to the house so you can get some sleep," Lucinda said, standing, waiting for Gypsy to turn out the lights. Walking to the house she saw Gypsy look toward the garage seeing the SUV gone.

"Lucien told me he and Caydn were going to Christian's to check out the new security system, the crews been working on installing since Saturday. Phillip was also thinking of taking the jet Victor and I arrived in, flying home to check on Jazleen and the baby," she said casually. "I'm going to drive into town and see if I can find something to distract me for awhile, so you'll be able to rest undisturbed," she laughed as they stopped at the patio.

"I'll have the dress ready tomorrow night if you want to come out, and try it on. If you see Phillip before he leaves, please tell him I said to have a safe trip and kiss Jaz for me," Gypsy reminded her, "I'm going in, take care," she said quietly, turning her back on the tall silent woman, walking into the house toward her room.

********************

Sophie stepped back, smiling, seeing Gypsy wearing the gown she made for her. The soft amber color complimenting her tan skin and cascading curls, escaping the loose up do she wore.

"I think the amber disks make a perfect choker and earrings. I'm so glad I saw them the other day," she laughed, reaching up to adjust the thin chain fastening the choker around Gypsy's throat.

Finishing her make up, gypsy smiled warmly at her aunt who was beaming with pride at her reflection.

Taking a deep breath, she hoped the butterflies in her stomach calmed before she had to go down stairs, seeing everyone. She'd managed to avoid everyone except the three women for the past week. Thankfully she really had been working so there wasn't anyway anyone could accuse her of avoiding them intentionally.

"Sophie if you'd let Megan know to come up as soon as she gets here, I'd appreciate it," she said finishing her mascara, reaching for the gilded lip gloss she chosen to finish her make up.

"Lucien, Victor and Lucinda were leaving to meet Christian and Megan as I came upstairs," her aunt said quietly, her eyes and hands moving silently over the back of Gypsy's dress, avoiding her questioning look.

"I guess I can call Megan and have her and Christian come by and get me," she said quietly.

"I think they had plans before meeting us at the hotel for the party," Caydn said from the doorway to her bedroom, his voice smooth and quiet. "Sophie, Vince was wondering if you knew where he'd put some papers," he said with a gentle smile, seeing her nod before leaving without a word.

His eyes moved over the curve of her back as she busied herself with something on the long counter. "The driving arrangements were as much a surprise to me, as they obviously are to you," he said quietly, meeting her eyes in the mirror as they flashed up to his. "Not that I mind, but I didn't think you'd be comfortable, when I realized what Lucinda and Megan had cooked up," he said before turning, walking back into what use to be her work room.

"I should've figured those two would do something like this," she muttered nervously, walking out of the bathroom, grabbing the thick velvet wrap lying across the foot of her bed.

"Will this be too much of a problem for you?" he asked leaning against the door way, watching her closely. "If it is, I can have Vince drive you and I'll call a taxi to take me into the city."

She blushed slightly at the fact that he'd put himself out to make her comfortable. "I don't see any reason in having Vince, drive all the way to town when Sophie isn't feeling well," she said with a sigh. "We can ride in together," she said glancing up, seeing the brown ring burning in his eyes, when he looked at her.

"If you're ready then we should go," he said, stepping back allowing her to walk out first. Leaning toward her, he took a deep breath as she stood in front of him. Seeing her hesitate, he smiled. "It's amazing to me, you still smell like sun kissed oranges even in the winter," he flashed her a devilish smiled.

Walking down stairs she stopped, noticing that the house was dark other than the small light Sophie left on over the sink in the kitchen. Glancing at Caydn, who shrugged, she waited for him to grab his long formal jacket, tossing it over his arm before motioning for her to lead the way out.

She looked at the lights of the small towns. They'd begun fading, the darkness of the countryside taking over as they drove toward the city. She jumped slightly when he turned music on very softly.

"I thought maybe the music would help you relax a bit, you seem like you're ready to leap out of the car every time I slow down," he said, his voice slightly biting with annoyance.

"Now you're annoyed with me, aren't you?" she said, turning to look at him as he handled the sleek sports car easily. "Annoyed with me, when you're the one who told me you wish you'd never met me," she said with a sigh, attempting to cover the sound of her voice shaking.

Caydn gripped the steering wheel, fighting the urge to slam the brakes on and slide to the edge of the road, confronting her after having heard that. "I don't remember saying that, all I did was reflect what you'd said as another option for you," he said through clenched teeth.

She shook her head, "I know it was my fault, hell I've been use to everything that's ever happened around me being my fault," she said with a dramatic sigh, "But, I don't think I was the one who said, they wished they could've stopped thinking about me the night we met and it would've all gone away," she said, her voice fading into silence.

Seeing a dark store along the highway, he geared the car down, slowing gradually before pulling off in the dark parking lot. Turning the car off, he sat for a minute, ignoring her stare.

"I'll call Megan, and see if they'll come and take me back to the house," she said quietly, pulling her cell phone from her small clutch.

Caydn opened his car door and got out. Closing the door he walked around the car, snatching her door open just as she started talking to Megan.

Reaching down he took the phone out of her hand. "Megan she's fine no she doesn't need a ride," he said firmly, hearing Megan gasp on the other end. "We'll meet you there in a bit," he said snapping the phone closed, slipping it into his pocket before looking down at her.

Gypsy could feel her temper rising rapidly at his actions. Grabbing her clutch and shawl, she swung her legs out of the car, waiting for him to step back so she could stand up.

"I'll walk back to the house," she said turning to slip between him and the side of the sleek sports car.

He took a deep breath, debating on if he wanted to grab her and kiss her, or turn her over his knee and beat some sense into her. His hand moved quickly, grabbing her bare arm, meeting her eyes as they flashed their amber fire at him, he knew he was lost.

She caught her breath when he pulled her roughly against his chest. One hand moving to her back, pulling her body flush against his, while the other wrapped around the back of her neck as his mouth captured hers.

He bit back the growl that threatened to escape him, feeling the unyielding stiffness of her body and mouth against his, tightening his hold slightly, his tongue slipping into her mouth when she gasped at his action. His mouth captured her enraged groan when his tongue caressed hers erotically. Ignoring her rigid stance he concentrated on her mouth, her lips beginning to yield to his of they're own accord.

Her hands moved from his chest to grip his tuxedo jacket, her mouth responding to his, her tongue sliding seductively along his as he devoured her mouth. She sighed as his kiss softened, a tear threatening to slip from beneath her lashes, feeling his hands moving to cup her face gently, his mouth tugging and nibbling at her lips.

"Gypsy," he whispered, feeling his heart race at her touch and taste, having missed it for so many days. Leaning back, he looked at her, willing her to open her eyes and meet his. Seeing the glistening amber as they slowly opened, he felt his gut twist seeing the tears pooling in her eyes.

"Why did we hurt each other?" he said quietly, his forehead resting gently against hers. "This feels right, I've missed you," he said taking a deep breath, inhaling her scent deep into his body.

She closed her eyes, feeling her pulse racing at his touch. She'd missed him but she wasn't ready to tell him yet.

"I think we'd better get to the party so they don't worry about us," she said quietly, pulling back from him slightly. "I'm sure Megan will have the national guard out looking for us, if we don't show up before the party starts," she tried to force a laugh, to cover her blush.