DESIGN FOR LOVE Read Free

future in the little coffee shop close by the college, just a few short months earlier.
    But things had gone slower than expected for Francine, that is everything except the spending of the money to get Classique properly launched, which seemed to have dwindled her limited funds very quickly. A good order from the Dallas Show was a must to keep their heads above water and it didn’t look like it was about to happen.
    Following a refreshing soak in the tub, Francine tumbled into bed after a final check on Alison and into a fitful, exhausted sleep. The last thought that crossed her mind as she drifted off into unconsciousness, was that in spite of his stunning good looks, she had a score to settle with her loud-mouthed critic, whoever he was.

CHAPTER 3
    It was a subdued atmosphere the following morning in the offices of Classique, located in a small business park in North Dallas. Francine had managed to find a workshop to rent amongst the local fraternity that could be most closely referred to as ‘garment alley’ in North Texas and she had also been lucky enough to find two additional excellent seamstresses Thelma and Darlene to complement the mercurial Vince.
    She tried to sound upbeat as she faced the glum-looking trio, holding up two pieces of paper somewhat triumphantly. “Well, at least we got two orders for the blue blouse - so, come on, cheer up, it’s a start.”
    Vince managed a smile. “You’re absolutely right, sweetie! Big oaks from little acorns grow as they say, or, at least I think it has something to do with nuts!” he grinned at Francine as she shook her head at his double entendre. “So, what do we do now, oh fearless leader?” he asked.
    Francine took a deep breath. “We re-group, that’s what we do. I’ve already had some new ideas, we need to make a number of color changes and add a couple of new items before New York and all we’ve got is two weeks, so let’s get to it!”
    She paused a moment. “By the way, did you see that big guy with the glamorous blonde on his arm at the show, Vince?”
    The latter gave a wicked smile. “Noticed the guy, darling, not the hag with him - hmm, dishy !”
    Francine shook her head in admonishment. “Yeah, yeah, down, boy. What I want to know is who was he?”
    Vince smiled. “You mean you don’t know? That’s Mr. Wonderful himself - Gerard Cinclare, owner of ‘House of Cinclare’, a nationwide chain of high fashion boutiques, together with his ever-present girlfriend. Get his business, Princess and we’ll be on easy street!”
    Francine sighed somewhat sadly. “Don’t count on it, and to be honest, I’m not even sure I want his business, he’s a jerk! Now, then, where were we?”
    Later that evening, Francine turned the key in the door and walked wearily into the hallway as Mrs. Tibbett, her hat and coat already on, met her on the way out.
    “Everything okay, Mrs.‘T’?”
    “Just fine, Francine,” the older lady smiled. “Like I said, the fever’s gone and she’s in there eating like a horse!”
    “Good! Any messages?”
    “Yes, a man called three times, seemed most anxious to talk to you.”
    “What was his name?”
    “Cinclare!”
    Francine’s mouth sagged open. “You’re joking! What did he want?”
    “Wouldn’t say - said he’d call back tomorrow.”
    ‘ The nerve of the man!’Francine fumed inwardly. “Well, if he does call back, tell him to go to hell!”
    “You mean that?”
    “With all my heart!”
    “Well, in that case, I’ll do it. See you tomorrow, then.”
    “Bye.” even before the door closed, a much brighter Alison came rushing out of the kitchen into Francine’s arms.
    “Hi, Mommy!”
    Francine hugged her affectionately. “Well, look at you, you look much better. Ready for school tomorrow?”
    “Really, Mom! Oh, by the way, Roger called.”
    “Oh? Mrs.’T’ didn’t mention it?”
    “I know, I answered the phone. I hate it when he calls me munchkin !”
    “And what did he have to