Once Within A Lifetime Read Free Page A

meet her friend Phylicia and the new buyer for a luncheon at the cafe in the Pavilion. She planned to wear one of her latest creations, though not one from her present collection. These she left for the models to do the first display. Her dress was lovely and made her feel especially feminine and elegant. It was a cool-looking teal color which would dramatically show off her dark hair and ivory complexion to its very best. Capped white sleeves, edged with delicate lace, hugged her arms. The bodice was fitted and the skirt had a gentle flare. A v-neckline topped a row of many small buttons down the front of the dress to an opening about eight inches from the bottom. She brought a matching hat which made her look pretty and added to her femininity. She could not have chosen a better color or style to make her look attractive and she felt comfortable.
    At ten o'clock in the morning she began to get ready, took a shower, fixed her hair and applied her perfectly matched makeup. She adorned herself in her stylish dress, carefully pulled on her sheer nylons, and her teal-colored shoes finished her total look. Her choice of clothes pleased her, giving her confidence to face the day. She could relax totally now and concentrate on matters at hand.
    She arrived at the cafe about ten minutes early, stood by the window, and looked out at the sparkling blue water gushing up from the fountain just outside. The sun caught the ripples and made it look like strands of diamonds on a sapphire background. She heard her name called from across the room and turned to face her friend, Phylicia, who introduced her to the new buyer, a tall, dark, handsome young man in a dark blue suit made of fine summer wool, a perfect choice for his coloring which made him look dashing indeed. A well-chosen tie added life to his suit and she could tell he was adept at style and wardrobe planning. She thought his taste was impeccable. His dark hair waved at the top and temples and his dark mustache was neatly trimmed and sharp-looking. She was definitely impressed with his overall demeanor and attitude. Her heart skipped a beat and she blushed but hoped it would not be obvious.
    “ Hi, Triessa, this is Todd Noble,” Phylicia told her excitedly. “Todd, this is Triessa Barrett. I told you a new buyer was coming today. I met him at a previous show and told him I was coming here to see your spectacular fashions. He was very interested, so, here he is.”
    Triessa smiled at him, “Hello, I am pleased to meet you. I hope you will not be disappointed in the show and that you may find some things to pique your interest. Please let me know if anything in particular appeals to you and if I can help you with any information.”
    “ Thank you, I will do that.”
    They went to the table near the window in a spot from which they could view the fountain. The sun was bright and made little rainbows in the arches as the water rose into the air. Todd held Triessa’s chair to seat her, helped Phylicia get seated, then he sat between them, turned toward Triessa and asked her about her line of fashions.
    His interest pleased her. “It is a new line with which I am particularly pleased and hope you will like them as well.”
    “ Where are you from?” asked Triessa. “Are you in the fashion business?”
    He replied, “No, I am a jewelry salesman, but have taken an interest in clothing designs to help me with my line of work. The two could go very well together, don’t you think?”
    “ Well, yes, I can see where there could be a direct connection, especially in matching jewelry with the clothing,” she answered.
    “ Have you two known each other long?” she asked, turning to Phylicia.
    “ No, we met recently at a fashion show where he’d come up with the idea of fashion being a clue to jewelry sales. This inspired him to check out your show,” Phylicia replied.
    His amazement showed as he looked at her, “I am sure I will find some interesting items and am desirous to