Chapter 111

"I really don't want to take it off right now," Catherine said. "But I have to."

Everyone smiled. They understand that feeling.

Sarah closed the curtain so Catherine could change back into her clothes while Anora, Mia, Bella, and Charlotte returned to sit down.

Catherine joined them and they left the fitting room for Bella's office. Catherine appreciated every one of them again for helping her with her wedding. They also appreciated her for letting them plan her big day.

"Anora, your dress will be ready by Monday," Bella said. "You can come for a fitting." Anora nodded. Bella faced Catherine. "And your ladies, they can come by Wednesday for their fittings."

Catherine nodded. "I will let them know. Thank you."

They went through the list of things that would be needed from the wedding, with Bella ticking every one that has been completed.

By the time they were done, they realized they had prepared almost everything with a few things left.

"You ladies did a very great job. I am so happy, thank you," Catherine said.

"We are glad you love it," Bella said.

Charlotte and Mia nodded in agreement. It's their pleasure that she likes it.

"Then we will take our leave," Catherine stood up but sat down again. "Before I forget," she said. "He is coming. The one who introduced you to me."

"You are still bent on not telling me who he is?" Bella asked.

She had asked Catherine so many times who recommended her to her but she insisted on keeping it a secret.

"He doesn't want me to tell you," she had told her.

Bella could only tell that whoever it was, was a man and not a woman.

Catherine shook her head. "I can't. You will find out when he comes."

They exchanged goodbyes, and Catherine and Anora left. Bella tidied up the files on her table and then picked up her bag.

"Time to go ladies."

They left the office and were soon outside the academy.

"Do you ladies have a plan?" Mia asked. "It's the weekend. How about we go to the beach?! It's going to be fun!"

Charlotte shook her head. "I am spending time with Melvin. I promised to go out with him today."

"I am already for a wedding," Bella said. "I told you about it."

Mia groaned. Can't she even have fun with her friends?

"I remember," Charlotte answered. "Mrs. Adam's daughter's. You sent out her wedding dress two days ago."

Bella nodded. "That's it."

"I also have a client's wedding to attend," Charlotte said. "You know her. Miss Annabelle."

Bella nodded. "I think I met her sometime ago in your office. She is such a nice woman. When is her wedding? I would love to attend."

Charlotte sighed. "Same day as Catherine's. I had to call her last week to explain to her."

"Was she angry?" Bella asked.

Charlotte smiled. "No. Just like you said, she is a nice person. She was happy Ryan was getting married. Turned out they were classmates in high school."

"Such a small word," Bella said. "I would have loved to go to her wedding though. But well, we can't."

Mia frowned. They had completely ignored her and had gone on to talk about clients.

"I am still here... Hello!..." She waved her hand across their faces.

Bella laughed. "What are you doing?"

"Getting your attention?" Mia answered. "You both seem to have forgotten that I am here."

"We did not," Charlotte said.

"It doesn't look like you did," Mia answered. "You both ignored me for about...." She stared at her phone. "Five minutes? Talking about your client's wedding?"

"We are sorry," Bella and Charlotte said uniformly.

"You were talking about going to the beach right?"

Mia nodded. "But you both are busy. I will just go home and play with Liam."

"I am so sorry, Mia," Bella said.

"We will make it up to you," Charlotte added.

Mia rolled her eyes. They've said that so many times.

"When are we going to have time to ourselves?" Mia asked. "No work, no family... Just us."

Charlotte sighed. She is so busy now, that having girls' time out isn't an option.

"Very soon," she mumbled.

Bella nodded. "Very soon."

She wasn't going to tell Mia that they might never have girls' time out this year. Not only are they busy at work, but the fashion world as a whole is busy.

Mia sighed. "I hope so. I am going on."

"Do you think she is angry?" Bella whispered.

"I can tell she is," Charlotte whispered back. "Can you cancel going to the wedding?"

Bella nodded. "Can you cancel going out with Melvin?"

Charlotte nodded. "I think we owe her this."

They stared at each other and nodded. "Yes."

"Wait, Mia," Charlotte stopped her.

"Is there a problem?" Mia asked.

"Can you give us a few minutes to make some calls?" Bella asked and Mia nodded.

Bella went to the left and Charlotte went to the right, to make calls. Bella called Mrs. Adam to inform her that she might not be able to make it. Charlotte called Melvin to cancel their outing.

"I need to go out with Mia," Charlotte told him. "We've ignored her for too long."

At the end of the calls, they both had good news; they would be going out with Mia.

"Well," Charlotte began. "I spoke to Melvin and he gave up on the outing."

Mia's eyes lit up. "Then you are free?"

Charlotte nodded. "I am."

"I spoke to Mrs. Adam too," Bella said. "To inform her I won't be coming. Sarah and my manager would represent me."

"Is she okay with that?"

Bella nodded. "She is."

Mia was very happy. She can finally spend time with her friends.

She ran to hug them. "I am so happy right now."

"We are happy to," Bella said. "Aren't we Charlotte?"

"Of course, we are."

Mia pulled away from the hug. "So where are we heading?"

"Didn't you want to go to the beach?" Charlotte asked. Mia nodded. "Then we will head to the beach."

"We can get all we need on our way," Bella added.

Bella smiled. "Thank you."

They left in Bella's car and stopped by a boutique to get the clothes they needed.

Soon, they were at the beach, seated and enjoying the cool breeze. They watched others go in and out of the sea.

"I am going to the sea," Mia said standing up. "So you want to join me?"

Bella and Charlotte shook their head. "No."

"This feels so good, I don't want to lift a finger" Bella said. "I am so happy I changed my mind."

"I do not agree less," Charlotte answered.

"I might have to leave for a moment," Mia said.

"Have fun," Bella waved.

After Mia left, Bella closed her eyes to sleep.

"Sleeping?" Charlotte asked and she nodded.

"I need this right now."

Charlotte sat up. "I don't think I want to do that."

She brought out her phone and began to press it. A call from Jade came in.

"Bella?" Charlotte called but she seems to be asleep.

"Hi, Jade," Charlotte picked up the call.