Bridal dress
Chapter 27 Bridal dress
AIRPORT ARRIVALS, LOS ANGELES.
It’s Friday. Leo sniffed as he checked his wristwatch again. Due to Chloe’s insistence on him picking her up, he had canceled all his schedules for the rest of the day. She was becoming very emotional on the phone and he had no choice but to agree. She probably had the phone on speaker after boasting to her friends of how affectionate he is. Chloe can be really superfluous and would do anything to manipulate anyone to get what she wants in the most innocent way.
A small smile tugged at his lips when he saw her, chic as ever with her trolley being pulled along. Chloe looked like a perfect Los Angeles lady with the playsuit and sneakers she had on. It made him feel a bit of a twitch in his eyes. When she raised her head to find him, Leo waved his hand at her putting on a full fledged smile. Yes, his decision to forget about Darby and focus solely on his future is the best. Chloe would make a good partner and they would grow together.
“Baby.” Chloe cooed jumping at him.
“Hey, mama.” He whispered in her ear, kissing her.
Embracing him tightly like a starved person, Chloe inhaled his smell deeply. “I have missed you so much. I didn’t think I would be able to last such long days without you.”
“I sort of missed you too.” He teased, his eyes filled with admiration.
She slapped him lightly on the chest. “Stop being such a bully.”
Leo laughed, holding her trolley. “Let’s go then.”
Opening the door for her to get in, Leo put the trolley at the back of the car and rounded it to take his place at the driver’s seat. Chloe was on her phone biting on her lower lip.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, turning the car ignition.
“Baby, I need you to come with me for my wedding dress fitting. The first patch is ready so I need to try it on.” She replied.
At the mention of her dress, Leo felt his heart thump. “Let me just drop you at your house and you can drive yourself down there. Isn’t it some sort of jinx to see the bride in her dress before the D-Day?”
Chloe scoffed playfully. “Since when did you become so superstitious? Baby I really need you to come, you can chip in whatever your opinion is. I need to get the perfect dress, so I will really appreciate your input.”
“How about Desire? Should I call her on your behalf?” He pressed on.
“Leo! Can you stop! If I needed my godmother I would have contacted her myself. Going home now and returning would exhaust too much time. It’s Friday and she would obviously have plans. It’s past lunch time and you do know how tight LA’s traffic is. Why is it that every time I ask you for a favor, you never respond to me? I always have to plead with you to do things with me. Why should loving you be so complicated?” Chloe whined.
“You are being dramatic baby.” He mumbled.
“Of course, I am. You know what? Do whatever pleases you. You can drop me off at my home.”
Leo doesn’t need a palm reader to tell him that he has stirred up trouble. Groaning inwardly, he typed Darby’s fashion house in his phone map. He had promised to stay as far away as he can from Darby, because if he is being truthful to himself the more he sees her, the more he would be confined to checking on her every now and then which would definitely rekindle the affection he has towards her from five years back.
Glancing towards Chloe, she had a vicious frown on her face. If he does otherwise from what she wants it would be best if he faces the music all on his own. Knowing his family and hers, no one would be on his side and they would all gladly pick on him. Pressing on the pedal, he took the route that leads to the fashion house with a promise to himself that he will not let his feelings get the best of him.
“We are here.” He announced, parking the car.
Chloe looked around as she had fallen asleep on the way and she gasped at the realization of their location. “Baby.” She cooed looking towards him.
Leo hummed. “You are here now. I hope I am off the hook now?”
She giggled. “Yes, my love. I love you.” Chloe confessed as she leaned in for a kiss.
He shook his head, tapping on the steering. “You always know how to get what you want. Don’t be surprised when I refuse you someday soon.”
Making a puppy eye, she blew raspberry his way. “No, you won’t. You can’t refuse me.”
He grinned at how much confidence laced her words. Getting down from the car, Leo felt his leg stick firmly to the ground unable to move towards the building. Chloe walked towards him and held him by the hand. Leo didn’t attempt to refuse her hold and went along with her.
“Welcome, sir and miss.” Jenna greeted with a bright smile on her face.
“How are you, Jenna? I have an dress fitting with Darby.” Chloe said with a smile plastered to her face.
The secretary nodded. “Sure, please go in. She is waiting for you.”
“Thank you.” Chloe responded, pulling Leo with her.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Darby was by the dress with her assistant Irene and the both of them seem to be busy analyzing the stitches.
Releasing Leo’s hand, Chloe spread out her arms in excitement. “Hello, Darby!”
Standing upright, Darby smiled brightly at Chloe accepting the hug. “Welcome, Chloe. I hope you aren’t too stressed. I just thought it would be best for us to check the first part before proceeding, we can’t afford to slow down.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “You don’t need to worry. I didn’t have a hard time at all.”
“Good afternoon, Mr Leo.” Darby nodded towards Leo while ensuring to avoid eye contact.
Leo gulped hard while his eyes darted everywhere. “Hello, ma’am.”
“Please sit down sir while we get miss Chloe ready.” Irene said to Leo.
“Sit down baby.” Chloe added, grinning from ear to ear. “Can I wear it now? I feel so excited.” She said to Darby.
Staring blankly at the displayed dresses, Leo tried to keep his thoughts in line. He tried hard not to reminisce on Darby’s smiling face, but it kept coming to him like a bad memory. His thoughts was brought to a halt when the dressing room door opened and Chloe came out in the dress. It wasn’t finished yet, but from a glance it’s obvious that the dress would be the talk of the town. Darby is no doubt a brilliant stylist.
“Wow.” He exclaimed
“What do you think, baby?” His fiancée asked.
Leo noticed Darby staring elsewhere, calling himself back to order he smiled weakly. “This is beautiful. You look great, baby.”
Chloe squealed excitedly. “My godmother was so right about you. Thank you, Darby. I am very sure I would love the end of the dress. Thank you so much.”
“I’m glad you love it.” Darby responded. “Let’s get you out of it. I just need to be sure it fits right.”
“It’s perfect!” She replied.
While they were at it, the door opened letting in Zac with Sinclair in his hand. Zac strolled I’m a graceful style as he made his way to Darby and kissed her on the cheek.
“How are you, honey?” He said with a smile.