Designing Abigail Kilton's Dress - #1 The Wedding Dress

Chapter 8 - Rags to Rakematiz

"Kayleigh Moore, you look like an old hag," Kayleigh frowned at her reflection as she applied copious amounts of concealer over the dark circles under her eyes.

She was exhausted, anxious and running on an unhealthy amount of caffeine. The last thing she wanted to do was go clubbing with people she barely knew, but there was no backing out now. According to Greta, refusing an invitation from AK was suicide.

"You have to come, Doe. She'll take it personally if you don't show up," she said after the heiress offered to take them out for a night out in one of London's most exclusive clubs.

Kay did not want to offend anyone, especially when she felt she was finally making progress. The team seemed to forget all about Kayleigh's quick rise in the department when AK was satisfied with her wedding dress. And that wasn't the only miraculous change at KHF. The bride also changed from night to day, transforming from Bridezilla to Cool Boss Girl and everyone was suddenly at ease. To Kay's great surprise, the team patted her on the back and everyone was all smiles going home.

Weird, Kayleigh thought. People in London were just plain weird.

#

An hour later, Kayleigh stood in high heels, a sequined minidress and an anxious expression in front of the designated nightclub. She found the place without a hitch, which settled her nerves momentarily. But then she noticed the two menacing bouncers guarding the door, the long waiting line and the lady with the clipboard who seemed to be enjoying turning people away a bit too much. Kayleigh's mouth went dry.

The streets of London felt different when nighttime fell and she had half a mind to run back to her quiet rooms in Gloucester Place. 

What if her name wasn't on the list? What if the clipboard lady sent her away too? She would be humiliated in front of all these people!

"Kayleigh!"

Abigail Kilton was striding towards her, looking stunning in an all-white outfit comprising of skin-tight, leather trousers and a body suit with a neckline that plunged to her midriff. Her dark red lipstick and loose blond locks sealed the deal. Kayleigh thought she looked like a rock star.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked wrapping an arm around Kayleigh's waist.

Kayleigh managed a nervous smile, conscious that she was no longer invisible. "I just got here," she replied in her soft voice.

"Perfect! We can go in together. LOVE your lipstick, by the way. Chanel, right?"

Kayleigh nodded in the affirmative.

"116 is my favourite colour too," Abi winked linking their arms together. Kayleigh exhaled, happy that Cool Boss Girl showed up and not Bridezilla.

The lady at the door put her clipboard behind her back when they approached her. Her made-up eyes focused solely on Abigail Kilton as she smiled broadly. "Good evening, Ms Kilton. Most of your party is already inside. We kept your usual table. Ms Borg told us you'll be around twenty people?"

Abigail's laugh showered over them like the first snow. "Yes. I'm treating my bridal team. I've been such a beast to them lately and I'm hoping they won't rat me out to the press. Debbie, this is Kayleigh Moore. You'd do well to learn her name. It's going to be everywhere soon. She's designing my wedding dress."

Debbie blinked several times, her brain shortcircuiting as she was forced to acknowledge Kayleigh's existence. "A pleasure, Ms Moore," she replied with a tight smile.

Kayleigh tried to mimic her façade, though, by the subtle sneer tainting her features, she was certain the woman could smell her fear. "Likewise."

Abigail tittered once again and urged Kayleigh through the doors. The place was unlike any club she'd ever been to, with red lights, black leather booths and disco balls hanging from a vined ceiling. As soon as they were out of earshot, Abi leaned close to Kayleigh's ear and hissed, "She's a snake!"