Needle & Thread

Chapter 12

The sun shines behind you as the moon says goodbye

The large door thundered as my hand knocked.

I have been taking over the shop in Nicolò's absence. Today is my first time privately consulting a client in their own home.
The 'house' is more of a mansion, with large windows and greenery along the long driveway. There was a front gate that seemed heavily guarded but the front guard let me in with proper identification. They are expecting me.

Just as i raise my hand to knock again a tall woman opens the door.

"Buongiorno"the woman says with a very thick accent that I'm sure carries to her english.
"Oh- hello..I'm the tailor.. um Deidre Doherty.." i say, slightly embarrassed by my unprepared introduction.

"Ah sì, sì, come in, come in. He is waiting for you!" She replies eagerly, leading me to the room i am to work in.

"Mi chiamo Catalina, i am sure you will see more of me." She says, telling me her name.. i think?

She leads me through tall ceilings and leather couches to a large room with suits lining the walls.

I have never seen so many clothes in my life.

"Take a seat, Topolina, he will be here soon."

Her hips sway as she walks away.
She is the kind of woman anyone would be jealous of. She stands at 5'9 or 10 with long legs and beautiful features. Her dark hair sweeps with her movement as she walks with complete confidence in her actions.

I look up to see my own reflection staring back at me. My long mahogany hair rests unruly on my back, reaching below my bottom. I tie it back daily in updos and braids in hopes of it not getting in the way. My plump figure sits almost uncomfortably in the small chair as my stubby legs barely reach the ground.

Just as i begin to revel in my insecurities, the door swings open.

A very large and very beautiful man walks in holding a suit jacket in his hand. His dark hair is gelled back but his curls fight for their rightful position. The tattoos that flow up his arms are slightly visible, only from his rolled up black dress shirt.

"Hello, Im Deidre Doherty t-"
"The Tailor? Where is Angel?"he interrupts my now practiced introduction.
"He is ill I'm afraid. He has put me in charge of his shop.." i end my sentence warily, knowing my presence upsets him.
Realization seemed to set in his features.
"Then get on with it i suppose." The man says sharply after pausing for a moment, putting the jacket on and standing still with his arms to his side, preparing for my consultation.

"I know this is supposed to be a mere consultation but i will be needing this suit tailored by the end of the day. I have a very important meeting tonight." He says with a slight accent as i start my examination,almost testing for my reaction.
"That is, at least, what Angel could've done for me." He looks down at my face but i look away.

"Look at me when i speak to you."
He says harshly and i flinch at the tone.

"Look at me when i speak to you"he said as his hand wraps around my throat, throwing me to the ground.
I shake my head at the thought
My eyes meet his and my head tilts up to show my attention.
"Yes sir, i apologize.." i say before i bring my head back down, trying to rid of the tears beginning to form.

He nods his head in acknowledgment, a glint of guilt in his eyes.

I begin silently pinning fabric into place, starting to change the suit to his desired fit.

As i pin, the bottled feeling in my throat begins to rise, shaking my hands.

I just pricked him.

" i-i am so sorry sir.. i-i didn't mean to.."i stutter out as i imagine all of the many ways this large man could hurt me.

"It's fine, continue." He says bluntly

As relief relaxes my brow, a sigh leaves my lips.

You're pushing your problems on this innocent man. Stop. He is not going to hurt you, Will he?

Maybe i am not ready for this

From the angle i stand, his large build towers over me. I step up on a nearby stool to get closer to the top of his torso, still not reaching his face with mine. I tiptoe to reach the top of the lapel and pin where the fabric could be closer.

As i pin a piece closer to his face, i subconsciously look up, meeting his eyes. He looks away to something else in the room but i keep looking.

Being this close, i can see the small moles littered around his features. When His cologne fills my nose i realize the distance between us and quickly move back.

I get down from the stool and gently tap his arm for him to lift it. He does so without thought and the corners of my lips turn at the sight.
A trust begins to form in me at this strange action.

"I am done pinning." I say quietly

"I will change, wait for the suit, then you can leave. I expect this done by 7 tonight. Someone will pick it up from the shop." he states before he walks out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.

IS THAT MY MAN??!
He gets nicer later, he just isn't used to her yet.
Yah like him?ik i do 🙈
Also idk Shitzle abt tailoring so don't hate 🙌