The Brianne Hughes Series

haute for the holidays.

Brianne sighed as she tidied up her display table for the last time. She had all of her best pieces on display, and everything was as shiny as possible. Yet so far, no sales. All because of Tiggy Spaniard.

It was the stupidest name Bri had ever heard. Tiggy. Spaniard. It couldn't be real. Yet, if it wasn't, she couldn't think why any self-respecting woman would choose a name like that.

Previously, Bri had followed Tiggy's blog and admired her taste. She wasn't a terrible writer either, and overall, she just seemed to know what she was doing. Eventually, Tiggy discovered Brianne Hughes jewelry and bought a few pieces. Bri had even been featured in a few blog posts, all highly complimentary. So when Tiggy invited her to to attend a fashion event in Dallas, Bri had very happily accepted. It was nice to have some time away from Brian and the kids. Bri just wished that she had met Tiggy before the day of the actual event.

Bri arrived earlier than she was supposed to in order to get her display ready, but Tiggy was already at the gallery, bustling about in her black leather heels with little white bows. She saw Bri almost immediately and hurried over. "Brianne Hughes, I finally get to meet you!"

"Tiggy, of course, it's wonderful to meet you. Thank you again for the invitation."

She wrapped Bri in a bony hug, Tiggy's implants pressing against Bri's collarbone. "Well, just look at you! Adorable! Haven't seen a dress like that in ages!" Tiggy laughed. The women stared at each other. "Is this your first big event like this?"

"No," Bri responded. "I've been in the jewelry game for seven years now."

"Adorable." Tiggy cooed.

"That's one way of looking at it."

"Well, I see you found your table. Now you have everything you need?"

"Yes."

"You sure you don't need my help or anything?"

"I'm sure."

"Well, I'll leave you to your business then. Just holler if you should need me. I'll make sure to send people your way!"

Brianne stared at Tiggy's huge hair, her black headband holding back a tidal wave of blonde. "Of course."

Tiggy sauntered away, sticking out her butt.

Brianne quickly got to work, looking over at Tiggy every minute or so to see if she was watching. She wasn't.

After a half an hour, her table was set, and after another half hour, the event began. Tiggy clinked a glass full of chardonnay, and everyone looked up. "Good evening everyone, and welcome to Haute for the Holidays. You all look so haute!" Everyone laughed for no reason. "First of all, I'd like to extend my thanks to Recycled Pomeranians, the sponsor of tonight's event! As I'm sure you've all noticed, the puppies are in attendance, and I know you all want to adopt one, so head on over to their booth. And of course, I've invited some of my lovely little friends here as well, SO adorable! Anyways, I'll be signing autographs and selling some scarves and handbags from my most recent collection, so come say hi! Thank you all and have a haute holiday!" Everyone laughed and clapped.

Brianne sat down and didn't stand back up for the rest of the evening. She watched Tiggy flounce around her booth with her butt and fake boobs. Women stood in line to talk to her, to buy her ugly scarves. Tiggy laughed and said "ADORABLE" and held puppies and generally acted like an airhead.

Eventually, Bri made a few sales, though she wondered if it was pity that drove them to buy. She stewed. Her anger grew every time she heard one of the puppies bark, or every time anybody called Tiggy's name.

At the end of the night, Tiggy came over. "Bri, let me get a pic of you and some of the other girls for my Instagram!"

"I'll pass."

"Don't be silly Bri, you can't pass! You know you can put it on your Instagram too! Come on, now, cutie."

Tiggy gripped Bri's hand and pulled her towards two other vendors she'd never met before. They placed their arms around each other and someone took the pic. Five minutes later, Bri was tagged in an Instagram story. Tiggy had placed a sticker on the image that read Gal Pals.

Brianne reposted it and cursed under her breath.