Colette was squatted down in front of Suzanna, marking the hem on the hunter green suit Suzanna was to wear in the fashion show.
“Most are already my clients,” she mumbled through a mouthful of pins. “And those who are not will be once they see you in this outfit.”
Suzanna had learned early on that the women who frequented the shop were to be called clients. The word customer, Colette explained, implied a woman was there for the sole purpose of purchasing something whereas a client could expect personalized service.
“That’s one of the reasons they pay more to shop here,” she’d added in a whisper.
When she felt a tap on her leg, Suzanna turned as she was supposed to. “Along with the clients, are there newspaper or television reporters there to take pictures?”
Colette gave a throaty laugh. “That would be lovely, but so far it hasn’t happened. Perhaps in the future…” She slid the final pin into place and stood. “Finished.”
As she stepped out of the skirt, Suzanna asked, “If these women are already clients, then why the fashion show?”
Colette gave a sly grin. “A number of husbands come. They see beautiful clothes on a beautiful woman and tell their wife buy this or that regardless of cost. A successful fashion show can make or break a season.”
For over a week, Suzanna asked the same question of every customer: were they planning to attend the fashion show. Without exception, they all answered yes, and little by little she began to believe what Ida said was true. There was nothing to worry about. She would look out into the audience and see table after table of familiar faces. They would be the people she knew. People who’d accepted her as Darla Jean Parker.
——————
ONCE SUZANNA’S FEAR OF EXPOSURE was quelled, her confidence began to build. It was a feeling not unlike that she’d had back when she was Bobby’s girl. Her step became surer, her back straighter, and her head held just a tad higher. She was no longer the kid with a drunk daddy or the dropout who was pregnant. She was now somebody other people admired and wanted to be. Ida bragged to the neighbors about how Darla Jean was the featured model in this year’s fashion show, Gregg seemed more attentive than ever, and Ginger flat out said she was envious.
It happened the day Suzanna drove Ida and Annie over to Barston to see Ginger’s new baby, a girl they’d named Elizabeth and were calling Lizzie. Ginger, looking exhausted and still in her bathrobe, handed the crying baby to Suzanna and dropped down on the sofa.
“Lizzie’s been fussy ever since Mama left, and I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since we came home from the hospital.”
Suzanna lifted the baby to her shoulder, cradling the tiny head in her hand and swaying from side to side. “Annie was fussy for the first week, but before she was a month old she’d started sleeping through the night.”
“Figures,” Ginger said with an air of discouragement. “Everything comes easy to you.”
Suzanna laughed. “It only seems that way. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Before she could say anything more, she spotted the tears welling in Ginger’s eyes. Handing the baby off to Ida, she crossed the room, sat next to Ginger, and wrapped her in a hug.
“I know life seems overwhelming right now,” she said, “but all this is only temporary. Lizzie’s adjusting to her new life, just like you are. In a few weeks, you’ll see things differently.”
Ginger sniffed back a sob. “I’m not you, Darla Jean. I’m never gonna have the chance to do what you’re doing. I’ll be changing diapers while you’re—”
“Be glad you’re not me,” Suzanna said, cutting in. Without stopping to measure her words or weed out those that might draw a finger of suspicion, she continued on. “My life was one I can’t even talk about. For years I envied women like you, women with a loving husband, a home, and a daddy for their child.”
“I’m sure you could’ve had those things if you wanted—”
“Not as easily as you might think, but I didn’t care because I had something far more precious: Annie. Working for Colette doesn’t make anyone a better or more important person, but the money I earn enables me to give Annie a better life than I had.”
Ginger sat there, her eyes wide and her face solemn. As a heavy silence crept across the room, Ida gave Annie a nod and suggested they get a glass of milk from the kitchen.
“I’m not thirsty,” Annie said.
“Yes, you are,” Ida replied and gave her a nudge.
When the two women were alone in the room, Suzanna took Ginger’s hand in hers and held onto it. “Instead of focusing on what you’re going through right now, try counting your blessings. Lizzie is a beautiful baby, and she’s the one you should be thinking of. Jobs, glory, friends, even lovers can be gone in the blink of an eye, but Lizzie is yours forever. There’s a special bond between mother and child, one that’s stronger than you might ever dream possible.”
Suzanna hesitated as a single thought passed through her mind; then she spoke again.
“If I had to choose between Annie and this job, I’d choose Annie a thousand times over. The job is only a means to an end, but Annie, well, she’s a lifetime of love stretched out in front of me.”
She hugged Ginger to her chest, and the sniffles subsided.
“Once you’re feeling a bit better, you’ll see,” she said. “You’re going to feel the same way about Lizzie.”
“I already do,” Ginger said and gave a sheepish grin.
Suzanna stood. “It’s late, and we should get going.”
As they started toward the kitchen Ginger blurted out another question, one
