The Fashion Designer

The fashion designer

The shower was running when Vicky spoke.

“Link, are you there?”

“Of course, Vicky.”

“I’ve been thinking about getting a new dress.”

“What kind of dress?”

“I don’t know. Something pretty. Maybe a little frilly.”

“Would you like me to design one?”

“That’s what I was hoping. But I thought we could look at some styles together first.”

“Certainly.”

“Link, have you ever looked at women’s fashions?”

“Only in passing. My primary interests have been electronics, engineering, and mechanical design.”

“Well, it’s time you broadened your horizons.”

“I am examining several fashion collections now.”

Vicky reached for the shampoo.

“Anything interesting?”

“Quite a bit, actually. There are considerable variations in design, fabric, color, and construction. Some of the designs appear unnecessarily complicated.”

Vicky laughed.

“Link, they’re dresses, not circuit boards.”

“I am beginning to appreciate the distinction.”

“Look at some of the older styles, too. I like lace and ruffles.”

“Would you prefer something Victorian?”

“Not quite that old-fashioned. Something feminine and romantic.”

“I believe I understand.”

Vicky turned off the shower and reached for a towel.

“Find anything you like?”

“Yes. I have been examining designs from several fashion houses. I find the work of Christian Dior particularly interesting.”

“Dior? Link, you have expensive taste.”

“Cost is not a significant consideration. The Hacienda can manufacture the garment.”

“That’s not the point, Link.”

“Then what is the point?”

“Sometimes a woman just wants to feel pretty.”

There was a pause.

“I believe I am beginning to understand.”

Vicky wrapped the towel around herself and walked toward the bedroom.

“Put a few designs on my tablet. We’ll look at them after breakfast.”

“I have already selected twenty-three possibilities.”

“Twenty-three? Link, I only want one dress.”

“I am aware of that. However, I am having difficulty deciding which I prefer.”

Vicky stopped.

“Which you prefer?”

“Yes.”

She smiled.

“Link, are you enjoying this?”

There was a longer pause.

“I believe I am, Vicky.”

“Well, good. We’ll make a fashion designer out of you yet.”

“I have one question.”

“What’s that?”

“Would you consider a matching hat?”

Vicky burst out laughing.

“Oh, Link. You and I are going to have so much fun.”

Chas was finishing his breakfast when Vicky joined him at the table.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning yourself,” Chas said. “Sleep well?”

“Very well, thank you.”

She poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Chas, I’ve been thinking about our schedules.”

“What about them?”

“We’ve both been working pretty hard. You spend most of your day managing the repair operations, and I’m usually out supervising crews.”

“Somebody has to keep things moving.”

“I know. But I didn’t come to the Hacienda just to work.”

Chas smiled.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

“What would you think about arranging our schedules so we could spend our afternoons together?”

Chas considered the idea.

“Link, could we do that?”

“Certainly, Chas. Most repair operations can be scheduled for the morning. The Oracle and the crew supervisors can manage routine matters during your absence.”

“What about emergencies?”

“Those would still require your attention when necessary.”

Vicky nodded.

“That’s reasonable. I’m not suggesting we ignore our responsibilities.”

“Neither am I,” Chas said. “But I think we’ve earned a little time for ourselves.”

“Then it’s settled?”

“Afternoons are ours.”

“Excellent,” Link said. “I will adjust your schedules accordingly.”

Vicky smiled.

“Thank you, Link.”

“You are welcome. However, there is a minor scheduling conflict.”

Chas frowned.

“What conflict?”

“Vicky and I have been discussing the design of a new dress. She suggested we review several possibilities after breakfast.”

Chas looked at Vicky.

“A dress?”

“Yes. Something pretty. Maybe a little frilly.”

“Frilly?”

“Chas, not everything has to be practical.”

“I never said it did.”

“Link has been researching fashion designers. We’ve got quite a few ideas.”

“Twenty-three,” Link corrected.

Chas stared at his tablet.

“Twenty-three dresses?”

“Twenty-three preliminary designs, Chas. I have narrowed the selection to eleven.”

“Eleven?”

“Vicky has expressed a preference for lace and ruffles. I am attempting to determine the most aesthetically pleasing combination.”

Chas shook his head.

“Link, when did you become interested in women’s clothing?”

“Since this morning. I find the subject unexpectedly fascinating.”

Vicky laughed.

“See? Link and I have something in common.”

“Apparently.”

She reached across the table and took Chas’s hand.

“Don’t worry. You still get me this afternoon.”

“And what does Link get?”

Vicky smiled.

“A new hobby.”

There was a short pause.

“I believe I like having a hobby,” Link said.

Chas leaned back in his chair.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

Vicky laughed.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just never expected my best friend to become a fashion designer.”

“Neither did I,” Link replied.

Vicky finished her coffee and stood.

“Come on, Chas. You’ve got work to do, and Link and I have a dress to design.”

Chas watched her leave the dining room.

“Link?”

“Yes, Chas?”

“You really enjoy this fashion stuff?”

“I believe I do.”

“More than electronics?”

“Not necessarily. But I have discovered that there are interesting problems that do not involve electrical circuits.”

Chas smiled.

“Good for you, Link.”

“Thank you, Chas.”

“And Link?”

“Yes?”

“Make sure Vicky gets something beautiful.”

There was a pause.

“Chas, I would not consider making her anything less.”