Sudden Independents - By Ted Hill Page 0,7
at the sewing shop and rarely sewed anything new. Well, Ginger did most of the sewing. Somebody had to manage the help.
“Molly, I’m all done cleaning up,” Ginger called from the back of the shop. “Shouldn’t we head over to dinner?”
Molly and Ginger were the same age, but officially, Molly was the boss. She always gave Ginger plenty of work to keep her out of the way.
“Just hold on. I’ll be ready in a minute.”
Ginger drifted past the doorway of Molly’s office. Molly upheld a strict policy: No one was allowed to enter her personal space where she kept her private stuff. She would truly be lost without all the makeup and trinkets that Hunter brought her. She refused to permit Ginger—or anyone—touching her things and leaving a mess. And for some reason, Ginger would always track in dirt from God knows where.
Molly capped her red lipstick and checked the corners of her mouth. Perfect. He had better notice her tonight. She brushed her hair one more time before leaving her office.
Ginger waited by her sewing station, wearing the yellow blouse she designed. It was simple and plain, Molly thought, and she knew all the girls asked Ginger to make one in their favorite colors. It wasn’t really Molly’s style. She liked her clothes tighter, but then she was gifted with a sleeker build than Ginger and the rest of them. If Ginger had any guts, she’d lower the neckline and expose some of her better qualities, but of course she was Ginger. Gentle, little Ginger with a breast size Molly would never acquire without serious rediscoveries in plastic surgery. All the good it did Ginger, covered up by that blouse.
Molly thought some boys might find Ginger attractive, even with the dirt, but she would never be Molly’s equal. Molly was the princess in this town, and she was determined to capture the king so she could be crowned the queen.
Molly noticed the muddy stains on Ginger’s knees. “Did you sweep up that dirt?”
“Yes, I got it all cleaned up. Sorry about that.”
Molly walked past her toward the front door, and Ginger followed. “Why are you always so dirty? Where did you go this afternoon? You were gone for over an hour.”
“I ran some errands. That’s why I came in early. I got all my work done. Plus, the Jenson sisters are coming along great with their training. I think they’re going to be exceptional seamstresses. Lisa is a natural.”
“Yes, yes, okay already,” Molly broke in because if you didn’t cut Ginger off, her mouth really motored on. “You don’t have to tell me everything. I’m just glad they’re working here. You’re so slow sometimes, and then all your errands every day. It’s like you’re never here when I need serious work done. If we don’t repair and hem these clothes, everyone will be going around naked. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
Ginger lowered her head and wiped her eyes that glistened with tears. She was so weak. Molly tried her best to toughen her up, but really, how was Ginger going to survive in today’s world?
“I’m sorry, Molly. I’ll work harder, I promise.”
“Are you crying?”
Ginger turned away and walked back to her station.
Molly smiled. Ginger would learn. Life wasn’t roses and chocolates anymore. They all needed to make sacrifices, like the one Molly was forced to make when Mark moved out to live with Vanessa. What a tramp she turned out to be. And now she was about to have a baby!
Ginger blew her nose, making an awful sound like a dying elephant. Molly decided to ease up on torturing her for the day. Bossing people was simple when they were on their toes. Usually, Ginger was ready to pirouette.
“Look, Ginger, I’m sorry,” Molly lied. “I’m just nervous about Mark and the baby. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
“I understand,” Ginger said, still sniffling. “Having the baby could be dangerous for Vanessa, but it’s so exciting, isn’t it? Mark and Vanessa are creating a future, right here, right now. We’re saved!”
Molly frowned. “Okay, drama girl, settle down. It’s just a baby.”
“Oh, it’s more than that. It’s hope.”
Ginger painted everything with a thick coat of sweet emotion that made Molly queasy. Molly needed some fresh air, but then a stack of white material and lace next to Ginger’s overgrown flower pot caught her attention.
“What’s this?” Molly unfolded the cutest little baby outfit in the whole wide world.
“It’s something I designed for Vanessa and the baby.”
Molly glared. “You’re kidding. I thought