“There was that big charity event yesterday, and many of our customers attended. They wanted their clothes cleaned. Apparently, it was a pretty big deal last night. Did you hear anything about it?”
She hadn't, but then again, she didn't get out much these days. She shrugged. “No, but don't you have a lot of those? What's the big deal about this one?”
Layla smirked. “Yeah, but I heard that the man running it was filthy rich, like could lose millions and it's pocket change to him. He was gorgeous and to die for.” She fanned her face with a hand,” according to about ten of our customers. I'm going to believe them. I'm waiting for his face to hit the newspaper. Maybe I could post it on my wall and daydream about him.”
“Well, you enjoy that.” Casey rolled her eyes. She honestly couldn't care less about the idea of men. Once they found out about her degree and her passion for philosophy, most left.
“Anyway, I should get back. The hotel is a disaster, and we are up to our necks in stuff to get done before we have it ready for those who are checking in to stay tonight.”
She patted the sack. “Give me a ring when this is all done. Charge it to the hotel, and I'll take you out for drinks, maybe tonight?”
Casey liked the idea of drinks. She'd charge it to the hotel anyway. She always did. “Sure, see you later. Don't go pinning the picture in your room. That's creepy.”
Layla gave her a wink before she pulled herself out of the chair and strolled out of the building.
Casey sighed, staring at the sack for a moment. She'd get it started as soon as a machine was open. She looked around, seeing she still had a few minutes to go. Maybe she could finish her crossword in her spare time.
The door swung open before she had a second to move the laundry, and she locked eyes with Gerri Wilder. She was a regular that came in and was always someone she enjoyed seeing.
Gerri eyed the sack and smirked softly, laughing as she did. “Well, darling, I'd say you're about up to your neck in the laundry today.” She set down a dress, a long black gown that shimmered in the light. It was gorgeous.
She patted it before she pulled her hand back. “Don't worry about getting this done. I'm not in a big rush. I don't really need it anytime soon.”
Casey waved a hand. “Nonsense, Gerri. I always have time to squeeze you in. You've been nothing but a perfect customer.”
Gerri was a fun, easy-to-talk-to person she enjoyed being around. She always knew they could have philosophical conversations and that the person on the receiving end understood what she was saying. That was rare for her.
“Where have you been for you to be wearing something so modest?” she asked, pulling it off the counter and hanging it up on the rack. “I wouldn't take this as your style.”
Gerri laughed. “When am I ever modest? That outfit was the only thing my breasts would stay in on such short notice.”
They both chuckled for a moment before Gerri placed her hand on the counter. “I was wearing it to the charity event last night. They had a really good turnout. I got a little excited about it and spilled wine on my dress.”
If Gerri attended the event Layla mentioned, that meant she probably saw the person who hosted the event. “I heard about that. I'm glad it went well.”
Casey wondered if she should say what Layla said. She didn't want to come off wrong. But this was Gerri. Gerri was someone who took everything in and was okay with it.
“My friend was just telling me that, apparently, the host was a knockout. She was talking about posting a picture of him on her wall.”
She watched Gerri's eyes sparkle and dance around for a second. She had a tilted smirk as she chuckled. “Would you post a picture of him if you saw him?”
The question made her laugh. “I would never. I'd rather meet the person in the flesh than be creepy staring at a picture of the man.”
Gerri's smirk seemed to grow, and she leaned closer to the counter. “Well, would you like to meet him? I have connections. I have many connections. I could make it happen soon.”
Casey snorted and started to laugh, unable to picture it without her looking like a dumbass. She couldn't imagine herself next to a man like that and not stick out like a sore thumb. She wasn't even close to being able to catch someone's attention like that.
“Why are you laughing?” Gerri asked.
Casey couldn't stop laughing. “Gerri, why would some billionaire want to meet me, of all people? Let's be practical here. I work at a dry cleaners for one thing. The man could have any woman on this planet, and you want to have me meet him? You've got to be joking.”
Gerri wasn't laughing, though. Not like, ha-ha, laughing. It was like a pity chuckle now. She smirked. “Darling, the heart wants what the heart wants. Love has no boundaries. It's not based on income or status. Love doesn't care. I've seen a poor man marry a rich woman. I've seen a man give away his riches for a woman. It happens more than you'd think. And have you seen yourself?”
Gerri waved her hand. “Underneath all that baggy clothes is a body I'm sure impresses people. Your face, darling, that's a wonderful, gorgeous face. You are a catch whether you believe it or not.”
She blushed, not used to being complimented. Sure, people looked her way, but no one was complimenting her in a manner that she liked.
Gerri seemed to keep going, though. “You'd bring a man like him to his knees. If that's what you wanted to do.”