“Well, you wouldn’t have to do anything radical,” Knox said. “It can be sexy without being revealing just by changing the fabric.”
Hailey thought of her robes. She couldn’t agree more. “I’ve also got a menswear line.” She skipped ahead a few pages to show them.
“Oh, this is great. I love these pajama pants.” Knox reached for the book and began flipping through the pages. “Will they go for it?”
“I have no idea.”
When the wedding gown designer came upon the robes, her whole demeanor changed. “What’re these?”
“Oh, that’s my stuff.” Hailey reached for the notebook. “That’s not for Abbott’s.”
“Well, hang on.” Knox pulled it back. “These are beautiful. What fabric are you using?”
“It’s a bamboo and modal mix. I design the textiles myself.”
Callie pointed to the bell sleeves. “This is gorgeous. It’s sexy.” She smiled at Hailey. “I love it.”
“Didn’t you say Abbott’s would only do flannel nightgowns?” Stella asked.
“Now, this will save their bacon,” Knox said.
“Can I buy one?” the princess asked. “I’d probably wear it all day long.”
“Brodie wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off you,” one of the women said.
“What? And somehow that would be different? She could wear coveralls and jackboots, and he’d be all over her.”
“Well, wait,” Glori said. “Why give them to Abbott’s if you can sell these on your own?”
“Okay, hold on.” Hailey took the book back. “These are two separate things. For Abbott’s, I only wanted to pitch the holiday and men’s lines. The robes are mine. I have a plan to go out on my own after I’ve saved up enough to support myself for two to three years. Eventually, I’ll add sleep sets, nighties, shorts, and tank tops in the same fabric.”
“So, you’re going to save Abbott’s but not yourself?” There was no judgment in Knox’s tone.
Embarrassed, Hailey scrambled to defend herself. “I’m not ready for that yet.” These women were all entrepreneurs. They were all established. “And now with the girls, my timeline will have to change. But I’m going to do it. I’m going to build up my inventory and save as much money as I can.”
The once positive, energetic group became subdued. They were all biting their tongues. And this was exactly why she didn’t like joining already established groups. They knew each other, could anticipate each other’s responses. They accepted each other. With Hailey, they were judging her, assessing her worth.
Dammit. She slapped the notebook shut. “I’m really only here to get help with my pitch. I get one shot at it, and I can’t fail. I need them to stay in business.”
“I’m not sure you can single-handedly save Abbott’s of London.” Glori’s voice had gentled. And instead of being patronizing, it felt…like she cared. “That’s not to say you shouldn’t try. If this is important to you, then we’ll help you craft a great pitch. But it’s going to take a year to go from concept to product.”
“I know. I just thought I’d try.”
“But can we please talk about your robes?” Knox asked. “Because they’re gorgeous and with sexy, sustainable fabrics, I think you’ve got something here.”
“I know I do,” Hailey said. “But I’ve got bills to pay, and now with the girls, I don’t know how I’ll manage all my expenses. That’s why holding onto the job is so important to me.” Even though she knew she had Cole’s support, she still had to earn her own way. It was essential to her well-being.
“We offer small business loans,” Stella said.
The others jumped in, talking excitedly about websites and ads, and as great as it all sounded, she couldn’t help noticing their wedding rings and designer clothes. These women had wealth and the support of a spouse. None could relate to her situation as a single woman, eking out a living…possibly adopting two little girls. They were in a whole other world.
She loved their ideas, furiously writing as much as she could in her notebook. It was all such great information. “Thank you so much. Up until now, this has been a vague dream. I’ve never been close enough to start brainstorming the business details of it.” She stuffed her notebook back into the bag.
“Well, hold on,” Glori said. “We’re not done with you yet. Didn’t you want help with your pitch for Abbott’s?”
“I do, but I’ve taken up more than enough time. It’s someone else’s turn.”
“Are you kidding?” Stella asked. “You’re building a brand-new business. Come on, yours is the fun stuff.”