A New Day (63 page)

    
Tasha looked at her with deep compassion.

    
The woman smiled brightly.  “Try the next one.”  she suggested.

    
It was a teal suit, very traditional, except for the duster jacket.  It was piped in Royal blue, and had buttons of Royal crystal encased in gold.  It was lovely.  A Royal silk blouse set it off wonderfully.

    
The third was a Burgundy slack suit, with a long duster, double breasted and closed with gold frog closures.  Gold piping made it a bit more whimsical.

     “
Marvelous.  How long will you be here?” the woman asked lightly.

     “
Just tomorrow, I think.”  Tasha mumbled.  “How did you know I’m not from L.A.?”

    
The lady shrugged.  “Just a guess.  Sometimes I just sense such things.”

    
Tasha paled.

    
The woman turned, sensing her discomfort, immediately.  “I am sorry.  Did I say something wrong?”

     “
No.”  Tasha reassured her quickly.  “Not at all.”

    
The woman smiled.  “My name is Elaine.  What is yours?” she asked gently.  Her soft, blue eyes studied Tasha with friendly curiosity.

    
Tasha felt panicky, but there was nowhere to hide.  In the end she squared her shoulders, and extended her hand.  “Tasha.” she answered tensely.

    
Elaine smiled serenely.  “Tasha, relax.  Whatever is upsetting you will not follow you here.  It will be all right.  Now, this is one of my favorites.  It will be incredible on you.” she predicted.

It was a suit dress and matching long coat in the truest green Tasha had ever seen.  Both garments flared out at the bottom so that it flowed gracefully with every step.  The neck was v-shaped, but contoured to match the exquisite lace overlay that graced the bodice.  It was wonderful, bringing Tasha’s eyes and skin to their vibrant best.

     “That is the one, Tasha.”  Elaine said triumphantly.

     “
Really?”  Tasha asked uncertainly.  “You don’t think it’s too much?  I mean, I must be conservative, Elaine.”

     “
This is just right.  It is conservative in cut, but rich in color.  The little details make it interesting.  And on you, it is divine.  It speaks of your youth, but also of your culture and breeding, your lovely spirit and your elegance.  You are phenomenal in it.”

    
Tasha sighed uncertainly.  “Okay.”  she capitulated.  Who could argue with a speech like that?

     “
Trust me in this.  Go with the green.”  Elaine urged.  “And now, please.  If you have time, put on the red one for me.”

    
Tasha bit her lip.  “Wow.  Okay.”  she agreed, with the first natural smile Elaine had seen.

    
It was vivid red.  First, there was a sheath of the finest, sheer silk Tasha had ever touched.  With long, straight sleeves flounced at the cuff with deep, pointed ruffles and a v-collar lined with two layered, six inch ruffles, it was sexy and feminine beyond comprehension.  The tailored coat had a flounced hem that floated behind her.  The layers of sheer red were incredible and enticing. 

    
It was a lovely delight, so beautiful and provocative without being indecent, that Tasha was almost embarrassed.  She had to giggle as she faced the mirror.  It simply enhanced every curve with such light, understated finesse that one couldn’t tear the eyes away.  “Elaine, you’re a genius.  Is this your design?” Tasha asked suspiciously.

     “
Yes.”  Elaine admitted, dimpling.

     “
I’ve never seen anything like it!  You make me look like a model.” 

    
Elaine snorted.  “Honey, I know models who would kill for just your legs.  You are simply exquisitely put together.  I am dumbfounded.  I cannot believe that these clothes are even better on you than they were on Isabelle.”

     “
Well, they are too incredible for me to pass up.  I’ll take them all.”  Tasha decided without batting an eye.

     “
Wonderful.  I’ll feel marvelous every time I think of you in them.”  Elaine sighed.  

     “
How much, Elaine?  Will you take my Visa?” she asked lightly.

     “
Yes, of course.  Let’s say, two hundred.”  Elaine answered gently.

    
Tasha blinked.  “No, I meant for all of them.”

     “
Yes.”  Elaine confirmed.  “Please don’t make a fuss.”

    
Tasha gasped.  “But, Elaine ...” she objected.

     “
Let me, Tasha.  Perhaps you can come back and let me do a special one for you, someday.  But if not, that’s all right, too.  You see, Isabelle had paid a very substantial down payment on these, so I can’t really take much for them.”

    
Tasha laughed.  “I can’t believe this.  But trust me, you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”

     “
Really?  Oh, Tasha, that’s lovely.  You would be a pleasure to dress.”

     “
Well, that’s kind of what I have in mind.” Tasha admitted.  “Send your card with me, and I’ll make an appointment.”

     “
Twist my arm.”  Elaine laughed.  “So for your special occasion, it’s the green?”

     “
I think it’s just right.”  Tasha admitted.  I’m so grateful that I found you.  Elaine, nothing went right until I got here.” 

     “
I’m so glad you came.  Listen, would you like to go to dinner with me?”  Elaine asked impulsively.  “Or are you with someone?”

     “
No, he’s out of the country.  I’m all by myself.”  Tasha explained.  “I’d love to have dinner with you.  But, I have to tell you that -- well, there are people who are causing me some tough publicity right now.  I’m kind of afraid something will happen, if I go out.  Perhaps I’d better not.”

    
Elaine pursed her lips thoughtfully.  “If you’re talking about Pattie Danniels and her thugs, I heard on the news this morning that she hot-footed it down to Venezuela last night.  I believe her plan is to tackle an interview with one Mr. Timothy Rain.”

    
Tasha looked as if Elaine had slapped her.  “You mean ... you know?”

     “
My dear, you’re the hottest thing since ... well, since that last big television ministry scandal.  I really haven't read the articles, but I caught a couple of snatches about it on television.  I don't know too much.  Just enough that when you told me your name, and then when I realized how nervous you were, I recalled the story and finally put your face with his.  You know, Tasha, I’d feel better if you weren’t alone tonight.  Let me take you to dinner.”

     “
Are you sure you want to be seen with the ‘tart’ that’s ruined America’s Evangelistic sweetheart?” she asked through clenched teeth.

     “
I would consider it an honor.  Honey, you didn’t do anything to Tim Rain he didn’t want you to do, and after spending five minutes looking into your clear eyes, I know that nothing untoward at all has gone on between the two of you.  Besides, people should know better.  Tim Rain is not the kind of man to preach one thing and live another.”

    
Tasha smiled.  “No.  He isn’t.  I’m glad someone still believes in him.  Thank you, Elaine.  And as long as you know what you might be in for, I’d love to have dinner with you.”

     “
I’ll tangle with any of ‘em for your sake!  I can see why Timothy Rain is in love.  Tell you what; why don’t you go to your hotel, and call me with your number?  I’ll take care of the rest.”

     “
All right.”  Tasha agreed hesitantly.  Now that she’d done it, she wondered if it had been a mistake to talk so freely to Elaine.

    
Elaine hugged her gently.  “Tasha, everything is going to be fine.  I won’t do anything to hurt you.  I know, though, that it must be difficult from your position to trust anyone.”

     “
There have been a few surprises, Elaine.  But I refuse to go through life being afraid.  I’m just going to keep on.  Thank you for being so good to me.”

     
Elaine smiled.  "Even if I were inclined to give you a bad time, which I’m definitely not, I’d behave myself with such an excellent customer.  Tasha, you’re a walking billboard for me.”

    
They laughed and hugged again.  “We’re going to have a wonderful time together.  Now, you go take a long, hot bath and get yourself ready.  You have a date tonight for dinner.” Elaine instructed.

     “
I’m looking forward to it.”  Tasha said in parting.

    
The chauffeur came in to help Tasha carry her bags and boxes out to the limo.

     “
Wow.  Yours?“ Elaine asked with interest. 

     “
No.  Norman Nielsen sent it.”

    
Elaine’s eyebrows went up.  “You’re going public?” she asked worriedly.

    
Tasha shrugged.  “I have nothing left to lose.  I’ll just tell the truth about myself, before she can launch the next torpedo.  Do you still think the green is okay?”

     “
Absolutely.  It’s just right for television.  But Tasha, are you sure?  I mean, what else could she do now?”

     “
Lord only knows.  But she’s resourceful.”  Tasha growled.

     “
Well, don’t worry any more about it today.”  Elaine advised.  “I’ll see you tonight, and we’ll have a nice, long talk.”

     “
All right.  ‘Bye, Elaine.”  she said wistfully.  She climbed into the limo, and waved as they drove away.  The driver looked back at Tasha with mild interest.

     “
Where to, Ma'am?  The hotel?” he asked politely.

     “
Yes, please.” she agreed gratefully.

    
After a hot bath, Tasha felt immensely better.  With her hair fluffed and sweeping over her shoulders, she felt more relaxed than she had for some time.

    
Elaine showed up at six.  They decided to eat in the hotel restaurant, all things considered.  It turned out to be very nice.

    
It was elegant, quiet and tasteful, and dimly lit.  And the food was good, too.  Elaine did most of the talking through the meal, telling Tasha stories about her customers.  Tasha gradually unwound.

    
After dinner, the ladies sat back in their chairs to relax, and chat.

     “
So,” Elaine ventured with a smile, “Tell me about Timothy Rain.  What a gorgeous man!  Is he as nice as he seems?”

     “
Every bit.  He’s very sweet, and delightful company.”

    
That’s it?”  Elaine teased, eyes wide.

     “
Well, he’s incredibly persistent.”  Tasha added dryly.

     “
Oh, to be pursued by such a sexy, intelligent, handsome and successful man.”  Elaine teased.  “Are you in love with him?”

    
Tasha grew pale.  “What is this?”  She asked coldly.

     “
Oh,” Elaine said softly.  “Tasha, I’m sorry.  How thoughtless of me.  I should have realized that would be a sensitive topic for you.  Please forgive me.  I was just talking girl talk.  You know?  I didn’t mean to pry, darling.”

    
Tasha sighed, and ran a tired hand through her hair.  “No, Elaine, I’m sorry.  I overreacted.  I don’t even recognize myself anymore.  My feelings are so raw, and I’m confused.  I find myself getting suspicious at the slightest thing.  I guess I’ve just had too much thrown at me in too short a time.”

     “
That’s okay.  Have you talked to Tim about all this recently?”

      “
A few nights ago.”  Tasha hedged.

      “
And what did he have to say about it?”

      “
What can he say?  He’s mad as hell, but he can’t protect me.  It’s still a free country, and Pattie can print whatever she wants to.”  Tasha swallowed hard, and thought.  She really wanted to talk about it.  Ever since her last conversation with Timothy, she’d been miserable.  “I told him to forget about me.  I’ve been nothing but trouble to him.”

    
Elaine raised an eyebrow.  “And what did he think of that?”

    
Tasha shrugged, and lowered her eyes.  “He was hurt.  He didn’t want to accept it.”

     “
And is that what you really want?”

    
Tasha slowly shook her head.  “I don’t know.  I really don’t.  Elaine, did you say that Tim is coming home?”

    
Elaine raised an eyebrow.  “I think that’s what I heard on the radio, from that woman reporter.  You don’t know his schedule?”

    
Tasha blushed.  “Not at the moment.” She answered tersely.  “I thought he’d be gone for awhile longer.  Usually he just calls me when he can.  It's very sporadic, when he's out of the country.”