Wayward Dreams by Gail McFarland Page A

reminding Bianca that this was indeed her younger sister. She cleared her throat and shuffled her notes, waiting for the quick wash of sentiment to pass.
    â€œI think that limiting business hours to Thursday through Sunday, will keep operating costs low, and let me work on generating the money I need to get back on my feet. I need to replace stock and get the new shirt done for Neiman’s. It’s risky, because I won’t be insured for almost anything this time, but I have to take the chance.”
    â€œAm I included in this conversation or not?”
    â€œWhat?” Looking up, seeing Julia sitting with an arm propped in the car’s open window gave her a start. She folded her notes and pushed them back into her purse. “Sorry, I got carried away.”
    â€œI was just wondering how you planned to build stock with no money. I mean, ‘goodwill’ will only go so far.”
    Bianca tapped the dashboard. “I’ve thought about that. I thought I would add an ‘invitation-only’ consignment area. The pieces would come from celebrity and society customers who are already personally insured. That way, Vive la Reine will be stocked, and the inventory insured.”
    Julia wrinkled her nose. “Used clothes, Bianca?”
    â€œEverybody is not as finicky as you, and when the items are new and nearly new top-of-the-line designers, who’ll care? Vive la Reine will be open, the shelves will be stocked, and I can live without spa manicures and hot-stone massages for a few months. I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
    Julia was impressed. “You would put off your own shopping and little spa indulgences?”
    Feigning frost, Bianca made a face. “There are no ‘little spa indulgences.’ In my heart, I already miss deep-tissue and hot-stone massages. Oh, well…”
    â€œYou’ve figured out where you’ll get stock, but where will you find your customers?”
    â€œThanks to KPayne, I’ve met a lot of celebrities. I can call on a few sports figures…”
    â€œWho buys ladies’ jeans?” Julia crossed her legs and looked unconvinced.
    â€œI’ll be carrying more than ladies’ jeans, but yes. Heck, you sell real estate, so you already know there are plenty of women with their own money living here. There are women in entertainment and women in sports living in Atlanta, there are several world-class runners, and even women like Marlea Kellogg Yarborough.”
    â€œAJ Yarborough’s wife? Didn’t you have some kind of beef with her? Before they got married?” Julia eyebrows rose, and she brushed imaginary spots from the car’s dashboard.
    Eyes narrowed, Bianca went mute.
    â€œI’m just repeating a little cocktail gossip I heard in passing,” Julia said quickly. “What makes you think she would help you—with anything?”
    â€œTake it from your big sister, you shouldn’t listen to gossip.” Bianca’s hand went to her wrist and she missed the watch she’d worn there for so long. “He wouldn’t have married her and been with her this long if she didn’t have a good heart. If I can swallow my pride, maybe apologize for the arrogant fool I once was, I think she’ll help me out—maybe.”
    â€œ Saru mo ki kara ochiru. Even monkeys fall from trees, and everyone makes mistakes.” Sipping coffee, Julia shrugged. “ So you make nice, hook this woman up, and that will solve your problems?”
    â€œNo. First, I have to get that job.”
    â€œCan the job search wait until you get moved?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œThen we’ll meet tomorrow at Museum Tower. I’ll get the truck loaded with some stuff to get you started, and we’ll move you into your new home.”
    Relief surged and Bianca wondered whether she should chance giving her sister a hug. Better not take the chance of offending her. They were