“That’s correct.”
“The side seam is already under tension. I recommend reinforcing it before the fitting.”
Vivian exhaled sharply.
“I have an event tonight.”
“I understand.”
“Then do it.”
“I can’t promise the dress will be ready until I assess the seam.”
Vivian leaned forward.
“You’re telling me that this store, which charges thousands of dollars for a dress, can’t alter it in a day?”
“I’m telling you that I won’t make an adjustment that risks damaging it further.”
Vivian’s face flushed.
“Don’t lecture me.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re standing there telling me what you won’t do.”
“I’m explaining what the garment needs.”
Vivian’s eyes narrowed.
“Do you know who I am?”
Elena had heard the question many times in different forms.
She answered calmly.
“Yes. You’re Ms. Ashford.”
Vivian gave a small, contemptuous smile.
“Then you should understand that I don’t wait.”
Elena glanced toward the dress.
“Please allow me to finish the inspection.”
Vivian seized the gown.
The fabric pulled taut.
Elena’s fingers released it instinctively to prevent the seam from tearing further.
“Please don’t—”
The seam split.
A small rip opened along the side.
Vivian stared at it.
Then she turned on Elena.
“You ruined my dress, blackie.”
The word was loud enough for every person in the tailoring area to hear.
Elena stood motionless.
She had expected anger. She had anticipated complaints, threats, perhaps an attempt to force an immediate alteration.
She had not expected Vivian to use a racial slur in front of the entire store.
But the insult did not surprise her as much as the familiarity of the silence that followed.
No one intervened.
Not yet.
“I didn’t do anything,” Elena said.
Vivian’s face twisted.
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I was examining the seam.”
“You were holding it.”
“You pulled it.”
Vivian’s eyes widened.
“Excuse me?”
“The seam was already under tension. When you pulled the dress, it tore.”
The customer’s hand tightened around the gown.
“You’re blaming me?”
“I’m describing what happened.”
Vivian yanked the dress from Elena’s hands and shoved her backward.
Elena’s hip struck the table.