Free DESIGN FOR LOVE by Bryan Murray Page B

look. “The one on the right, her husband owns the local TV affiliate to ours in Dallas.”
    “Really?” Vince whispered sarcastically.
    “But, the show, darling,” Roger was on a roll. “Everything looked great! You guys were terrific!”
    Francine smiled at his smoothness. “Well, thank you, Roger.”
    “So, what about celebrating? I know a great restaurant, just down the block?”
    Francine held up her hand as if to slow him down. “I’d love to, Roger, but I’ve got a rather unpleasant chore to take care of first.”
    “But, darling? What can possibly be that bad?”
    “My ex-husband!”
    Roger almost jumped back in a knee jerk reaction. “You mean?”
    “Yes, he’s here in town and he’s being a royal pain in the ass!”
    “So, so what do you have in mind?”
    “Well, I’m going to see him tonight. Try and straighten him out. I don’t suppose you’d like to come along?”
    Roger’s whole demeanor changed as he held up his hands in surrender. “Hey, baby, you know me. Ex-husbands and I don’t exactly mix.”
    She nodded her head knowingly. “That’s okay, don’t worry, I can handle it.”
    He couldn’t wait to move on. “You can? Great! So, where can we meet up later?”
    Vince was looking skywards in disgust although he remained silent.
    “You mentioned a restaurant?” she added.
    “Yes, a couple of blocks south. “McCaffery’s’ - excellent steaks. What time?”
    She thought for a moment. “Oh, I don’t know, about 9-45, I guess.”
    “Perfect. I’ll make the reservations.” he leaned across and kissed her on the cheek. “Well, gotta go check in with the station, see you later, babe. Bye, Vince.”
    Like a will-o-the-wisp he was gone. Francine, however, would have been really livid if she had seen the two women waiting near the taxi rank, ready to offer the smiling Roger a ride in their waiting limo, a liveried chauffeur standing at the ready.

CHAPTER 15
    Over a welcome glass of wine in the privacy of her room, during which Francine reflected on the events of the day, she had to admit that she was feeling quite pleased with the way things had gone. So this was the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple. A little more hectic than Dallas, but not that frightening.
    Although she had not seen many of the other designs at the show due to being so engrossed in her own, she had picked up the odd bits of conversation that had indicated that she had done one thing if nothing else right. She had gauged the fashion trend to perfection and every item in her line had somehow fitted in with the new theme of pant suits with tight pants slightly flared and long slim-fitting jackets.
    However, it was far too early to assess the level of orders they had earned or indeed to gauge the venom or otherwise of the fashion press in attendance. Breakfast time would no doubt be the time when the tabloids and major press would hit the streets. Then she would see amongst other things just what the enigmatic Mr. Chris Matlin had to say.
    She lay back on the king sized bed and placed a call to Dallas. Alison answered on the first ring as if she had been waiting for the call.
    “Dubois residence?” a sweet, child’s voice answered.
    “Hi, sweetie, it’s Mommy.” Francine found herself smiling.
    “Oh, hi, Mommy. I was waiting for your call. So, how did the show go, do tell?”
    “Not bad, not bad, my darling. I guess we’ll know more in the morning when the newspapers come out.”
    Alison was in no doubt concerning her mother’s ability. “Don’t worry, Mommy, It’ll be great. I bet you sell a bunch.”
    “I hope so, darling. Is Mrs.‘T’ there?”
    “Yep. Just hang on. I love you.”
    “Likewise, my baby.”
    “Hello, Francine,” the housekeeper said. “Is everything all right?”
    “Yes, fine. I was going to ask you the same question. No more unpleasant phone calls, then?”
    Mrs.‘T’ was very guarded in her reply. “No, none at all. Are there any further instructions?”
    “No, just do