“Read this.” I handed her my phone.
“I don’t understand.” She looked up at me.
“He’s your new landlord,” Zoey said. “Your old one is retiring to Hawaii.”
“Oh, I see.”
“So, this is how I see things,” I said. “You will let my fiancée buy the dress she tried on, and you will alter it, or you will be out of here within three months when your lease is up for renewal. And you know why? Because I clearly don’t give a damn whether your store is here or not. In fact, I’d rather turn this into a bookshop.”
“Yeah. A hybrid hot mess coffee shop/bookstore,” Zoey said.
“Are we in agreement?” I asked.
“Yes, Mr. Castile. Which dress was it?”
“Ask her.” Zoey pointed to the blonde. “You will also call my mother and tell her the dress is hers.” Zoey rattled off Sam’s number. “I expect you’ll call her now. Am I correct?”
“Yes. I will call her now. What is her name?”
“Samantha Hollis,” I said.
“I’ll make the call as soon as you leave.”
“No, you’ll call her now so we get verification that you did,” Zoey said, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Very well,” she pulled out her cellphone and dialed Sam’s number.
“Hello.”
“Is this Samantha Hollis?”
“Yes.”
“This is Claudine from Kleinfeld’s. You were in earlier and found a dress you loved?”
“Yes.”
“I’m happy to tell you that we will indeed sell you the one you tried on and we will alter it for you.”
“For real?” Sam’s voice perked up. “You’re not joking, right?”
“No, Miss Hollis. How about you come in tomorrow, and we’ll get the dress fitted for you?”
“I would love that. I can stop by in the afternoon.”
“Perfect. We look forward to seeing you.”
“Thank you so very much. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
“That’s all we want is for our brides to be happy. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Now, not a word of this to Samantha. Understand?”
“Of course, Mr. Castile. My lips are sealed.”
Zoey and I left the shop.