Chapter 50

Smoothing a hand down her jacket, Cilla studied herself in the mirror. She had a meeting with the Planning and Development Board and she wanted to look her professional best. The charcoal suit was a tad big, but it would have to do. Sid was right; she needed to eat. Maybe after the meeting she would treat herself to a nice dinner. She sighed, eating alone in a restaurant had to be one of her least favorite things to do. In her book, it was only slightly better than having a root canal. Maybe she would just pick something up and cook for herself here.

She turned to the side; the pants hugged the curve of her butt and then fell straight to the floor. The heels Sid had talked her into would keep the cuffs from dragging on the ground and, she smiled, they were pretty too, as was the bit of midnight blue lace she had added under the jacket.

Straightening her lapels she rummaged for a necklace or a pin in her jewelry box. Again, Sid was right. She needed to shop again. Her accessories were sorely lacking. Ever since she left Charles, she had let this part of herself go. She used to dress and wear pretty jewelry, rings, bracelets, earrings.

Cilla sighed, rings wouldn't be practical now, but earrings would be all right. Digging in the box again she came up with a pair of small silver hoops. Stepping back to the mirror she slipped the earrings in and tacked the butterfly pin in her lapel. It would have to do. Flicking her hair over her shoulder she gave herself one last look. The deep side part and the low ponytail looked far more professional than the messy knot she usually wore and the jeweled hairpin added the right touch of femininity.

Picking up her leather portfolio she checked to make sure she had everything. Her license and credit card were tucked into the left pocket and her papers were all there on the right. She grabbed her phone and headed down the stairs to talk to Sid once more before leaving.

The kitchen was tidy and quiet as she set her things on the table. Her eyes landed on the pink bear that was sitting next to her now quiet laptop. "Wish me luck" she whispered as she ran her fingers over the soft fur.

Pushing through the swinging door she found Sid wiping down one of the cases. "Do I pass inspection?" she asked as he finished. Sid stood and walked over to her. He crossed an arm in front of himself, the other hand cupping his chin, "turn" he ordered. Cilla did a slow pirouette and waited. Hiding a smile he shook his head in indifference.

"What?"

He let the smile out, "The suit is a little big honey, but you look great. They should give you that permit on this look alone."

Cilla smiled, “if you were sitting on the board Sid, I wouldn’t be worried.” She glanced at the clock, “I should get going.” Sid stopped her, “you’ve got nothing to be worried about.” He picked invisible lint from her sleeve, “you already own the space next door. It was smart of you to buy the whole corner when you did. This is just a matter of details. It’s going to work out fine Cil.”

She squeezed his arm, “but Sid, am I doing the right thing? This is going to be a big undertaking. I’m going, no,” she amended, “we’re going to be busier.” She turned and paced away from him, “should I be doing this now?

“If not now, when?” He really hated that she doubted herself so much. Actually, he hated Charles for doing that to her.

Cilla turned, “what about Jon?”

“What about him?”

She shook her head, “the busier I get, the less time I will have for him. Is that fair?”

Sid crossed to her, “where is he now and what is he doing?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “He’s doing his job Cil. That’s what you’re doing. You can’t worry about whether or not it’s fair to him. If you want this, go for it. He’ll understand.”

Cilla sighed, “do you always have to be right?” Sid laughed, “it’s a dirty job but someone's gotta do it.”

Cilla just shook her head and pushed through the door back into the kitchen. She grabbed her portfolio off the table, her heels clicking on the floor as she passed Sid and paused at the back door. “Wish me luck?” He nodded, “you won’t need it but good luck.”

~

Sid was stacking the clean empty trays when he heard a phone ring. Searching he found Cilla’s phone next to the sweet pink teddy bear. “Cilla Queen of Tarts, sweet treats for the lips, a smile for the heart” he said absently as he continued closing up.

Richie pulled the phone back and checked to make sure he had dialed right. He was expecting Cilla to answer, not a guy. “Is Cilla there?”

The voice niggled at Sid. “I’m sorry she’s not, can I help you?”

“Who’s this?” Richie wasn’t sure what he was going to do now.

“This is Sid Rogers, Cilla’s assistant. Who is this?”

Richie smiled broadly, he got the best friend. Even better. “This is Richie Sambora and Sid, I need your help.”