The Boutique Owner's Bargain
"Curves & Class sells plus-size fashion to women who've been ignored by the industry. When a fashion investor walks in looking to learn the market, he gets an education he didn't expect."
Curves & Class wasn't built on venture capital.
It was built on frustration. Thirty years of being told my body was wrong, that fashion wasn't for women like me.
I'm Denise. Fifty-five. Size 22. And my boutique is the most successful plus-size store in Atlanta.
"I'm looking for the owner."
The man in my doorway is expensive—suit, watch, everything about him screams money.
"You found her."
Marcus Webb is a fashion investor.
Looking to expand into plus-size—the fastest-growing market in retail. Wants to understand the customer.
"So you want to use me for market research," I say.
"I want to learn from you." He sits in my consultation area. "There's a difference."
I show him everything.
The fitting rooms designed for comfort, not shame. The mirrors positioned to flatter. The sales associates trained to empower.
"This is remarkable," he admits.
"This is necessary." I adjust a display. "Plus-size women have been treated like afterthoughts. I refuse to do the same."
He keeps coming back.
Not to invest—to observe. Watches how I interact with customers. Takes notes on what sells and why.
"You're really studying," I note after his third visit.
"I've invested in fashion for twenty years without understanding half of it." He sets down his notebook. "You understand everything."
"That's what happens when you live it."
"Dinner?"
It's closing time. He's been here all day.
"To discuss business?"
"To discuss you." He moves closer. "The business is fascinating. The woman behind it is more so."
"Mr. Webb—"
"Marcus." His hand touches my arm. "And I know this is unprofessional. But I've been trying to find an excuse to ask you out for two weeks."
Dinner becomes a regular thing.
We talk business, then life, then everything between. He's divorced, no children, married to work for decades.
"Why plus-size?" I ask. "The market is growing, but it's not the easiest."
"Because I've watched this industry ignore half the population." He meets my eyes. "And I've watched you prove them wrong."
He invests.
Not in my boutique—in a new line. My designs, his capital, our partnership.
"There are other investors," I warn him.
"Not like me."
"What makes you different?"
"I believe in you." He takes my hand. "Not just the business. You."
The partnership becomes more.
Late nights working on the line become late nights not working at all. His penthouse becomes familiar.
"People will say I bought this," I warn him.
"Let them." He pulls me close. "We know the truth."
He undresses me like I'm wearing couture.
Each layer removed with appreciation, his eyes drinking in what he reveals.
"God, Denise."
"I'm not—"
"You're exactly what fashion should celebrate." He kneels before me. "Let me worship properly."
His mouth travels my body.
Every curve, every roll, every inch the industry told me to hide. When he reaches between my thighs, I'm already trembling.
"So responsive," he murmurs.
"It's been a while—"
"Then let me make up for lost time."
He brings me twice before finally entering me.
Fills me in ways I'd forgotten I wanted. Moves like we're designing something together.
"Perfect fit," he groans.
"Don't make fashion puns during sex."
He laughs and goes deeper.
The line launches six months later.
Curves & Class by Denise, available nationwide. Plus-size fashion that doesn't apologize.
"To the woman who changed the industry," Marcus toasts at the launch party.
"To the man who believed in her," I counter.
We kiss in front of everyone.
The boutique expands.
Three locations, then five. The investment pays off, but that's not what matters.
"Partners," Marcus calls us.
"In which way?"
"Every way." He pulls out a ring. "If you'll have me."
The wedding is at the flagship boutique.
Surrounded by beautiful clothes for beautiful bodies. My dress is custom—designed by me, appreciated by him.
"To curves and class," the officiant says.
"To bargains that became everything," I add.
We kiss among the mannequins.
Some investments pay unexpected dividends.
Some partnerships exceed projections.
And some plus-size boutique owners find that love—like fashion—looks best when it fits perfectly.
Marcus fits perfectly.
For life.