“Two separate problems, and I’m not against helping you with both, but it’s Christmas time, or the local version of it. I’ve been here for long enough that waiting to get paid until you’re settled in a bit more isn’t going to hurt me. So. You’re going to get at least a couple outfits out of me. Again, I’m still learning patterning and creating from whole cloth, but I will do my best for you.”

Her demeanor remains warm and welcoming.

“I’m Annabel Lee Whitlock, by the way.”