Pushing things aside, I had a few dresses that would probably fit my mother's requirements, but as I tried one on, it hung off my frame, and the other had a rip in the hem. The last one was a summer dress and would never work. Heaving myself into a pair of jeans and a chunky sweater, I slipped on some boots and headed out the door, grabbing my bag and coat.
Slowing my steps as I passed Monroe's door, I hoped he'd hear me and try to catch me, but as I passed and listened, no movement could be heard from inside. Our date had gone well the evening before. He was a world apart from Nicco, but I liked how they were both different. Monroe was more of someone my mother would approve of, but I didn't know if I necessarily wanted that as a dating requirement. Though, his being divorced and a single father would be a slight in her book. Clearly, her book was shit.
Nicco had texted me a few times since Friday night. I think he felt guilty for how he'd reacted toward the end. I wasn't upset with him, but I needed some time to think and process. Though, it hadn't helped either. Not that I'd had an ample amount of time to myself anymore. Deciding to bite the bullet, I sent him a text.
ME:Hey, when are you free this week? Dinner at my place? Fair warning, I can't cook, but I can order like the best of them.
When I didn't see the bubbles, I locked the screen and put it away. I'd drive myself mad, staring at the screen, waiting for a reply. Sometimes, it was best to be absent with messages anyway. At least, that was what I was trying to convince myself. The cold wind whipped around me, reminding me why this was the ‘Windy City' as I stepped outside. Tightening my scarf around me, I burrowed down into it, hoping to shield my face from the brutal wind.
The shop I liked was only two more blocks away. I hadn't been there in over a year, but it was my favorite place to splurge when I'd still been interested in clothes. Brian hadn't liked it when I spent a lot of money here. The freedom of only being responsible for myself bubbled up, and a sudden giddiness erupted in my belly. I could finally buy whatever the hell I wanted, and no one but me could complain about it. An unexpected excitement zinged through me, and I found something to look forward to.
Picking up my speed, I practically skipped there as I rounded the corner to the door. Pulling it hard, I almost fell over with the effort, my momentum throwing me off. Laughing at my exuberance, I gathered myself and headed in. Stepping into the rows of clothes, I swear I heard cartoon birds singing as I entered. This was my happy place. An associate walked up with a kind smile on her face.
"Hello, what can I help you find today?"
"I need something for a dinner party in Glenview and," I paused, feeling spontaneous, "something that makes me feel like a woman." I wanted a dress just for me.
"Well, I think we can handle that." She smiled. "Let's get you a room started. Would you like anything to drink while we find some items for you?"
"You know what, why not! A mimosa would be great."
"Absolutely, have a seat here. I'm Stacy, and I'll be your personal assistant today. Any colors or cuts you know you don't like?"
"Well, I'm not a big fan of yellow or anything too bright for that matter. I don't do ‘in your face' pattern-wise. Other than that, I think I'm fair game. Besides, you're the expert, and I trust your judgment. Think of me as a blank slate, here to let you dress!"
"Oh, now, be careful with what you ask for! You just might regret that," she laughed.
"Nope. Today is a day to have fun. So, style me, please!"
"I wish more clients were like you," she chuckled. "Last questions, do you have a budget, and do you need accessories as well?"
"You know what, let's do it all for the sexy woman outfit. The dinner one is for my mother, and I can't be bothered to care where she's concerned."
"I hear you there. Okay, I'll get things started. Now, just sit back and let us dazzle you!"
The next hour was a fun montage of girls bringing me dresses and items to see if I approved. Stacy had an eye for detail and just about everything she brought me, I loved. Once we narrowed it down to a few for each category, I started to try them on. It was early enough on a Sunday that the shop wasn't busy. A few of the other sales associates were in the dressing rooms with us giving their opinion as I modeled the dresses we selected.
"Oh, no, that one isn't as sexy as the other one. It's gotta go!"
"Agree, the cut is all wrong on that one."
"I love the lingerie, though. You need to get it regardless."
"So, who is the sexy outfit for, Loren? Tell us, tell us!"
Blushing, I spun around in the skirt, watching it flare. It was fun, but it wasn't me. Giving them a wink, I stepped back into the changing room to try the next one. However, the blonde associate was right. This lingerie was delectable. I put it aside, deciding to go for it. Slipping on a deep red tulip dress, my breath momentarily stopped in my throat. I loved it. Walking out, I tentatively held my breath to see what their reaction would be.
"Oh, that's the one! Spin, spin!"
Spinning, I giggled as the skirt fanned around me. The top of the dress represented the top of a tulip with different layers that looked like petals overlapping. The skirt part flared out around my hips, creating a cute silhouette on me. It was very chic and sexy rolled into one.
"You know, if you wear a jacket with it, you could probably get away with wearing it for dinner, and then you could still get another dress. Then you'd have two dresses you love instead of just the one," Stacy suggested, slipping a short jacket over my shoulders.
"Stacy, I think you're a genius. This would be perfect, and it's just enough on the sexy side that it will annoy my mother, so bonus points there."
The women laughed and agreed with the choice. Feeling excited, I went back into the room to try on the rest.
"So, are you going to tell us his name?"