“I guess.”
“No, tell me. You really like him, don’t you?”
Casey blushed under Gerri’s intense gaze. She knew exactly what Gerri was referring to. “Yes, okay, yes. He’s one great big, tall glass of gorgeousness. I’ve never been so attracted to a guy before. But we’re from different worlds. I mean, totally. I’m just going to embarrass myself, especially if we show up to a formal event and I’m in patchwork rags.”
“Casey,” Gerri shook her head a little. “You could stroll up in a paper sack, and Jake would think you are the sexiest thing alive. That’s how the fated mates thing works.”
Casey laughed softly. “I’m not Marilyn Monroe. I’m pretty sure I can’t pull off a potato sack.”
Gerri laughed as well. “I’m sure you could, especially if Jake was judging. But it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to trim up a potato sack or patch an old skirt. I’m taking you shopping.”
“What? Now?” Casey asked, confused.
“Yes, dear, right now. Or do you need to stay?”
Casey looked around at the quiet store. There were a couple of other workers there, and they really didn’t need her right now.
“It’s very generous of you, Gerri,” Casey said. “But I can’t possibly accept. How can I let you do something like this for me? I can never pay you back.”
“My dear, sweet girl,” Gerri said, exasperated. “I would love to take you shopping. It is an absolute pleasure for me to make you happy and see you frocked up in stunning gowns. I’m rich, for heaven’s sake. What else is money for?”
Casey smiled shyly. “I don’t know. I want to, but … no one’s ever done anything like this for me.”
Gerri shook her head. “All the more reason for me to do it for you now. I have a vested interest in seeing my matches work out, and by letting me buy you some dresses, you are actually doing me a big favor.”
Casey giggled. “Really?”
“Yes! Really. Come on, what are you waiting for?”
Casey couldn’t think of a single reason to hesitate any further. She had a strange feeling, like she was about to jump off the edge of a cliff without a rope. This was exciting but also scary.
Why would Gerri care so much about little old me?
Then Casey remembered her thoughts from earlier when Gerri had first entered the store. She loved helping people, and her charities and personal work changed the lives of dozens of people every day.
Just go with it. Have fun.
It was hard to take her own advice as she went out the back to tell her coworkers she was leaving early. The sense of unreality got worse as Gerri wrapped an arm around her and ushered her into the back of her luxury car.
Gerri directed her driver to the nearest mall and started talking to Casey about the kind of clothes she wanted. Casey didn’t even know where to begin.
“I’ve never had an opportunity to buy really nice, formal clothes before,” Casey said hesitantly. She was coming to the horrible realization that maybe she had talked herself out of liking clothes like that simply because she couldn’t afford them.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to do it the really, really fun way,” Gerri laughed. “And try on everything.”
Even though Casey was still nervous, she couldn’t help but catch on to Gerri’s excitement. The driver dropped them out the front of the mall, and to Casey’s shock, Gerri dragged her right to the top floor, to the most exclusive store in the entire plaza.
“We can’t go in here!” Casey whispered. “They kicked me out once, and all I wanted to do was walk through to the electronics section.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Gerri said, waving aside Casey’s concerns. “I come here all the time. Ah, Maria! What providence. Set us up with a private fitting room, would you?”
The well-dressed attendant nodded and smiled, hurrying over to shake Gerri’s hand. “Of course, Ms. Wilder. Would you like canapes and champagne?”
“Of course! The full treatment for my very good friend, Casey.”
“Nice to meet you,” Maria said, shaking Casey’s hand. Casey tried desperately not to feel judged.
Everyone’s being super nice. Just get over yourself.