Gerri led Casey to a private area, taking her into a big, circular room. It was extremely well lit, with a dozen mirrors and big, comfortable sofas. As they entered, Maria appeared, pouring two glasses of champagne.
“What styles would you like today, Ms. Wilder?”
“Bring us a selection of everything,” Gerri said airily. She took a glass of champagne for herself and handed the other to Casey.
“Where’s she going?” Casey asked, pointing at Maria. “She doesn’t even know my size.”
“Don’t worry about a thing,” Gerri said. “Maria is very good at what she does. Everything will fit perfectly.”
A few minutes later, Maria returned with a stack of dresses. Casey stared at them, a wave of excitement rising in her.
“Will you get in the change room?” Gerri laughed, waving a hand at her. Casey blushed and hurried into the nearby nook and started putting on a black dress with a high split.
The next few hours were a blur. Casey ended up picking a few dresses, and Gerri chose several more. To Casey’s shock, Gerri also bought shoes to match most of the outfits and a couple of classy-looking purses that would suit any occasion.
Casey was exhausted by the time Gerri pulled out her card to pay. She looked around at the parcels glumly.
“Now we have to get all of this to the car,” she muttered.
Gerri gave a hearty laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. One of the boys will take it. Besides, you and I aren’t done here.”
“We aren’t?” Casey asked, wondering what she’d gotten herself into.
“We’re heading to the salon,” Gerri said, taking Casey’s hand and squeezing it. “You need the full treatment.”
Casey could only smile and shake her head. It was overwhelming how generous Gerri was. Giving clearly gave her great pleasure, and it was starting to feel as if Casey reallywasdoing Gerri a favor.
They headed into the salon, and both of them were taken to the back and wrapped in warm, fluffy robes. Casey sighed with pleasure as she stretched out on the huge recliner, lying back while the beautician began to paint a soothing mask on her face.
“That’s it, my dear. Just relax. These girls are the absolute best. They’ll do your nails and hair as well.”
“Thank you so much, Gerri.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m having a great time.”
“Really?” Casey asked, incredulous.
“Yes, dear,” Gerri said warmly. “Seeing that happy look on your face is all the thanks I need.”
They fell into silence for a few minutes as the attendants set them up with a foot soak, preparing to do a pedicure. One of the girls teased out Casey’s hair, making her sigh with pleasure as her scalp relaxed.
“Do you know what kind of look you’re going for?” Gerri asked. “Anything specific?”
“No clue,” Casey muttered. “I just … I’m starting to get worried.”
“About what?”
Casey sat up so she could look over at Gerri.
“Putting a new face on me isn’t going to change anything. I mean, I’m still going to be the kind of person that rubs others the wrong way, even when I don’t mean to. I just can’t stop myself from always speaking my mind.”
“Jake is going to love you, Casey. Don’t worry about that.” Gerri leaned back, sighing with pleasure as one of the attendants treated her hair.
“I just … Even if I’m dressed in a fancy new outfit, I don’t think I’m going to fit into his world.”
Gerri sat up, fixing Casey with a penetrating gaze. “His world?”
“Yeah.”