Chapter 12
Chapter
Twelve
“ T hanks so much for inviting me out today. I couldn’t believe when you suggested we hang out, outside of the office or a work event,” Paisley gushed.
Amina smiled. The bubbly receptionist always seemed to be positive no matter what and while some people found Paisley’s constant optimism annoying, Amina knew it came from a good place. And learning from Ethan that Paisley had attended that sorry excuse for a wake that Mark had thrown for her, she’d been touched.
It also made her realize that in her first life, Mark had kept her so isolated from other people that he’d made it damn near impossible for her to form real friendships with anyone. He’d also encouraged her to be around her toxic cousin and aunt in the name of family unity knowing they never supported her.
She now understood that’s what he’d wanted all along. For her to depend solely on him even though he hadn’t been much of a support. But now she understood, he only wanted her to think she needed him.
Ethan told her that their rebirths was a second chance to do things differently from before and this time around, Amina planned on surrounding herself with genuine people. So, Amina decided to give herself a complete makeover, but she didn’t want to go on her shopping trip alone due to her lack of fashion knowledge.
Paisley always seemed to know the latest styles and wore the sharpest outfits. Amina thought it would be a good idea to ask the other woman, to meet up downtown for a shopping trip.
“I’m happy you could come with me. I wish we could have hung out more before now but things have been a little complicated.”
“You mean with your boyfriend? Oh, I’m sorry.” Paisley covered her mouth as her face went tomato red.
Was the entire office aware of her tumultuous relationship with Mark? How could she have been so blind? “There’s no need to apologize and yes, my errr…boyfriend and I have a complicated relationship.”
As much as Amina wanted to be done with that turd, Ethan had suggested that she allow him to think they were still together and let things play out as they had before. If things went exactly how they did in the other timeline, Mark would be proposing soon and they wanted the engagement party to be a moment no one there would forget.
It was why Amina wanted a new wardrobe and look, to boost her confidence for the event that should have been one of the happiest nights in her life but had turned into another humiliating episode with Mark.
“I know it’s none of my business but I don’t understand why you’re with him. Whenever he stops by the office, he’s doesn’t speak to you kindly. I’m the only girl amongst five brothers and if any guy talked to me the way he talks to you, they’d whoop his butt. You know, if things get too out of hand for you, I’ll call them up for you and I’m sure they’d come running.”
In her past life, Amina would have been defensive about a comment like that, even a little frightened because of the control Mark had had over her life. But now, she felt relieved to know that she had people in her corner who cared about her.
Tears burned her eyes. She was so touched by Paisley’s offer. “That’s very sweet. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Of course, hon. That’s what friends are for.”
Amina couldn’t keep the smile off her face. It was good to be able to call someone a friend. “Well, I’ll certainly keep your offer in mind.”
“So where should we go first? I was thinking we could try the shop a couple blocks down. Their clothes are a little pricey but every wardrobe needs a couple of good pieces to build on. Unless you have a specific budget, then I know of some other places we can go today.”
“Well, I don’t have a set limit today. I’d like to splurge a little without going overboard.” Her grandmother had left Amina some funds that if invested wisely, she could live comfortably for a while. She hadn’t touched any of it since what she made at work covered all her living expenses.
When she married Mark, he’d convinced her to combine all their finances. Once he got his hands on her money, he blew through it within the first couple years.
“Oh, great! Let’s go. I just love shopping!” Paisley hooked her arm through Amina’s and practically dragged her toward the store.
Four hours later, with several bags in tow, Amina was exhausted. Her instincts about Paisley was correct. The woman certainly had an eye for fashion, choosing outfits for Amina she would never have thought to wear. She taught Amina what to look for when trying to accentuate her best features.
Amina not only received a lesson in how to best dress for her body type, but Paisley also took her to a cosmetics store where she got a full makeover and was given makeup tips.
As they left their last store, Amina groaned when she noticed Paisley practically skipping. “How do you still have so much energy?”
“I just love shopping!” Paisley twirled making all the bags she was holding spin like a merry-go-round.
“You’re like the energizer bunny,” Amina teased.
“My family says the same thing. I guess I’ve always been like this and I know it can be a lot for some people but I just like finding the joy in life, ya know? That’s what my mom taught me before she passed away.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you’d lost your mom.”
For the first time all day, Paisley’s smile faltered. “Yes, about five years ago. A lot of people say I get my personality from her.”
“Then she must have been a very lovely woman.”
“Thank you for saying that. She was. Anyway, I’m starving. We’re only a few blocks from Redding Terminal Market, there are tons of places to eat there.”
“Sure, although I gotta admit my feet are starting to kill me. We’ve done a lot of walking and shopping.”
“I know but this is great exercise. We can find someplace to sit when we’re there.”
“That place is always packed.”
“Think positive!”
Just as Amina predicted the market was slammed, full of people going to different vendors to try their wares. The delicious smell of food filled the air in the busy indoor market.
Amina ended up purchasing a chicken shawarma bowl, at a Mediterranean stall, and Paisley chose a burger and fries at another vendor. They managed to find seats at a counter.
“Look at all of our bags. I hope no one trips over them.”
Paisley waved her hand dismissively. “They’ll be fine. We’ve moved them far enough out of the way so no one gets hurt.”
“If you say so. I can’t believe you talked this vendor into letting us sit here. The sign says customers of this stall only.”
“He saw two hot women and let us get a pass.”
It was on the tip of Amina’s tongue to say she wasn’t hot but then she remembered what Ethan told her about working on her self-confidence.
“Well, I’m not sure if that’s the reason, but I’m grateful that he did because my dogs are killing me. I still don’t see how you’re not tired. When I get home, I’m going to take a long hot shower and then slide into bed.”
She took a bite of her food and moaned in delight.
“That looks good,” Paisley said with her mouth full of food. “I wish I was as adventurous with my meals.”
“You’re welcome to try my dish if you’d like.”
Paisley popped a fry into her mouth. “As yummy as that appears, I’ll have to decline. I’m not quite ready to try new things today. Besides, this burger is to die for. When I was growing up my dad was such a steak and potatoes kind of guy there wasn’t a lot of variation of our meals. I got used to just eating the basics. I guess that’s why I always have to have the same donut on donut day.”
“I’m not judging you but just like you were coaching me on getting out of my comfort zone with different outfits, you should try different foods. How about for the next donut day, I’ll buy you a different flavor and we start from there. If you don’t like it, you can have your regular one.”
Paisley pursed her lips and stroked her chin. “Hmmm, I guess that seems fair enough. Let’s vow to push each other into being more adventurous.”
Amina grinned. “It’s a deal. You know even though I’ve never been big on shopping, I really enjoyed myself today and I’m so glad you came out with me. I think I would have ended up buying a bunch of the same old outfits.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Paisley reached over and gently placed her hand on Amina’s. “I had a lot of fun today as well and I hope we can do this more often. I mean…. if it’s okay with her boyfriend.”
At the mention of Mark, a bit of the joy she’d felt slipped away, but she squared her shoulders. She was supposed to be turning over a new leaf and she wouldn’t let him ruin another one of her days. “I don’t think we have to worry about him for much longer.”
The blond cocked her head to the side. “Really? Does that mean you plan on breaking up with him?”
Amina took a sip of cola from her cup. “Mmm, let’s just say the problem will resolve itself.”
“You’re being awful vague about it.” Paisley leaned closer to her. “You’re not going to kill him are you?” she asked in a whispered. “If you need an alibi, I’ve got your back, but you have to give me a heads up.”
Amina burst into laughter. “Paisley, what the hell? That’s not what I meant.”
“Well, just so you know, if you do, I watch a lot of true crime programs and I’ve figured out a way to get away with the perfect murder just in case you need some help. Plus, I know someone with a pig farm. You can make a body disappear without a trace in less than a day.”
Was this the same sweet optimist she worked with? “Okay, girl, calm down. You’re starting to scare me. Remind me never to get on your bad side.”
“I’m sorry. I can get a bit carried away at times, but no matter what, I’ve got your back.”
A warmth filled Amina’s heart. “That’s good to know. I appreciate your support.”
By the time they finished their meals, Amina was ready to head home. They parted ways with a hug and a promise to get together again soon.