Chapter 29 #2
Mei and Daphne were more than willing to help me shop for clothes after I told them and the rest of who I’ve now come to think of as our friendship group about my dinner date with Austin.
Not one of them was surprised by the news—Molly really spread the word about walking in on Austin and me kissing.
I’m still kind of pissed off with her for that.
Not because we were hiding our relationship, but because it was just that—ours.
Austin and I didn’t feel the need to announce our private business to the entire town.
Unfortunately, Molly had no such qualms, so for the past week he and I have been fielding questions from a steady stream of nosy customers.
At least the news of our budding relationship made Abby happy.
I know she and Austin had their issues in the past, but I can’t help enjoying the motherly attention she’s been showing me since I arrived.
She’s ramped it up even further now that she knows I’m dating her son.
After years of Miranda’s arctic chill, Abby’s warmth is a welcome change.
Austin pretends to be embarrassed by all her fussing, but I can tell he’s secretly pleased.
Daphne leads Mei and me to a shop across the street and a few doors down from Beans & Bakes. Inside is a treasure trove of lovingly displayed clothes and accessories. “Wow.”
“I know, right?” Mei says.
“Hi, can I help you?” The salesperson has artfully tousled short dark hair and is rocking an androgynous look. There’s a small pin on the lapel of their blazer stating they use the pronouns they/them.
On the short walk over from the coffee shop, I told the girls what kind of thing I’m looking for. I repeated Bailey’s words verbatim, so when Daphne launches into an explanation of what we’re here for, I’m happy to let her take the lead.
After a couple of minutes, the salesperson nods.
“Great, I’ve got a few options that I think will work.
I’ll run around and grab them—feel free to browse while you wait.
If anything takes your fancy, just bring it over to the changing area.
” They point towards the back right corner of the shop where I can see two changing cubicles with thick, velvet curtains currently hanging open.
“Thanks,” I reply, but they’ve already disappeared.
“Jordan’s awesome. The only problem you’re going to have is choosing between the outfits they bring you,” Mei tells me.
“Come on, let’s look through the racks while we wait,” Daphne encourages.
It’s strange, browsing the carefully organised rails of clothing myself instead of walking into a room with a rack full of items curated specifically for me.
Well, for Melody. Keeping in mind everything Bailey and I discussed, I carefully pick through rows of tops, dresses, and skirts.
I pull a few items out for a better look, putting most of them back, but am pleasantly surprised when I decide to hold on to a couple to try on.
“That will look great on you,” Daphne tells me, nodding at the midnight-blue satin skirt I’m holding.
“Really?” I ask hopefully.
“Yeah. Go try it on, Jordan’s already left some other stuff in one of the changing rooms for you.”
‘Some’ is an understatement. They’ve gone above and beyond. I gape at the selection before me.
Sensing I’m overwhelmed, Jordan steps closer. “I’ve grouped a few things I think will work as complete outfits together. Feel free to mix and match, but I thought you might like a starting point.”
“Thank you. It’s been a while since I bought anything outside of work clothes or comfy stuff. I’m a bit nervous.”
Jordan gives me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t you worry. I promise we will find at least one outfit here today that you feel great in. I won’t hover, but just give me a shout if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” Jordan strides off, and I’m left staring at the array of clothes in front of me like something might leap out and bite me.
Daphne and Mei exchange a loaded look, then Mei edges closer. “You don’t have to try anything on if you don’t want to. We can leave.”
“No, I—I want to. Sorry, I just don’t like clothes shopping—it stresses me out.”
“Well, we’re here to make it as low-stress as possible. Try stuff on, and if you’re not sure about something and want a second opinion, come out and show us.”
“OK, I will.” I eye the options in front of me. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“There’s no rush,” Daphne says. “I’m off today, and Mei’s on the late shift at Bowman’s. We have plenty of time.”
The heavy velvet curtain makes a soft whoosh as I close it.
I hang the three items I collected myself on the end of the metal bar mounted to the back wall.
Deciding to dive right in, I take off my jeans and t-shirt, setting them on the little stool in the corner.
I grab the first outfit Jordan compiled, not looking in the mirror to my left until I’ve put the leather pencil skirt on and tucked in the silk blouse.
Hm. It looks good, but it’s not me. Wasting no time, I hang the items back up and move on to the next outfit.
I wiggle into the long-sleeved corset-style top, then step into the burgundy high-waisted trousers. Not bad.
I open the curtain to show Mei and Daphne. “What do you think?” I ask.
Daphne tilts her head, looking at me appraisingly. “It suits you.”
“But?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look a little uncomfortable?”
I grimace. “It’s the shoulders.” I tug lightly at where the material rests slightly too wide, making me feel like it’s about to slide down at any moment. “They don’t quite sit right, but it’s because I’m narrow.” It’s not the first time I’ve had this problem, and it won’t be the last.
“Then it’s not the one,” Daphne says.
Mei nods in agreement. “Clothes are supposed to fit us—we’re not supposed to contort ourselves to fit into them.”
My lips part in shock. At every fitting I’ve ever had, Miranda always tutted and huffed whenever I needed alterations, and that was when I needed something taken in.
God help me if I needed the next size up for anything—then I’d be subjected to a lecture on how important it was to keep myself in shape.
I hate that phrase, ‘in shape’. I’m a person, that’s my fucking shape.
Mei and Daphne acting as if the top not fitting is no big deal shouldn’t feel revolutionary, yet it does.
Stepping back behind the curtain, I take a few deep breaths to gather myself.
The last thing I want is for anyone to notice the swell of emotions inside me.
I give my hands and arms a quick shake to help banish all thoughts of Miranda.
My mother has no say in what I wear now.
It’s time I shut her ever-critical voice out of my mind.
I try a couple more things on without bothering to show the girls.
The clothes are great, and they fit well, but they don’t feel like me.
Then I pick up a royal-blue tea dress. The moment I put it on, I know it’s coming home with me.
Still, I step out to show Daphne and Mei, giving them a little twirl.
“That’s the one,” Mei says with a decisive nod.
Daphne’s smile widens as I strike a pose. “Look at you, feeling yourself. You have to get this one.”
“I will.” Encouraged by our first success, I dart back into the changing room to try on what’s left.
By the time I’m done, I have five new pieces of clothing, including the satin skirt I chose myself and the tea dress.
I’ve also gained an appreciation for shopping with friends.
Mei and Daphne made an experience I’d been dreading fun.
Jordan nods approvingly at my selection, and I thank them for their help—three of the five items I’m leaving with were chosen by them.
Mei doesn’t get anything, but Daphne steps up to the till after me to buy a polkadot blouse with a keyhole neckline.
It’s not something I’d ever choose for myself, but it fits her slightly vintage style perfectly.
“Thank you so much for doing this with me,” I say, as we exit the shop.
“It was fun. I hope you have a great time on your date tonight,” Daphne replies.
“Austin won’t know what to do with himself when he sees you all dressed up,” Mei tells me.
Laughing, I shake my head. The new clothes make me feel great, but I think she’s exaggerating a touch. Austin is hardly the dramatic type. “See you soon.” With a little wave to them both, I head back to The Dragonfly to relax in my room before I need to get ready.