Chapter Twenty-Five The Dress
The ride didn't take long. Most of it was spent with Camille trying and not getting information out of Simone.Every question was met with the same answer.
"No."Or"Nice try."Or Simone simply smiling and refusing to answer at all.
By the time they arrived, Camille had learned nothing.Which, judging by Simone's expression, seemed to be the goal.
The moment they stepped out of the car, Camille stopped walking.
"Oh."Simone smiled. There it was. The reaction she'd been waiting for.
Galeries Lafayette rose above them, elegant and impossible to ignore.Beautiful architecture.
Massive windows. Crowds of people moving in and out of the entrances.
Camille slowly turned in a circle.Taking it all in.
"Okay."She looked at Simone."Now I get why we came.
"Simone laughed."Told you."Camille was already pulling out her phone.
A second later she was taking pictures. The building.
The streets. The details carved into the stone.Everything.
Simone stood nearby watching her. Smiling.
Then she slipped her phone back into her purse and finally looked toward the entrance.
"Okay."Simone raised an eyebrow."Let's see what all the fuss is about.
"The inside of Galeries Lafayette was even more impressive than the outside.
Camille stopped walking at least three times already.Twice because she saw another store she wanted to look at.
And once because she got distracted by pastries.
Simone wasn't surprised by any of it.They wandered slowly through the different levels.
Looking. Talking. Mostly just enjoying being together.At some point, Simone noticed something.
Camille hadn't let go of her hand in nearly twenty minutes.
Not that she was complaining. Camille smiled and moved a little closer. Then rested her head against Simone's shoulder as they walked.The simple gesture nearly stopped Simone's heart. She tried hard not to show it. Failed completely.
"You feeling okay?"Camille looked up. A smile already on her face.
"Yeah.""Very good."The answer warmed something deep in Simone's chest. For a few moments neither spoke.
They simply walked. Then Camille stopped.So suddenly Simone almost walked past her.
"What?"Camille was staring. Simone looked in the same direction.
A display window. A dress. Elegant. Soft champagne-gold.Camille didn't move or say anything.
She Just looked at it. Simone smiled. Because she knew that look.The same look Camille got when she found a book she loved.Or discovered a place she wanted to spend hours exploring.
Camille took a small step closer to the window.
Still staring."It's beautiful."The words slipped out quietly.
Simone folded her arms. Leaning against the display beside her.
Watching Camille instead of the dress.And honestly?
She wasn't sure which one was prettier. Camille looked over.
"What?""You like it."Camille looked back at the dress.
Then at Simone. Then back at the dress."No.
""Camille." "No."The smile on Simone's face only grew.
Because now she knew. That was the dress.
"Come on."Before Camille could respond, Simone was already heading toward the entrance.
Camille stared at her."Simone, no."Simone just kept walking.
"Simone."Camille hurried after her."That dress probably costs a ridiculous amount of money.
"Still nothing. The woman wasn't listening.
She just walked toward the store like she'd already made up her mind.Which, unfortunately, meant trouble.
"Simone."Camille stopped. Simone turned around and looked at her.
"What's wrong?""I can't let you do this.
"Simone frowned."Do what?""Buy me a dress that costs more than my car.
"Simone laughed, really laughed."I doubt this dress costs more than your car.
"Camille gave her a look.“You know what I mean Simone.” Simone stepped closer.
Close enough that Camille forgot half of what she was about to say.
"I just want you to try it on."Her voice was gentle.
"No pressure."Camille stared at her."Why?
"The smile on Simone's face softened."Because we're here.
""It's Paris."The answer caught Camille off guard.
"It's a memory.""Come on."Before she could give Camille another chance to speak, "Besides, I think it'll work perfectly for tonight.
"Camille blinked."Tonight?"Simone started walking again.
"Simone."She didn’t answer, she just kept walking.
"Simone Bennett."Camille shook her head.
Already losing the battle. Then, with a dramatic sigh, she finally started following.Exactly as Simone knew she would.
And judging by the look on Simone's face, that should have worried her.The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a woman near the entrance.
"Bonjour. Welcome."Simone smiled."Hi."The employee's eyes moved between them before settling on Simone.
"Can I help you find something?"Simone pointed toward the window.
"The champagne-gold dress."The woman smiled.
"Ah, yes."She looked toward the display.
"It's available."Camille opened her mouth.
"Simone,"Too late."Can she try it on?" Simone asked.The employee smiled.
"Of course."Camille looked at Simone. Simone looked completely unbothered.
Which made this worse. The employee turned and motioned toward another woman nearby.A few words were exchanged in French.The second employee smiled and walked over.
"This way."Camille looked at them both. Then back at Simone.
"You're enjoying this."The smile on Simone's face gave her the answer.
"Unbelievable."The second employee smiled politely.
Clearly used to these kinds of conversations.
"Come."Camille pointed at Simone."We're not done talking about this.
"Simone laughed."Sure."The employee led Camille toward the dressing area at the back of the boutique.
A moment later, another associate carefully removed the dress from the display.The champagne-gold fabric seemed even more beautiful up close.
Almost glowing beneath the lights.Simone found herself alone, or at least for a few minutes.
She sat in one of the chairs near the dressing area and checked her phone.It started to ring.
The restaurant. The conversation was quick, just confirming the reservation.
A reminder to arrive a little early.Everything was ready.
Tonight was going to be perfect. She slipped her phone back into her pocket.Then leaned back in her chair.For a minute, she thought to herself.
About the museum, the dinner date, and then waking up with Camille in her arms.Everything that happened in just a few days. It still felt a little unreal."Simone?"
She turned around and forgot every thought she'd been having. Camille stood near the dressing rooms door.The dress was beautiful, and on Camille it looked even better. It hugged her in all the right places, flowing effortlessly to the floor.
For a minute, Simone stared, she was completely speechless.
"Is it too much?"Simone was still staring.
"Simone?"She stood up."No."She took a few steps closer, still looking at her.
"Not even close."Camille started blushing again.
And judging by the smile on Simone's face, she knew exactly what she was doing.The dress fits like it had been made for her.
Every line. Every detail. Every curve. As if someone had taken one look at Camille and designed it specifically for her.Camille stared at herself in the mirror.
Speechless. The champagne-gold fabric shimmered softly beneath the boutique lights.Elegant without trying.
Beautiful without needing anything extra.
Then the employee stepped out from behind her.
"Oh."Camille looked over. The woman placed a hand over her chest."You look like someone out of a dream.
"Camille laughed softly.Before she could respond, another voice spoke.
"I agree."Camille turned. Simone was standing exactly where she'd left her.
Still looking at her. The employee smiled.
"I think I have the perfect shoes."Then she disappeared.
Leaving them alone. Simone started walking toward her.
When she stopped in front of her, she held out her hand.Camille smiled and took it.
Simone gently lifted it. Her eyes never left Camille's.
"Turn."Camille laughed."What?""Turn."Still smiling, Camille started to turn.
The dress moved beautifully as she turned.
Simone watched every second of it.When Camille faced her again, Simone didn't speak right away.
She just looked."You look incredible, Camille.
"The words came quietly. Simone stepped a little closer.
"So beautiful."Camille suddenly couldn’t hold eye contact.
The smile she tried to hide only got bigger.
A few minutes later, the employee returned carrying a pair of heels.Champagne gold.
They matched the dress perfectly."Oh, these are nice.
" Camille said.Before Camille could reach for them, Simone was already reaching.
Simone took them carefully, then looked up. "May I?"Camille's heart skipped."Yes."
Without another word, Simone knelt. Carefully, Simone slipped one shoe onto her foot. Then the other.When Simone finally stood, Camille stepped toward the mirror. The dress. The shoes. Everything together.
She barely recognized herself. She smiled then looked over at Simone.
Who was already smiling.The employee looked at them then smiled.
Simone looked at her."We'll take them.""What?
" Camille turned around."The dress?"Simone nodded.
"The shoes too.""Simone."The warning came.
"Don't argue with me." Simone didn't even blink.Camille opened her mouth, then she closed it.
The employee was already trying not to laugh.
Camille shook her head, completely shocked.Then pointed at Simone.
"We're having a conversation later.""No were not.
"Camille rolled her eyes then followed the employee back toward the dressing room.
While Simone stood there smiling. Because some things were worth every penny.As soon as Camille disappeared behind the dressing room curtain, Simone turned toward the employee.
"Can I pay now?"The woman smiled."Of course. "
Simone followed her to the register. A few minutes later, the dress and shoes were officially hers. Or rather, Camille's.The receipt disappeared into Simone's pocket. Camille was walking back toward them. Dressed in her own clothes again.
The employee beside her was carrying the dress and shoes.
Camille looked between them."Are you really doing this?
"Simone stepped closer."Yeah."Camille looked down.Then back up.
"You don't have to.""I know, I want to."Simone reached for her hand.
Gently pulling her a little closer."It's okay, Camille.
"Her voice softened."I told you."A smile appeared.
"It's perfect for tonight."Camille looked at her.
"You're sure?"Simone didn't hesitate."Yes.
"The noise of the store faded into the background.
Camille looked at her. The way she'd spent the entire day making sure Camille smiled.
Before Simone could figure out what it meant, Camille leaned in and kissed her.
Quick. Gentle. Just a few seconds. When she pulled back, Simone simply stared.
Completely thrown off. Camille was smiling, a little shy and a little pleased with herself.
Meanwhile Simone looked like she'd forgotten how to function.
"Wow."The word slipped out before she could stop it.
Camille laughed."Wow?"Simone nodded."Definitely worth it.
"Camille rolled her eyes laughing. The walk back to the car felt different.
Neither of them mentioned the kiss. Not because they didn't want to but because they weren’t sure where to start.So instead, they walked side by side.
Smiling like idiots. at the other.Camille especially.
Because every time she looked at Simone, she remembered the expression on her face afterward.
Completely stunned. The memory made her laugh.
"What?" Simone asked.Camille shook her head.
"Nothing.""You're smiling.""So are you."By the time they reached the car, they were still smiling.
The driver opened the door. They climbed inside.Camille rested her head against Simone's shoulder.
Holding hands. Neither in a hurry for the moment to end.When they finally arrived at the hotel, Simone gathered the shopping bags.
Together they walked through the lobby and took the elevator upstairs.The moment the suite door closed behind them, Camille dropped onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.
"I'm exhausted."Simone laughed. Then she looked toward the bedroom.
"Okay."Camille frowned."Okay what?""We should probably shower and start getting ready.
"Immediately, Camille sat up."Oh yeah, your little surprise"Simone smiled.
"Yes.""Where are we going?"Simone started walking toward the bedroom.
Refusing to answer. Before she went into the bathroom, Simone looked back over her shoulder.
"You'll see."Camille groaned. Simone laughed.
And disappeared into the bedroom. Leaving Camille completely unable to stop thinking about tonight.