CHAPTER TEN #2
Waving off her concern, Whitney took Jessie’s free hand and pulled her toward a display of shockingly pink dresses. “Don’t you worry, honey. I’ve got ya.”
Five minutes later, Jessie stood in a dressing room wearing a sundress the color of bubble gum. While she didn’t mind the color, she certainly wasn’t used to the flowy skirt and sweetheart neckline. “I don’t know,” she muttered, yanking on the fabric to try to cover her cleavage.
“Coming in!” Whitney announced two seconds before opening the door and gliding into the dressing room.
She gasped when Jessie turned around, bringing her hands to her heart.
“You’re gorgeous, Jessie. Look how that color complements your skin tone, and I’d kill for your flat stomach.
” She rested her hands on her hips and waited for Jessie’s opinion.
“It’s very ...” Jessie looked back and forth between the girliest dress she’d ever worn and Whitney’s hopeful expression. She didn’t want to be rude, but she also felt like this look wasn’t her.
“What’s the verdict?” Daisy shouted through the door.
Jessie opened her mouth to reply, but her mother was too fast. She and Kim barged into the cramped space. For the second time today, Jessie felt she was going to be smothered by the good folks of Pinegrove.
“Honey, you’re a stunner,” Kim said, dollar signs swimming in her eyes. “We’ve got a pair of kitten heel sandals that would go great with that dress.”
Whitney agreed. “Oh, and what about that freshwater pearl necklace that just arrived? It would really tie the look together.” She cocked her head, studying Jessie. “Or maybe the drop earrings and no necklace? It’s Georgia in summer, no one wants too much going on around their neck.”
Jessie turned to her mother, whose eyes were misting over. “Jessica June, I haven’t seen you look like this since your confirmation.”
Jessie wrinkled her nose. “That was like, twenty years ago.”
Daisy dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “So you can see why I’m overwhelmed.”
Frowning, Jessie spun around and looked in the mirror. “I don’t know, this really isn’t me. I was hoping for some shorts and a tank top that wasn’t caked in mud.”
Whitney attempted to stifle a shudder. “We do have some more casual clothes. Let me see what I can find. I’ll be right back.” She held up a finger and disappeared, Kim on her heels.
“Spill it, sugar. You look like we’re dressing you up for your execution.” Daisy sat down on the stool in the dressing room, resting her purse on her lap.
Jessie crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, unsure how to move in this dress.
The fabric was soft against her skin, and she couldn’t deny it made her breasts look great.
Idly, she wondered what Malcolm would think, but she shook that thought away.
It didn’t matter what he thought, and yet . ..
“Momma, I don’t see why I need to get all dolled up. This isn’t exactly caretaker clothes, and when I leave again, this will hang in the closet at the house.” She glanced down at the price tag and blanched. “Not to mention, I can’t afford this.”
“Pfft.” Daisy flapped her hand, blowing raspberries. “Family discount, and I’m buying it anyway. Don’t you think it’d be nice to have something to wear if Malcolm takes you out?”
“Takes me out? He’s still shuffling around with a walker, and his parents are underfoot. I’m not here for date nights, Momma.”
“Maybe you should be,” Daisy mumbled.
Jessie shot daggers at her mother, throwing her hands in the air. “Momma, we’re not having the Malcolm conversation.” She lowered her voice and added, “Especially not in public.”
Daisy was undeterred. “This is hardly public, and you knew this talk was coming, sugar.”
“Malcolm and I are ...”
“Just friends, yeah yeah,” Kim said, striding in and proving Jessie’s point, although Daisy didn’t appear bothered. “You kids and your labels and nonsense. If I was y’all’s age, I’d be fooling around ’til the cows came home. Do you think hot firemen grow on trees?”
Jessie was dubious. “I am not having this conversation, Miss Kim.”
Kim shrugged, thrusting a handful of clothes into Jessie’s arms. “Fine, honey, but you’ll be the only one.”
She turned and left the dressing room, Jessie’s jaw on the floor. “Why did I come back to Pinegrove?” she muttered, plopping the stack on her mother’s lap.
Daisy didn’t get a chance to answer, as Whitney returned with some capri pants and another dress. This dress was made of soft cotton and looked like a fitted, yet oversized, polo shirt. “These arrived last week, and I think you’ll like it. It’s breezy for summer, but also comfortable.”
“I’m going to help Kim out front,” Daisy said to no one in particular, leaving the stack of clothes on the stool. She squeezed both women’s shoulders before making her exit.
Whitney turned to leave, but Jessie had already started to undress. “You don’t have to go,” she said as she tugged off the dress. She carefully hung it on the hanger before trying on the other frock. Whitney was right; it was comfortable and yet a little dressy.
“That really flatters your figure.” Whitney nodded.
Jessie turned this way and that in the mirror, actually liking what she saw. “Thanks, I agree. I might actually buy this one.” She winced. “Sorry, Whitney. I don’t know what Momma and Trevor told you, but I’m not really that feminine. I’ve been a tomboy for as long as I’ve been dressing myself.”
Whitney’s smile was soft and warm, like the woman herself. “I’m sorry if I overstepped with the first dress. I get a little excited sometimes.”
Jessie waved her off. “You’re fine.” Pointing to some of the shirts and capri pants, she asked, “Let’s try some of these next.”
Before her momma and Kim could invade again, Jessie had a selection of clothes that didn’t annoy her. “I hope I didn’t strongarm you into anything,” Whitney said, chewing her bottom lip.
“Hush up now,” Daisy admonished. “Jessie’s a grown woman who needs to look the part. You styled her beautifully.”
Jessie protested as her mother paid for everything, but she knew it was a useless fight. If Daisy Mays had it in her head to do something, she was going to do it. Also, it wasn’t lost on Jessie that her mother had tucked that pink dress into the pile. Clever girl.
“Thanks, Momma.”
“You’re welcome. Now you and Whitney talk about the plans for tonight, and I’ll meet you in the car.”
“Plans?” Jessie asked, turning to Whitney. “You’re joining the firemen fray tonight?”
“Oh, I can’t make it.” Whitney tucked a lock of dark curls behind her ear. “Plus, it would be nice for everyone to have some guy time. Trevor said he had a nice time this morning, and I don’t want to be in the way.”
“Pfft, you’d hardly be in the way.” Jessie flapped a hand in the air, dismissing the notion. “I hope we can see each other again soon though.” She was eager to get to know this woman better, and not only because she was important to her brother.
Whitney beamed. “Wonderful. My sister lives in Savannah, and I miss sister time.”
Jessie was charmed. “That sounds nice. Ask my goober brother for my number.” She winked and headed for the exit, lighter on her feet after making a new friend.
––––––––
“Did you know that Chief Warren is dating Momma?” Jessie asked as she strode into Malcolm’s house.
Against all better judgment, she’d decided to wear her new polo dress to Malcolm’s. She told herself she wanted to look nice for company later, but she also wanted to look nice for Malcolm. Why lie to herself? That kiss had turned her brain, and self-control, into creamed corn.
Estelle paused, shrugging on her cardigan at the sight of Jessie in real clothes. “Well, knock me over with a feather, Jessie. Aren’t you a vision?” The older woman walked over, held both of Jessie’s arms out to her sides, and took a long perusal before stepping back. “Adorable as anything, honey.”
Jessie flushed at the praise, fidgeting with the neckline of her new dress. “Oh, thank you. I went to town with Momma and met Whitney. I thought I’d get a few things.”
“Well, you’re stunning.” Estelle clasped her shoulders and squeezed. “And, honey, everyone knows your momma and Paul are bumpin’ uglies. You need to stay longer.”
Craig materialized at his wife’s side, looping an arm around her waist and ushering her out, promising they’d return for breakfast at a reasonable hour. “Eloquent as always, darling. Call if you need anything, kids!” he ordered before yanking the door shut behind them.
Kids. That’s what he used to say every time she’d visit the Smith household when they were dating.
Estelle would bring them lemonade and cookies, gushing over how cute they were.
Craig used to drive them to the movies and community events before Malcolm, the older of the pair, got his driver’s license.
As far as Jessie was concerned, the Smiths were family, and she’d missed them more than she’d acknowledged.
Malcolm shuffled up with his walker, looking tired but happy.
“Mom is right, you are a vision, JJ.” He took her hand and tugged her close, kissing her cheek.
The sensation of his lips on her was a brand, heat searing into every pore.
Stay calm, she chastised herself. No use getting worked up over a cheek kiss.
As if reading her mind, because the man always could, Malcolm eased back and leaned on his walker.
“You didn’t get this upset over last night’s kiss,” he mused, “maybe don’t get yourself worked up over a peck on the cheek.
” He winked, turning and slowly walking to the couch where he fell back in an uncoordinated heap.
Wincing slightly at the pain, he adjusted the pillows before Jessie could assist. “And in case you’re wondering, Mom’s right.
Everyone knows Daisy and the chief are dating. ”
Jessie laughed. “Well, at least I’m on the same page now.” She pressed her fingers to her cheek, still feeling the warmth of Malcolm’s lips. Good Lord, she needed to pull herself together.