39. Blake
Blake
“Still not ideal, but I appreciate the update,” I tell the vendor on the phone.
She just called to update me on the shipment I am waiting for.
I know it is not their fault, so I try really hard to control my emotions when speaking to her.
Her company is also in a tight spot, and she is throwing in a few promotional items for free with my order for the inconvenience.
“What are you up to beautiful?” Luke whispers in a velvety tone as he comes up behind me, rubbing my shoulders.
“Just got off the phone with the vendor. She said they’re going to deliver my order a few days early and are throwing in a few free promotional items for the inconvenience.” I turn to him with a crooked smile.
“You know what?” he asks with a raised brow. “I have a few days off, and you’re all caught up for the opening. Let’s take a little retreat for the night.”
“A retreat to where?” I ask.
“It’s a surprise.” His grin is delicious. “You go to the bar and tie up any loose ends so you can relax, and I’ll handle everything else.”
“What should I pack?”
“Nothing. I’ve got it all handled.” He smiles.
“Fuck no! If we are going somewhere, I want to make sure I am prepared and have the right clothes,” I argue.
“Well, the only one who will see you is me, so as long as I like them, that’s all that matters. To be honest, you won’t really need them, anyway.” He slaps me on the ass and ushers me out the door.
Butterflies swirl in my stomach and my mind buzzes with curiosity as I make my way to the bar. There is something about surprises that just makes me so happy, and the thought of being at Luke’s mercy for the night makes the thought even better.
I stop at the lingerie store around the corner to pick him out a little surprise of his own on my way.
I make my way to the back of the small store to the display of intimate sets.
I am not a fan of lingerie. My thighs are a little thick and my boobs are a little small, not really being blessed with curves in places showcased by lingerie, so it always feels a little lackluster to me when I put it on.
I’m fumbling through the racks, making my second lap around a small selection, when I hear a soft voice over the sound of the soft music filling the space, offering a soothing melody crooning through the speakers.
The shop is small, with only about 10 racks and a few shelves scattered through the space. Each section labeled with a small sign hanging overhead. There are sections for basics and essentials, shapewear, and intimates.
I peek over the rack and catch sight of a short, elderly woman standing just on the other side.
Her hair, a soft cloud of white, styled in tight, neat curls, framing her face with a touch of elegance.
She’s dressed in a soft pink blouse, paired with black slacks, hanging effortlessly at her sides.
Her black orthopedic shoes are practical and sturdy, yet still enhance the elegance of her look.
A beautiful string of yellow pearls drapes around her neck, with matching earrings dangling from her ears. She embodies the picture-perfect image of a grandmother-warm, approachable, and timeless.
My gaze shifts to her face where her makeup is far more pronounced than most women her age.
A soul that mirrors mine.
The soft blush on her cheeks, the bold outline of her eyes, and the vibrant lipstick are a deliberate contrast to the natural gentleness of her features and clothes, begging to stand out.
It’s as though she’s crafted a persona, not just for today, but for a lifetime, and it’s both striking and unexpected.
“Sorry, what was that?” I ask, realizing I was so struck by her beautiful appearance, I didn’t catch what she said.
“If you’d like, I can help you find the perfect piece,” she offers with a warm smile.
“Oh, it’s ok. I’m sure you need to find what you are looking for,” I respond, returning the warm smile.
She puts her hand out and shakes mine. “I’m Lily. Welcome to Lily’s Lace Parlour.”
I cough. “You own this shop? It’s beautiful.”
“You seem surprised, dear.”
“No, I um… Well, a little,” I respond shyly, slightly ashamed of my surprise.
“Oh dear, trust me, you’re not the only one. Most people get uncomfortable with someone resembling their grandmother helping them pick intimates, but trust me, I have the experience you need to select just the right set,” she suggests with a wink. “So, what are you looking for?”
Taken aback by her candid demeanor and bright smile, I tap into her expertise. “Well, my boyfriend is taking me away for the night to a surprise location. I wanted to get him something special in return.”
“Oh, my favorite occasion-spontaneity. Tell me a bit about him, about the two of you,” she insists.
“Well, we have known each other for many years, but just started dating. He’s my best friend’s older brother. He’s quite a bit older than me, so I want something sure to catch his attention. I’m sure he’s seen quite a few pieces of lingerie before.”
“How much older? What’s his age?” she asks with a quizzical look.
“He’s 38,” I answer.
“Oh, late 30s are my favorite age. They are sophisticated, charming, and have enough experience to to take exactly what they want. But, not to the age where help is necessary.” She punctuates her words with a playful wink. “What do you like and dislike the most about intimate wear, dear?”
I ponder on this for a second before I respond, “It’s beautiful, and in most cases, lace and rich colors can enhance features perfectly. You know, making men go crazy, but I have a hard time finding pieces to flatter my build. All my curves are outside of the lingerie zone, so I never feel sexy.”
“I know just the set,” she announces with a little pep in her step and a small chuckle.
“This,” she hands me an emerald green set.
“The balconette style top creates just enough lift and volume without overwhelming the chest. Oh, and these high-waisted, cheeky bottoms help create the illusion of length between the hips and thighs, plus they show off a little tush, and by the looks of it, you have a good one.” She winks.
I take the delicate set in my hands and walk into the dressing room.
After adjusting the straps, I turn around in awe of the sight in the mirror.
The dark shade of emerald enhances the ember hues of my hair as they cascade over the delicate lace patterns lightly covering the peak of my nipples, with them slightly peeking through the thin veil of the fabric.
The high waist cut of the bottoms does just as Lily promised, accentuating the length of my legs, creating a space between them and my hips, showing a sensual curve of the globes of my ass. I have never felt sexier.
More than happy with what she pulled for me, I get dressed and meet Lily at the register, promising another return.
“You made me fall in love with lingerie, and with myself in it,” I say to Lily as she places my purchase in a dainty pink box adorned with a black lace ribbon.
She scurries around the corner and gives me a tight grandmother, like hug when I hear the bells over the door ding.
I finish talking to Lily and turn to see April at the back of the store, looking at the intimate sets where I just was.
A knot forms in my stomach and instead of rushing over to her like I usually would, I quickly turn and scurry out the door before she spots me.
I’m not sure seeing me buy lingerie for her brother is something she’d appreciate at the moment.
But as I step into the cool night air, that knot doesn’t loosen, it only tightens, like I’m running from something I should be ready to face.