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Me: Henley! Why haven’t you told me this before?
Henley: I learned not to bitch about your clothes a long time ago.
Me: Geez, Hen. You should have told me.
Me: But is it the clothes or the fact that these women are burned out and just miserable humans.
Henley: I think it’s both.
Placing a bowl with a green tinted cupcake over vanilla ice cream and my drink next to it, the bartender says, “Enjoy.”
Henley: Don’t be mad at me.
Me: I’m not mad. I’m going to eat my cupcake and enjoy my drink.
Chapter 9
Kollyns
JUST BE YOU
Teach Kollyns How to Date Day Four
After my foodie day yesterday, I can’t believe that today’s assignment has me standing outside a boutique called The Pink Feathers. Has Xan has lost his mind, because this is not the kind of place I’d ever shop. The windows are full of all shades of pink and white and I inwardly cringe. I can’t recall I wore something so vibrant, maybe college, but college was fifteen years ago.
Instead of running away, I stand up straight and pull the giant wooden door open. There is no time like the present, and I need to finish this task.
“Good morning,” the petite woman behind the counter says. “Is there anything I can help you with today?”
The door closes behind me and as my eyes adjust to being inside, I try to take in all the colors and brightness.
“Actually, I have an appointment with Saylor,” I respond quietly.
“Oh,” the woman exclaims, clapping her hands together like a seal performing for the crowd. “We’re so excited to have you spending the day with us.”
The whole damn day? Tonight we’re going to talk about this. Xan said he wanted to know what I was thinking, so he’s going to hear it.
“I didn’t realize I’d be here all day.” I choke out. I’m not a hooker who needs a whole new wardrobe like Vivian in Pretty Woman.
“Absolutely. Mr. Lake requested that we close the store and focus on you for the day. We have lunch coming for you and coffee service this afternoon. Give me a moment to let Saylor know you’re here and then we will get started.”
The beginnings of a headache are starting behind my eyes, but I’m not going to let it get the best of me. I need to try new things and if Xan wants me to be less formal during this time, then I’m going to try and embrace it. Plus, if he wants to spend his money on me, who am I to say no.
The woman rushes back toward me a few moments later, just as the front door opens. I step out of the way for the person who’s coming in. Then I’m rushed from the back and Henley lets out a whooping laugh. Then she snatches my wrist and drags me over to the couches in front of the dressing rooms.
“He didn’t tell me you were coming,” I tell her. “But I’m so glad you’re here. This is way out of my comfort zone.”
“He’s observant and knew you’d feel more comfortable if I were here. So we’re making it a girls’ day.” She’s practically bouncing up and down on the couch next to me.
“Hen. How much coffee have you had this morning?” I ask. I haven’t had enough, but as soon as Saylor arrives, I’m going to ask for a cup.
“Just my regular cup. It’s not about me today, though I’m thrilled to get you out of your funeral clothes,” she quips, breaking into a wide grin.
“Yeah, yeah.” I smirk at her. “My funeral clothes are comfortable.”
Then she laughs, her giggles bouncing off all the fixtures in the building. “Whatever you say, KJ. But there are rules for today and Xan was very specific—you can’t leave here with anything that is primarily navy, gray, or black. They can be part of the prints, but he says you need more color in your life, and I’m inclined to agree.”
Rolling my eyes, I close them and lean my head back on the high back of the hot pink plush couch we’re sitting on. I say a silent prayer that I don’t come out of here looking like Elle Woods, then plaster a smile on my face and wait for Saylor to join us.
