He pulled out the skirts, only returning one back to the closet and tossing two on her bed. “No go,” he said.
“They were in the bag and I pulled them out yesterday.”
“Why?” he asked of the rust-colored corduroy skirt that hit her mid-calf. The tan skirt wasn’t much better, but at least it was a little shorter though probably covered her knees. He kept her black pencil skirt in there. She’d worn it once to the bar and looked pretty sweet in it, if she did say so herself.
“I just thought the colors were neutral.”
“They are. But the long one only needs a few inches added to it and you could be in a cult covered from head to toe.”
She laughed and slapped his arm. “That’s sad, but I kind of thought it was too long too. It actually trips me up when I wear it because it’s stiff.”
“Then why wear it?”
She shrugged. “I just got used to a style. What’s wrong with the tan one?”
“Where does it hit on your body?”
She held it up and it went past her knees but above her calves. “Too long, huh?”
“I’m no fashion expert, but I’ve got to ask if your first instinct was to take it out, why not stick with it?”
“You’re right. Every time I put it on I feel washed out.”
“What do you like about the black one?” he asked. “My guess is that is a newer one since I’ve seen it on you.”
“It makes me feel sexy and confident. I guess I don’t need all my clothes to make me feel sexy, but the confidence is a plus.”
“Then look in your closet and keep what makes you feel confident. Use that criteria.”
She walked to her closet and pulled out two more shirts, and two sweaters, one dress, and tossed them on the bed. “I think I got nervous because my closet was so bare, but it makes little sense to keep it if I won’t wear it.”
They went through the rest of her stuff in drawers, him letting her decide. It wasn’t about what he liked but what made her feel good.
He asked her to use her judgment and never corrected her when she decided.
This is what she needed.
No one to judge, but just be by her side for support.
“Okay, I think we are done,” he said. “Time to get Jonah. Are you sure you want him with us?”
“I’ve never been shopping with a man before, but I’m excited to finally start to be the person I always wanted to be. And I guess I’ve got you to thank for it, but there is more to you than that. I mean if you think Jonah is going to be bored, maybe you shouldn’t go. Ruby and Erika are dying to do it.”
“Nope. We are going together. I’ll keep Jonah entertained because I’m going to let him shop too. Hope that is okay if we take turns in stores.”
“Absolutely.”
Almost like a family, but she didn’t add that part.
And two hours later, she was having a lot more fun than she thought she would. Though she kind of expected Dean to have more say in what she bought, he was more encouraging than anything.
And wasn’t that what she needed in her life? What she always wanted?
Someone to encourage her. Praise her. Tell her she did well. That she looked good.
Her hands were loaded with bags and she bought more than she thought, but it gave her a good idea of size, styles and shapes on her. She could do more online when she was alone.
“I know you’ve probably had enough, haven’t you?” she asked. It was just after noon. Not only was she starving but she was also thirsty enough to chug a gallon of water out of the container.
