Page 61 of Lost & Found

A typical shopping experience for me was ordering clothes online. It was easier to stick with brands I knew and loved. If I found something, I ordered multiple pieces. So this was going to be extremely new for me.

And I didn’t really own things that could be described as delicate, like the fabrics surrounding me. Okay, I take that back. I did own a shit-ton of elegant undergarments. But those, too, were easily ordered online.

“I love beach weddings,” Geraldine exclaimed, her eyes lit up with excitement. “I say this calls for something light and airy, don’t you think? Let me show you some options.”

I forced a smile, masking my nervousness. The thought of trying on dresses, even for the girls, left my pulse racing. My hands trembled at my sides. The sensation of the fabric clinging to my skin made me gulp.

And truthfully, the last time I wore a dress, it hadn’t been my choice. It had been the one the Mask picked. The memory pushed forward. I wanted to run, and something in my body language must have spoken loudly, because Kinsley pushed forward, leaving Tori to follow.

She reached for me and pulled me into her arms. One thing about her was that she was stronger than she looked, and right then she was gripping me tight. Over the years, my lack of desire to have a connection of any real kind made touch something I was still getting used to, but somehow she knew. Her small hands delicately rubbed my back, soothing me.

“Hey, that look. I don’t like it. If you don’t want to buy a dress, we can look at something else. A chiffon jumpsuit would look gorgeous on you. A halter-style, maybe?”

“Yeah, maybe I can try both?” I whispered.

Did we look strange? Probably. Did I care? I suppose a small part of me did. After all, this woman worked closely with my brother and the crew to dress their staff for special occasions and referred important clients to her all the time. She didn’t seem phased one bit, and that had me relaxing more.

“Would you happen to have any champagne?” Tori asked.

“I do. How many glasses?” Geraldine asked.

“Three,” I answered, smiling at them.

She stepped away, and Kinsley led me over to the secluded area with full-length mirrors and plush seating. A few minutes later, Geraldine brought us our drinks, and then she and Kinsley went to gather some things for me to try on.

“Kinsley’s right. A jumpsuit would look great on you,” Victoria said.

“Thank you. I think I’ll try it on first, to ease the way. It’s been a really long time since I’ve worn a dress. Like rescue long time.”

“Oh,” she said, worrying her bottom lip between her top teeth.

I patted her hand and heaved. “It’s going to be okay. This is part of the process. Marcel will be proud that I didn’t bolt at the first sight of things.”

“It was kind of hard. Kinsley looked like she had a death grip on you.” She laughed.

The next hour passed surprisingly well. After trying on a few one-piece outfits, I turned to the dresses the girls had found. I was specific in my request. Nothing with flowers. It had to be solid and lightweight. Geraldine stood back and only offered expert guidance a few times, suggesting accessories to enhance the outfits.

“This one will look stunning against your dark coloring,” Tori offered, holding up a delicate chiffon cocktail dress.

My eyes lit up. It was both elegant and sophisticated without being too girly. The deep rose-blush hue was darker than pink, but softer than red. I took it from her and went into the dressing room. I could hear the excited chatter of the girls as they indulged in another glass of champagne.

I took a deep breath and removed the other outfit I was wearing. I stepped into the dress and brought it up over my shoulders. I zipped it up in the back and heard my phone buzz.

DANCER:

How’s the wax going?

PRINCESS:

Still resembles a hairy beast. I’ll have to get back to you on that. Dress shopping first.

DANCER:

LOL. I’m glad to hear.

PRINCESS:

What, that I’m honestly thinking about wearing a dress or…or are you glad that