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It was obvious Trent had been here many times before. He led me to the ladies section, or did they call it something else in fancy stores like this?
A woman greeted him and they shook hands. “Row, this is Sherri. Sherri, this is my girlfriend, Rowan, and she needs a dress for a party.”
Sherri shook my hand, her eyes starting at my feet and roaming up my body as she sized me up. “Hmm,” she grunted. I took it she didn’t think I was good enough for Trenton. That made two of us.
“What kind of party?” She asked Trent. Her voice was oddly nasal sounding, like she had a cold.
“A New Year’s Eve party. My family has one every year and it’s very formal.”
Sherri tapped her chin in thought.
She was a petite woman with fiery red hair that was in no way natural and aqua colored glasses. Her lips were plump and shimmered with a cherry red gloss. Her clothes were nice and probably cost more than what I paid for rent in six months, and she worked here.
“I think I have some things that might work.”
It didn’t escape my notice that she addressed Trent, not me, like I was nothing.
She turned briskly on her heel, flicking her hand over her shoulder for us to follow.
“I don’t think she likes me,” I muttered under my breath to Trent.
“I’m not sure she likes anyone,” he replied with a shrug.
“She likes you!” I exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
“I can’t help it that I’m so charming,” he winked, his eyes scanning the racks of clothing warily. “I know this was my idea, but I hope this doesn’t take long. Shopping is not my thing.”
“It’s not my thing either,” I assured him.
“Wait here,” Sherri pointed to a fancy couch that was covered in amethy
st colored velvet.
Trent and I took a seat while she went to pull some dresses.
I looked up, noticing an intricate crystal chandelier hanging above us. I wasn’t sure what store he’d dragged me into, and looking around at all the fancy finishing’s and clothing, I was pretty sure I didn’t want to know. My stomach was already churning at the thought of what this dress would cost, and I’d have to let him buy it. I certainly wasn’t spending the money in my savings account on a dress—that money was going to be used to get me and the kids away from my mom and step-dad.
Sherri returned with a rack of dresses. They were all in different styles and lengths, but most were shiny.
She crooked a finger at me and I stood to inspect the dresses she had pulled.
“Do you see any you like?” She asked, her voice full of false sweetness. Someone had woken up on the wrong side of the bed.
I reached for a long black evening dress that was strapless. It had jeweled detailing on the top and the bottom was plain. “I like this one,” I said.
“Alright then, try it on,” she led me down a hall and opened a door into a dressing room.
She closed the door so she was left in the small room with me. “Uh…” I eyed her warily. “I don’t need any help. I’m fine on my own.”
“Okay,” she nodded, leaving me to myself.
I stripped out of my clothes and shimmied into the black dress. Once it was on I decided I didn’t like it as much as I had on the hanger, but I knew Trent would want to see. So, I forced myself to leave behind the comfort of the dressing room and venture out to the waiting area.
Trent sat up straighter when he saw me.
“I don’t like it,” I declared quickly, “but I knew you’d want to see.” I turned, brushing my hair over my shoulder so he could see the dress at all angles.
“It’s pretty, but not you,” he commented.
