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Vivian tossed a shopping bag onto her bed. “Carlos has it covered.”
A tiny flare of jealousy snaked through me. “You’ve talked to him?”
“No. Muriella told me.”
I was somewhat relieved, but his disappearance still stung. He’d been radio silent all day. As silly as it was, I missed him.
“Did you two have fun today?” Like she’d heard her name mentioned, Muriella appeared.
“The best time. Look at what we got.” Vivian gestured toward the slew of bags on the bed.
“Are you feeling better?” I asked. She hadn’t joined us because she was under the weather.
Her cheeks turned pink. “Yes, thank you.”
“This is for you.” Vivian slung a crimson silk dress to her. “Holly, show M yours.”
“I—”
She opened a garment bag before I could finish my protest. Not only had we had a spa day, she’d insisted we go to a boutique where we’d tried on all kinds of clothes. I hadn’t purchased anything.
When I saw what was inside, my eyes bulged.
“Your hair looks beautiful,” Muriella said, temporarily distracting me.
“Wait until you see her in this dress, M. She looks like a queen.”
“I thought we were just trying things on,” I said, still staring at the dress. “When did you buy this?”
Vivian slipped the white satin down off the hanger. The skirt flared and the sleeves were long. The neckline dipped into a modest V. It was simple, elegant, and when I tried it on at the store, I’d felt like Cinderella.
“Oh wait. Go put these on first.” Vivian tossed a silk bag in my direction and shoved me toward the bathroom.
Inside, I found a white lace strapless bra and matching lace underwear. “You bought me underwear?” I called even as I pulled on the soft stockings.
“They must’ve thrown them in the bag,” she yelled back. “Have you got them on yet?”
I’d just clasped the bra and adjusted it in place when Vivian and Muriella barged into the bathroom. Both had changed and had on dresses of their own.
“He’s going to love that,” Vivian muttered. Muriella smacked her in the arm, and she shrugged. She held open the white dress for me, and I stepped into it. When she zipped me up and spun me to face the mirror, I couldn’t believe what I saw in my reflection.
With my hair and makeup done, I really did look like a queen. Muriella gently arranged a headband that looked like it was made of diamonds in my hair. Vivian pressed earrings into my palm. My hand trembled as I threaded them through my lobes.
“You’re gorgeous.” Muriella’s eyes glassed over as she looked at me in the mirror.
“You haven’t even seen the shoes yet,” Vivian said.
“You didn’t?” I asked as she rushed from the room.
“I so did,” she said when she returned with the box.
Nestled on a bed of tissue were diamond crusted heels. They were exquisite, something made for royalty.
“You look too good not to show you off,” Vivian said once I had the shoes on.
They each took my hand and half dragged half led me from the room. Vivian looked down at my feet once we were in the lobby.
“Sorry about the stairs,” she said unapologetically.
