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Her lips turn into a cheeky smile, like she has been dying to tell someone. "You know Joe, teaches English at our school?" She bites her lip to hide the massive smile about to cover her face.
I try to picture him. I have met so many new faces this week, teachers and students, that their names all blur together, but I do recall a handsome fella that stopped into the gym and had her even more hyped up afterward. "Yeah, I think you introduced us on Monday."
"I did. Well, last night at the fundraiser, he asked me out." The blush rises to her cheeks, and I just want to squeeze her I'm so happy for her and that at least one of us had a good night.
"Are you serious? Oh, I'm so excited for you." I glance around the shop for something that would work. "Okay, well, let me be your personal shopper. We’re going to pick you out the cutest outfit ever.”
“Thank you, Cassie. I'm so nervous. It's been a really long time since I've been on a date."
"You and me both. But you're going to be just fine, I have a good feeling about this."
I pull every cute dress I can see in her size and hustle her down the back of the store to the fitting room. "I can take Tilly if you like while you try them on?"
She looks at her daughter still clinging on. "Thanks, but she’s okay." She sits her down on the seat in the fitting room and closes the curtain.
"You have to show me every dress," I call back to her.
Scarlet has a date, how cute. While she dresses, I check out the accessories cabinet. I don't date, never have since Brandon, but maybe I should. Maybe my life would be different somehow if I did. I might find a nice boy who could take care of me the way I need. My parents would approve, in fact I'm sure that would make them very happy. But a nice boy has never been what I wanted.
"Cassie," I hear Amelia's voice call through the shop. She sways toward me, looking gorgeous as ever in wide-leg tailored white pants and a crossover shirt in a lavender color. Her heels click along the hardwood floor as she makes her way toward me with outstretched arms. She pulls me into an embrace with a kiss to my cheek.
"Hey, Sis." I squeeze her tight; it's so nice to see her. She's so busy these days, with the kids and her work, and we just don't get to catch up as much as I would like.
She holds me at arm's length, looking me over. "Did you tell me you were coming in today?"
"I didn't want to bother you, I know you’re busy. I brought a friend of mine from school. She needs something for a date, and I need something more comfortable for work."
"That'll be easy. How was your first week, anyway?"
"Pretty good." I shrug. "I like teaching the seniors, some of the juniors are more challenging, though.” Truth is, it's been a bit harder than I expected, but that's okay, I like a challenge, and I'm sure I'll win them over in no time.
"Yeah, I bet. Teens scare the shit out of me, and my kids aren’t that far off." She laughs.
"But your kids are perfect, so you're not going to have anything to worry about. Are they here today?"
"No, they both have play dates. I was about to leave for the day, but I'll hang with you guys and get you sorted, then maybe we can go for lunch if you’re free?"
"Sounds good to me."
The curtain opens, and Scarlet comes out. “What do you think?” She gives us a twirl and the fabric on her skirt ripples out as she moves. It’s so soft and feminine.
“I love it.” I clap my hands together, getting more excited by the second for her.
"Perfect for a date," Amelia compliments her. I should probably introduce them.
"Amelia, this is Scarlet. Scarlet, this is my big sister."
"Your shop and everything in it is just beautiful, I have so many of your pieces already."
"Thank you, that's so sweet."
She turns back to her daughter. "What do you think, Tilly? Should Mommy get this one?" The little girl nods her head, making her curls bounce, and it's the cutest thing I have ever seen. "I think that's a consensus then."
"It is."
Scarlet closes the curtain to change, and Amelia gives me her full attention. "Right, what can I get for you then?"
"I want the pants you're wearing for a start. I don't know about the rest. Can you just pick something for me? Professional but comfortable."
