AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I laugh, shaking my head. "I mean, I'm not complaining. It was part of our little wager and I guess rules are rules."
"Uh huh, sure, just a silly bet," Martha says sarcastically. "It's definitely not because you and tall dangerous have crazy sizzling chemistry."
I shoot her a look but don't argue. She's not exactly wrong. Despite our history and backgrounds, we have always had an undeniable attraction. Which seems to be growing the more time we spend together.
"In any case, you need a killer outfit for your big date," Martha continues matter-of-factly. "We should go shopping."
"I don't need anything new."
Martha gives me an incredulous look. "Girl, please. You are NOT wearing some old raggedy thing from your closet." She grabs my hands, smiling eagerly. "Come on, we're going to find you a dress hot enough to make Dimitri's eyes pop out of his head!"
I hesitate, biting my lip. "I don't know Martha"
"Come on, when was the last time you treated yourself to a fun shopping trip?" she cajoles. "You deserve this!"
I have to admit, it has been a while since I've indulged in retail therapy. Between classes, the engagement and everything else going on this semester, I've barely had time for anything else.
Martha keeps ushering me outside, where the afternoon sun is bright and welcoming. "You know how much you love hunting for cute new outfits," she reminds me with a playful nudge.
A small smile tugs at my lips. She's right, I do love browsing the racks. And getting a sexy new dress would be the perfect confidence boost before my big date tomorrow night.
Sensing my resolve crumbling, Martha goes in for the kill. "Plus, don't you have like a bajillion dollars from your monthly allowance burning a hole in your pocket?"
I roll my eyes but laugh. "Hardly a bajillion." Though my father does give me a more-than-generous allowance each month. I usually end up saving most of it.
"Girl, you could buy out half the mall's inventory!" Martha exclaims. She links her arm through mine, grinning brightly. "Come on, let's go have some fun. I promise as soon as we start shopping, you'll forget all about your worries. You can think of it as a gift to yourself for killing those exams"
Finally I feel myself giving in, smiling back at my persuasive best friend. "Okay, okay, you've convinced me. Let's go shopping!"
Martha lets out an excited whoop, immediately towing me across the quad toward the parking lot. "Yes! This is gonna be so much fun. Now let's find you an outfit that will absolutely slay."
I let her enthusiastic energy sweep me up as we walk to her car. Martha's right, a carefree girls' shopping trip is exactly what I need right now to get out of my own head.
As we cruise toward the mall with the radio blasting, I start to relax and look forward to a fun afternoon with my best friend. Martha sings loudly along with the music, making me laugh and temporarily forget about all my worries.
As we step through the automatic doors into the bustling shopping mall, I'm immediately overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. I've been here countless times before, but today it feels brand new.
The space is massive - three storeys of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options sprawling out before us. Natural light pours in from the arched skylights in the high ceilings, brightening the white-tiled floors that stretch on as far as I can see. Upbeat pop music plays over the intercom system, barely audible over the energetic chatter emanating from the dense crowds.
I take a deep breath, inhaling the mingling scents wafting from the food court - salty soft pretzels, greasy pizza, sugary cinnamon rolls. My mouth starts watering instantly.
Martha grins at me, linking her arm through mine. "Where to first?" she asks eagerly.
I look left and right, taking in the options. Straight ahead is Macy's, with its polished displays of clothing and accessories. To the left I spot Forever 21, overflowing with trendy, inexpensive styles. And to the right is Nordstrom, gleaming and upscale.
"Let's start in Macy's and work our way down?" I suggest. I'm not sure what style of dress I'm looking for yet, so a department store seems like a good place to browse different options.
"Works for me!" Martha agrees cheerfully. She tugs me into the stream of shoppers heading for Macy's.
As we step inside, racks of colorful clothes sprawl out before us. I run my fingers lightly over the clothes as we meander through them. So many choices - flirty floral prints, slinky satin fabrics, eye-catching metallics. This is exactly the carefree indulgence I've been craving.
We weave through the orderly aisles until we reach the expansive dress department. Racks upon racks of every style imaginable sprawl out before us. I run my fingers over the many fabrics and admiringly examine the details on several gowns before Martha tugs me toward the cocktail dress section.
"Oooh, this would look so cute on you!" Martha exclaims, pulling out a short emerald halter dress. She holds it up to me, assessing it with a practiced eye.
I admire the shimmery fabric. "It is really pretty," I agree, taking it from her and draping it over my arm.
We comb through the racks, occasionally stopping to show each other potential options but nothing else seems to catch our attention. Then, Martha's face suddenly lights up. "Aha! Sara, come here, I found it!"
