“What?” Cora eyed her warily.
“Girl date, girl date, it’s time for a girl date!” Maggie sang as she danced around the kitchen. She stopped in front of Cora and posed dramatically. “Shopping montage!”
Cora shook her head. “I’m not in the mood today.”
“No, you’re coming to work with me, and we’re going to do aPretty Womanshopping montage, minus the prostitution and actual spending. Darnell and I are in the evening gown department today, so we can rock out the frocks on you, baby! Picture it; you, me, D, Lhuillier, Mischka, Balmain ... c’mon, it’ll be fun! We’ll get a gorgeous new profile photo of you for Facebook!” Darnell was Maggie’s beloved “work husband.”
“Not with these swollen eyes.” She thought for a moment. “I probably should get out of the house, though.”
“Yes! You’re coming! Go get ready, I’m leaving in thirty minutes.”
Cora stayed in her leggings, flip-flops, and the zip front hoodie she’d slept in. She didn’t care what she looked like. She texted her two morning clients during the Metro ride and begged off—business owner’s privilege—but decided to keep Beth Ann on her schedule at two because the situation seemed so dire for little Chanel. Cora didn’t want to give Beth Ann any opportunity to back out of training, and even though she wasn’t sure how she was going to help the pitiful dog, she was convinced that she’d find a way.
They got to the store right as Darnell was unlocking the main gate into Saks, looking dapper in a fitted suit with a subdued Burberry plaid. The lapels and trouser seams were trimmed with thick black cording, and the back of the blazer had a giant black skull with rhinestone eyes.
“Look what zechatdragged in,” he said with an exaggerated French accent, eyeing Cora from head to toe in mock judgment.
“Careful, D, she’s on the edge today,” Maggie warned.
“Hi, Darnell,” Cora said and smiled thinly. He saw the sadness in her face and reached out to give her a hug.
“My poor little dog lady, queen of the lonely hearts. So single it hurts, am I right? Maybe if you put some effort into your look, you’ll find a new man.” He picked a few dog hairs off her shoulder.
Cora jumped away from him as if he’d slapped her.
“Seriously, Darnell?” Maggie scolded.
“What? I’m kidding! Cora is perfect just the way she is.”
“Nice save,” Cora said glumly.
“She’s here for montage madness, but I’m not sure you’re invited anymore, D. Muzzle yourself, okay? Cora had a bad night so we need to cheer her up with some couture,” Maggie said as they walked through the empty store, ignoring the bitchy reps at the makeup counters.
“Oh, your wish is my command, baby! I got nothing else to do. Our department is going to be Whitney Houston all day.”
His cheer was infectious, so Cora moved past his hurtful comments and looked at him questioningly.
“D-e-a-dlike Whitney in the bathtub.”
“Too soon, D,” Maggie said, shaking her head.
The gown salon was an explosion of sumptuous fabrics and sparkle. Some of the dresses were so ornate, laden with layers of tulle and heavy beading, that they hung on their own racks, looking like the first attendee to a fairy-tale ball. The clothing was such a departure from Cora’s daily life of button-down shirts, jeans, drool, and fur that she couldn’t help but be enchanted by the over-the-top femininity of it all.
“Can you guys get in trouble for letting me try this stuff on? I sort of feel like a criminal. And I sure don’t look like I belong here.”
“You’re not going tostealanything, you’re going to try things on and see if you happen to fall in love with a piece. Because you have that special event coming up, right?” Maggie winked. “Oh, and look, you’re in our appointment book!” Maggie scribbled something in the leather-bound book on the service desk.
“I do always say that you find the dress first and the event will follow,” Darnell added solemnly.
“Right. So maybe if I buy this”—Cora checked the price tag of a beaded black gown hanging near her—“five-thousand-five-hundred-eighty-dollar Givenchy gown I’ll get invited to a state dinner?”
“Younever know!” Darnell answered.
“So should I just grab stuff? How does this work?”
“Darnell is going to get you all set up, sweetheart. Now let me take a look at you.” He circled Cora, pretending that he’d never seen her before. “You look like a ... six. But in couture you might be an eight. Those bitches.”
“I haven’t worn a dress in so long that I have no clue what size I am. I’m in your capable hands.”
