“I know just the place.” Lottie links her arm in mine and winks at me. There are so many little places I’ve yet to discover in Las Vegas and I can’t wait.
She leads me onto one of the smaller streets, and it’s lined with quirky little shops full of all sorts of different things. We enter a small shoe shop, leaving commandos one and twooutside. Lottie pulls me to the back, behind the cashier and down a steep staircase. I frown the whole way, as this is totally weird, but I trust her so I go with it, being careful to watch my footing as I step down the crooked stairs. When we get to the bottom, we stand in what looks like the entrance to a huge walk in wardrobe. There are racks upon racks of garments, lined next to each other, all grouped in colors. It looks like a storeroom and it doesn’t look like we should be here, but Lottie steams ahead, rummaging through.
“Lottie …”
“Yes, babe,” she says without even stopping to look at me.
“What is this?”
She chuckles. “It’s a pre-loved dress store. The dresses are mostly designer, and cheap. Well, cheaper than they would be brand new, and most of them have only been worn once. Get over here and start looking…unless you want to fork out for a brand spanking new one…”
“No … I … “
“Here…how about this?” She holds up a deep red, floor length, satin gown. It’s very pretty but not something I would wear.
“No, I think maybe I need to go for something black and simple.”
“Well, aren’t you daring,” she retorts sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “I thought you were supposed to be the style guru.”
“I never said that.”
“Oh my god.” Lottie stops and scrapes all the hangers aside, bar one.
“What?”
“I just foundthedress.”
“Lotts, we’ve been in here for a total of three minutes and you’ve foundthedress already?”
She bounces excitedly before taking the dress off the hanger and holding it up against her. It’s perfect. Emerald green, Lottie’s favorite color. Strapless bustier, floor length, fish tail at the back, scooped up to just below knee length at the front, and gathered to create a bustle in the small of her back. It’s very pretty, and unusual at the same time. Much like Lottie.
“Okay, I’m trying this on. Grab a few dresses, Ari, you can come and try them on, too.”
“Okay.” I laugh under my breath at her enthusiasm; Saturday at the ball is going to be great fun if nothing else.
I pick up a couple of black dresses in my size; both of them are beautiful and fit perfectly.
Lottie squeals when she sees me in the second one. It’s floor length, with a split up one leg, cut outs at the waist and a high neck. “That one, that one. It’s perfect for you!”
“You think?” I ask, unsure.
“Yes, I wish you would go for something that wasn’t damn black, but if you insist, I like that one. You have great legs, Ari, you should definitely flash them in that one. You can have your hair piled high on your head, and just a few bits down here…” She stands on her tiptoes, playing with my hair and her eyes are wide with excitement. It’s enough to convince me to buy it. It’s inexpensive, and yes, it does look good. Do I feel a million dollars in it? No. But I don’t have a million dollars to spend on a dress, so this is the next best thing.
Well, that was easier than I thought. I don’t think I’ve ever chosen a dress so fast for something so important in all my life. If I’m honest, I’m still not convinced it’sthedress but I don’t have the time or inclination to try on a million things today. I know I can pair it with some killer heels, and have my hair done which will dress it all up, and it’ll be perfect for a summer ball.
We window shop for a while before making a detour into a little restaurant for lunch. I’m famished, and Lottie insists that we stop at this place.
We sit at a large table by the window and order a glass of crisp, cold white wine while we peruse the menu and watch the world go by.
“Are you ready to order?” I ask Lottie, who is being even more indecisive than usual.
“No, I don’t think so. I’m torn between the Caesar salad and…”
“May we join you, ladies?” A familiar soft voice comes from behind me and I look up at Lottie who’s grinning back at me like the Cheshire cat. I spin around in my chair to find not only my mom, but Dana, too.
“Oh my god!” I squeal, leaping up out of my seat. I haven’t seen my mom since she went away for a few days, and although I’ve spoken to her almost daily, being back in town and not being able to visit with her has been hard. I fling my arms around her neck and hug her tight. “What are you doing back already? Is everything alright?”
“Yes, darling. Everything is fine. Brent finished up with the business he was doing so we came straight back. Wanted to see my girl.” She smiles, pulling me tighter and kissing the side of my head through my hair.
