How about you give me a sneak peek?
Good try.
Find anything you like?
Not yet,
The guys are glaring at me, so I'd better put my phone away. You've got this! I love you.
Wait, I thought you were sending help to rescue me?
He doesn’t respond, so I tuck my phone back into my purse and pull another dress off the hanger.
I don’t even look at it as I put it on. I’ve tried on so many dresses at this point that I feel like a robot. I shuffle my feet as I make my way out of the dressing room.
“Oh my God, Kat. Look at yourself!” She’s giddy as I step onto the platform in front of the mirrors that form a half circle so I can see myself fromvarious angles.
I look into the mirrors and feel my heart jump. “Wow,” I gasp. “This is gorgeous.” My eyes move up and down the length of the dress as I move slightly to adjust the angles.
The cobalt-blue dress is floor-length. The neckline is straight and shows off just the right amount of cleavage while keeping the girls tucked in. The bodice is form-fitting but not so tight that I feel like I can’t breathe.
It features a high waistline, which then drapes out and brushes the floor. It drags a bit, so I’ll need to wear high heels.Sam will like that.
There’s a long slit on one side that extends up a little higher than mid-thigh, providing ample airflow in hot weather. I move a bit side to side, testing the slit to make sure I’m not going to embarrass myself by showing too much. It’s perfect because the dress overlaps a bit where the slit is.
I step off the platform and walk around the shop, watching the opening in the mirror. It definitely shows my leg in a very sexy way, but it's not so much that I worry about showing other parts.
“It’s perfect,” gushes Liv.
Stepping back up onto the platform, I can’t stop staring at myself. The color somehow makes my green eyes stand out more and gives my skin a tan and flawless appearance. I look at my chestnut hair. It's longer than it’s been in a long time and flows a little past my waist.
Pulling my hair over my shoulder, I admire the back of the dress, which is open, showing off my toned back. I bite my bottom lip as I contemplate what to do with my hair. I don’t want to cover the back of the dress.
“I think you should wear it in a sort of half-up, half-down style so it sweeps over your shoulder but leaves your back exposed.” Liv looks at me contemplatively. “Maybe an intricate braid so it stays in place.” I love that she just reads my mind.
“That sounds lovely, but you know I’m terrible at things like that. I’m lucky I know how to put my makeup on.” I give her a weary look.
“You should definitely have someone do your hair—and your makeup.” She says the last part like she doesn’t trust my abilities. That’s fair. I guess.
“I don’t know anyone I trust in Charleston.”
“I do. I’ll give her a heads-up and pass on her number to you. She’ll be perfect.” Liv’s tone is soft, and I detect a hint of awe as she continues to look at me. “I’ve missed you, Kat. I know we talk all the time, but it isn’t the same. I’m sad I won’t be there with you to see you all dolled up.”
I step off the platform and walk over to her, taking her hands in mine. “I’ll send you so many pictures. I’ll even send you pics while my hair and makeup are getting done. I’m going to send you so many that you’ll feel like you’re there with me. Always know that even if I’m not with you physically, I’m always with you. You’re my best friend. You should have thought about this much sooner, because there is no getting rid of me.” I smile big. “Thank you for helping me today.”
“You mean thank you for dragging your ass here and making you find a dress that you look hot as hell in? You’re welcome.” She shimmies her shoulders a bit as she turns around. “Now we need to find some shoes.”
I look around the place again. There are no shoes in sight.
“Oh, not here.” Liv looks back at me as if I had spoken my thoughts aloud. “We have another stop to make.” I groan at the thought.
By the time we findthe perfect shoes—silver stilettos with a delicate strap that goes around my ankle—I realize it's already time to meet Talia for dinner.
I don’t know how Liv can shop for so long. I’m starving, and I’m getting hangry. We get into Liv’s car and make our way to the restaurant.
“Ok, Miss Grumpy Pants, what’s eating you?”
“Too much shopping. Can’t function anymore. Need food.”
