"Come on, guys," he told them."Let's leave Callie to get ready while we make coffee."
~ ~ ~
When Callie arrived in town, she parked her truck behind Becca's Range Rover — Grover, as she called it — with a smile.She was looking forward to this shopping trip, even though she didn't know what she was going to buy.
She grinned when Becca came hurrying down the street toward her and climbed out of her truck to greet her with a hug.
"Hey, how's it going?I'm so pleased that you're still here.I hope you and Ollie are having fun."
Callie stuck her tongue out at her."We are having the best time."
Becca gave a little squeal."Oh my gosh, Callie, I'm so happy.He's awesome, isn't he?"
"He sure is."
"And you're over the whole deal about..."
Callie gave her a rueful smile."Yep.I'm so far over it that we don't even need to talk about it anymore.I had my hang-ups.I'm over them.That's all that needs to be said, isn't it?"
"I think so," said Becca, looping her arm through Callie's."So, let's go find you a dress, then."
Callie made a face."A dress?I thought I did all my dress-wearing while I was being your bridesmaid."
Becca laughed."Okay, it doesn't have to be a dress, but something pretty.Something you.Although I have to say, the dress you wore to the rehearsal dinner looked gorgeous on you.But no, you're right.I wasn't trying to steer you into anything, you know that."
Callie considered it as they headed toward the stores.Even when she went out, the dressiest she got was her nice jeans and a pretty top most of the time.She'd enjoyed the change, having to wear different things over the course of the wedding weekend.
When they reached the first store, Becca held the door for Callie to go in.It smelled like expensive candles and new fabric — nothing like the thrift shops back home.She turned to Becca."What do people normally wear at Muse?I thought everyone was dressed up last time we were there because it was your bachelorette party and Jacob's bachelor party."
"Yeah, they were dressed up, but not much more than normal for people here.But don't worry about it," she assured her."You don't have to wear a dress.I hope I haven't freaked you out.I didn't mean to."
Callie laughed."No, I'm not freaking out.If you want to know the truth, I'm wondering if I want to try out a different style."She made a face."I mean, add another style.I'm not going to stop being me, but that doesn't mean I can't try something else too, does it?"
Becca smiled."It doesn't mean that in the least.Ask me how I know."
Callie chuckled.The two of them had spent more nights out than she could count at Cattleman's Bar back in Dodge City, feeling glammed up in jeans and T-shirts.
They both turned when an assistant came hurrying toward them.
"Hi, ladies.How can I help you?"
Becca turned to Callie, and she smiled and said, "I'm going out tonight, and I think I might like to find a dress.I might revert back to slacks and a nice top at some point, but let's start with the dresses."
The sales assistant smiled and led them toward the back of the store."See if there's anything that catches your eye here, and I'll be right back with you in a few minutes."
Callie spotted a lovely green dress that reminded her of the sea glass she'd found on the beach with Ollie.She pulled it off the rack and held it up to Becca."What do you think?"
"Oh, Callie, it's gorgeous.Yes, you need to try it."
As if she'd just been lingering, waiting, the sales assistant appeared again, still smiling.She had another couple of dresses, which she held up."I thought you might like to try these as well."
Callie gave Becca a puzzled look, wondering what made her think that.But Becca took them from her with a polite smile, saying, "Thanks.We'll see."
It was only when the assistant said, "Thanks, Mrs.Jacobs," and Becca grinned happily that Callie realized what was going on.She took the dresses to the changing room, half expecting to see exorbitant price tags on them.The woman had her pegged as Becca's friend and no doubt thought she was loaded.
Becca gave her a puzzled smile."What's up?"
She shook her head."Nothing.I'm fine.Are you coming in with me?"
