“Where to first?”
“Barney’s.”
“Ooh la la!” She gave me a wink.
An hour later, we were in the fitting room as I did a small twirl in front of the mirror. Erica held my phone in her hand and Gabriella’s face lit up the screen. She was clapping giddily.
“This is a winner!” she exclaimed.
I laughed as I smoothed the front of the white fitted blazer that fit me like a glove. So far, I had tried on several sharp suits and skirt sets, all of which had been crowd pleasers among Erica and Gabriella, who had insisted we FaceTime her. She loved clothes and fashion, and knew way more than I did about the current styles.
“This one is my favorite so far!” said Erica with an enthusiastic nod.
As I did another turn in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile. I hadn’t gone shopping in so long and had never stepped foot in a department store like this. Thanks to Jeremiah’s bonus, and insistence to get a new wardrobe, I was able to afford these new work clothes and have some fun with my friends. I would thank him if he hadn’t been such an asshole to me about my “hideous clothes.” He wouldn’t be saying that now. My stomach did a little flutter thinking about the next time he would see me. I would finally look the part of his personal assistant.
“Try the black dress next!” said Gabriella excitedly.
Erica reached for the hanger and slipped the dress from it, as I slid out of the white blazer and matching skirt.
“This one is going to look banging on you,” she said, handing me the fitted sheath dress that had looked so good on the mannequin.
I slid it on, and she zipped up the back as Gabriella watched from my phone that Erica had propped up on the bench nearby.
“Okay! This is my new favorite!” exclaimed Gabriella.
I turned in the mirror, inspecting every angle of the dress. It was a perfect dress. I would pack it for tomorrow’s trip, hoping it would stop Jeremiah in his tracks.
“And bosshole is paying for all this?” asked Erica, raising a brow.
“It’s a work expense,” I said, slipping the black dress down off my shoulders.
“Mhmm. And this trip? Is that paid for, too?” asked Gabriella. Her smile had faded slightly.
“I think so. Itisa work trip.” I shrugged, wondering why they were suddenly asking all these questions.
I hung the dress back on the hanger before placing it on the growing “yes” rack. I gave Erica a curious look, but she just shook her head. She reached for my phone and told Gabriella we had to go before hanging up. I was taken aback by her shortness.
“What is up with you?” I asked. “We still have a few more things to try on.”
Erica hesitated, her eyes wary as she sat down on the bench in the large fitting room.
“Look…I know you’re having money problems…”
I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me about it, but you never brought it up,” she continued, her fingers running nervously over a linen skirt that lay beside her.
“I’m fine,” I said dismissively.
“Are you sure?” she asked, looking up at me. “Gabriella and I are worried about you. After everything with Nick. We know you helped him more than you let on. And now he’s still in your old apartment thatyou’repaying for.”
“Not for much longer. The lease is up at the end of the month.” I shrugged sheepishly.
“Why didn’t you come to me?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“Because you’re my friend.”
“And I have money.”
