I must look uncomfortable because Gabby vetoes it right away. “Nope, not your style, Summer. I can tell you don’t like it. Is it the skirt?”
“Yeah, I’ve never been a fan of skirts.”
“No problem.” She heads into the dressing room and removes the other two skirts. “Okay, next,” she shoos me back into the room.
I end up with several outfits, including leggings, capris, and shorts, as well as one pair of jeans. A few blouses, tank tops, and light sweaters complete the pile. As we head towards the checkout, Gabby and I both spot a rack of leather jackets on clearance, and I hesitate for a minute. I don’t actually need a leather jacket, but what the heck, I can add it to my growing pile of purchases. I haven’t bought myself a jacket in a long time, so I ask Seb to hold my clothes as I try on a black leather jacket with a single zipper and a high collar. Gabby is trying on a blue leather jacket with asymmetrical zippers all over it. It looks great on her, making her eyes pop. She sighs, hanging it back on the rack.
“Don’t you like it?” I ask, grabbing my clothes back from Seb and putting the jacket on top.
“I love it, but I don’t have the money for it and my new sneakers today,” she shrugs.
I grab it back off the rack and add it to my pile.
“Oh, gosh, no, Summer. I don’t need a leather jacket,” Gabby protests, trying to pull it back.
Smiling at her, I say, “Gabby, you decorated my room for me and now you’re helping me shop. Consider it a thank you for everything.”
“Are you sure?” She asks, eyeing the blue leather like she can’t help but look at it.
“I’m sure. Come on, let’s check out.”
When we walk outside, Gabby turns to Seb. “Okay, big brother. Summer and I need to make one more stop. Take ourbags back to the car and grab an iced tea or something. You can’t go with us this time.”
I raise my eyebrows at Seb, who wiggles his eyebrows at me, so I follow Gabby down the sidewalk, and we enter a lingerie store. “Oh,” I say. “Now I know why you sent Seb away.”
“Yup, this is no place for my big brother,” she giggles. “You’re going to need some lighter layers for this, too. Do you have a swimsuit?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Okay, do you want my help here or do you want to fly solo?” Gabby asks as she browses the racks of swimwear in front of us.
Surveying all the choices, I start to feel overwhelmed again, so I say, “Help, please.”
“Happy too,” Gabby holds a classic one-piece and a string bikini up. “One piece or two?”
“Um, something with good coverage?” I say. Showing a lot of skin has never been my style. I know I can’t hide all my scars with a swimsuit, but I can at least hide my stomach scar.
Gabby grabs a couple of two-piece swimsuits that show only a sliver of skin between the top and bottom. One has a racerback, the other has multiple straps. Next, we pick out a few sets of pajamas with shorts. When we get to the bras, Gabby asks which size fits me in the sports bra and helps me pick out some pretty bralettes and camisoles with built-in bras. Underwear is last. I veto the thongs right away, but we pick some others, in matching colors to the bras.
I end up liking both swimsuits. They’re modest but make my smaller chest look great. I need Gabby to exchange a few bra sizes for me, but most things fit and are comfortable. Stretch fabric for the win. Gabby could be a personal shopper, and I tell her that when I’m done trying everything on. “I love fashion, Summer. I could do this all day,” she smiles. We check out and go back to the car where Seb is leaning on the driver’s door waiting for us.
“All done, ladies?”
“We are. Gabby has a knack for this.” I pile my purchases onto the back seat.
We get into the Jeep as Seb hands us each an iced tea. “Unsweetened for you, Sunshine.” Seb drives us back to the house as Gabby tells me about her friends and cheer camp coming up. She’s pretty excited about going.
They help me gather up my purchases and take them to my room when we get back. We pile all the bags onto the bedroom floor, and I turn to both of them. “Thanks guys. I had fun today.”
“Let me know the next time you need to shop, and I’ll be there, Summer,” Gabby offers.
“I definitely will.” She made today easy with minimal stress, which I appreciate so much.
“Hug time, Sunshine,” Seb warns as he comes towards me with open arms. Knowing what to expect this time, I release a big breath to relax my body. He wraps his arms around me, lifts me up, and gives me a tight hug. Setting me down, he heads toward the hallway. “Bye, Sunshine. Text me later,” he waves over his shoulder.
I still feel some tension from the hug, but it’s more comforting than panic-inducing. Shaking my head, I say goodbye to them, then start unpacking my bags. Zander comes in shortly after. “How did you do?” He asks.
“Actually good. I got a suit for Saturday, training gear and some regular clothes too.”
