Savannah’s smile dimmed as she checked a price tag.
Debbie hurried to her side. “Don’t worry about the price. I have a plan for you to earn the money, remember? You just find the dress that’s right for you, okay?” She’d even taken time to pull cash out of the bank yesterday so she could hand it over and let Savannah pay for her own dress.
Savannah nodded and pulled the dress from the rack. It didn’t take her long to gather a selection to try on.
Debbie stood near the dressing rooms and gave appropriate compliments each time Savannah came out in a new dress. She wanted to smack Cheyenne for her negative comments.
Too plain. It washes you out. Boring. It’s not very flattering.
Debbie tried to follow up each of Cheyenne’s criticisms with something positive, so Savannah didn’t take her mother’s words to heart. Her breath caught when Savannah stepped out of the dressing room in a beautiful misty blue dress. The fitted bodice was covered in lacy embroidered flowers accented with tiny silver, hand-sewn beads. The flower design tapered off just past her hips where the A-line chiffon skirt curved out in a graceful bell shape.
The dress was neither too poofy or plain. It fit Savannah perfectly, and she looked simply beautiful in it. Out of all the dresses she’d tried on, Savannah liked this one the best. The smile on her face attested to that.
“You look beautiful, Savannah.” Debbie whispered.
Cheyenne regarded her daughter. “It’s pretty, I guess. But it makes you look like a little girl playing dress-up.”
Savannah’s smile faltered.
Debbie grabbed her hand and made eye contact with her in the mirror. “Don’t listen to her. You look like a princess. Besides, prom is the funnest ball to play dress-up for.”
Savannah’s smile returned, and she studied her image in the mirror for a long time. Before she returned to the dressing room, Debbie insisted they find some accessories to go with the dress.
She toyed with the idea of letting Savannah borrow her diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet, but she figured Austin would have a fit. He looked like he might have a heart attack when she mentioned letting Savannah drive the Porsche.
Debbie made plans to ask Austin if he’d let her arrange for a manicure and hair trim and styling for Savvy for prom as they selected a delicate rhinestone-covered headband, cubic zirconia jewelry, and silver low-heeled sandals.
When Savannah headed to the dressing room to change, Cheyenne stopped her.
“Savvy, wait!” She approached with a crimson-colored dress similar to the ones she’d tried to get Savannah to try on at the previous store. “I think you should try on this one. It would totally bring out the red in your hair, and I think it would be very flattering to your figure, straight as it is.”
“She’s already chosen a dress,” Debbie said through clenched teeth. Where had the woman been for the past twenty minutes?
Cheyenne propped a hand on her hip. “Well, if I’m going to pay for a dress, I think I should have a say in what dress my daughter gets.”
“You’re not paying for the dress.” Debbie’s head began to pound. She’d had about all she could take of this woman today.
“I know you have plenty of money, but you’re not her step-mother yet, so it’s not really your place to pay for it.”
Debbie bit back a comment about it not being Cheyenne’s place either, because she hadn’t been much of a mother for the past five years. Instead, she forced a smile and said, “Savannah will be paying for her own dress.”
“Oh.” Cheyenne’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think Austin had that kind of money.”
“She earned the money herself by working for me.” Debbie nudged Savannah toward the dressing room, turning her back on Cheyenne.
And I’ll make sure I slip her the cash as soon as we’re out of Cheyenne’s sight.
They couldn’t get out of the store fast enough to suit Debbie. When they walked out, Tucker still sat in his car. Still on the phone, like he was at the last store. Where that man found enough patience to put up with Cheyenne was beyond her.
After putting the dress box and accessories bag into her trunk, Debbie turned to Cheyenne. “Well, it’s been…” Debbie found herself at a loss for words. She couldn’t say fun, because it wasn’t. She couldn’t even say pleasant, because it had been the exact opposite.
Cheyenne pulled Savannah into a hug. “Thanks for letting me tag along. Maybe next time I’ll buy you the red dress.”
Debbie took in Savannah’s stiff posture and wondered if she needed to rescue the girl.
Fortunately, Cheyenne stepped back after a brief moment. “Well, we have a long drive back to Boise tonight. I’ll probably see you both sometime next week.” She slid into the Mercedes next to Tucker.
“I hope not,” Debbie said through tight lips as she tried to hold a smile that she hoped looked cordial.
