“I’m just browsing,” I said, cursing myself for not escaping the store sooner.
“You’re Olive, right? The new lighthouse keeper?”
I nodded, still not used to how small this town was. The arrival of one new person was a whole event.
“Are you looking for anythingspecific?”
Oh god, why does she have to be so helpful?Please just leave me alone to my suffering.
“It’s okay, really. I’m fine.”
How could I escape now? Maybe she would go back to the front of the store and then I could run away.
“That one is super pretty,” Emma said, leaning in a bit to see the dress I’d been looking at. It was black and sparkly, with a high slit on the skirt. The exact type of dress I’d love to wear. “Want to try it on?”
I took a slow, deep breath before speaking. “There aren’t any in my size. In fact, I don’t think you offer anything in my size in the entire store. So no, I think I’m just going to head out.”
Emma’s face fell, and I saw her eyes move down my body.
Yes, that’s it, really take in each of these rolls.
“Really? I’m so sorry. What size are you? I just started working here, but maybe?—”
“Look, it’s fine. I’ll figure something out.” I cringed at my harsh tone. This wasn’t Emma’s fault, but fuck, it was embarrassing to be in a huge store that didn’t have a single thing that fit me. And now Emma was practically tearing up beside me and I would have to awkwardly comfort her. I should have just stayed home. Told the guys I didn’t want to go out.
Before she could say anything else, my feet were already carrying me to the exit. “Don’t worry about it!” I called over my shoulder. “Nice to meet you!”
A burst of crisp fall air hit me as I launched myself out of the store. A few stray tears ran down my cheeks and I wiped them away quickly, my anger rising. I loved my body, loved my curves, and I hated that a stupid clothing store could make me feel like this.
What would I tell the guys?
I crossed my arms and headed down the street. I was so lost in my own head that I almost ran straight into Lucy.
“Hey! I just saw you out of the window of my shop…” She trailed off as she caught my expression. I quickly tried to force a smile on my face, but the swirling mix of humiliation, anxiety, and rage in my stomach made it almost impossible.
She reached out and grabbed my arm, squeezing it gently. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
I cleared my throat, but my voice still sounded thick when I spoke. “It’s nothing.”
Lucy fixed me with a fierce expression that was so unexpected for the sweet omega that it jolted me into telling the truth.
“The guys want to take me out to a fancy dinner and I have nothing to wear.”
Lucy’s face softened. “Oh, clothes are my thing! Let me help you, please!”
“That’s so sweet, but I don’t think?—”
She was now pulling me back the direction I’d come. “Star Styles is a bit limited in their selection, but I can tailor just about anything.”
I dug my heels in and we came to a stop. “I don’t think that’s going to help, Lucy. They don’t have anything big enough for me.”
She blinked and I braced myself for her pity, for that expression that said,Oh right, I forgot you’re fat.But instead, her eyes narrowed.
“Are you actually kidding me right now? That is so wrong! I make most of my own clothes so I don’t shop there, but how could they not be size-inclusive? I will be bringing this up at the next town meeting.”
“Umm, I don’t think?—”
“Inclusive sizing is a social justice issue,” Lucy said firmly. “But in the meantime, we can go to this boutique I love in Briar’s Landing. Or I could make you something!”
