“Yui, I found it.” A blonde omega associate that I recognized came over holding a scarf box.
“You’re the best, Christine.” Yui beamed.
“Of course. Oh, hi, Mr. Thanukos.” She beamed. “Emil told me that your mate wants some shoes and a bag. Let me get Mrs. Nakamura rung up and I’ll help you.”
That other associate froze.
“Christine will absolutely help you upgrade your purse collection,” Yui gushed
“Pam, can you get them some champagne, oh, and a lime soda. Get shopping room number three ready, please,” Christine called over her shoulder.
The associate nodded, looking unhappy. “Of course, Christine.”
“I’m looking for a mini backpack,” Riley told Christine. “Preferably black with silver spikes.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Christine’s eyes flickered to our purchases from the Everydoll boutique. “Would you like to see what we have in the Faun for Everydoll Collection? We do have matching backpacks, but I’m not sure what colors.”
Riley sucked in a breath. “My doll needs a backpack.”
“One of the ladies at my book club has a really cute tiny pink purse. Something like that in green would be fun. Or maybe a big work tote?” Grace suggested.
“Or all of them,” Yui laughed. “One can never have too many bags. If you're talking about Ansley, she has an entire collection of mini-Heathers, though she did get a mini-Gwen recently. They’re very rare, though I’m not really into bucket bags.”
“Oh, you’re inthatbook club? Must be nice to have the time to read fiction.” Sara rolled her eyes and checked her phone.
Yui turned to Grace. “It was so nice seeing you. I’ll be in touch about our next committee meeting for the carnival. Also, you should buy a table for the ballet gala.”
“Sounds fun.” Grace waved as Yui, Sara, and Christine went to the register.
“Spencer, you absolutely don’t need to get me a mini backpack. Really, I just want to see if she actually brings me one. Sasha keeps trying to get one, and so far no one has bought her one. Now one for my doll would be fun–or at least one of the little keychain ones? A lot of the girls at school have them as zipper pulls on their backpacks. They’re perfect for keeping your earbuds in,” Riley murmured.
Pam came over with a tray with three champagne glasses, all had strawberries, but one drink was clear like it had soda in it. She wore a glum look. “Your drinks.”
“Thanks. You two can have whatever you want,” I told Grace and Riley, feeling slightly petty. “Grace, I think you and your doll should get bags as well. Really, let me spoil you.”
“Thank you, Spence.” Grace ducked her head and grabbed a glass. “Thanks.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Riley grabbed her glass, whipped out her phone, and took a selfie.
“Um, is this one of those stores where they have to deem you worthy of the privilege of buying a purse that's as much as a car?” Grace’s voice went soft as she took a sip.
Riley nodded. “Yep. And you don’t even get to really choose. They’re likeHere’s the purse we think you deserve. Do you want it or not?Personally, I think their main bag is fugly. But some of their things are cute. I really want a mini backpack, and only partially because it will make my sister jealous.”
We sipped our champagne, which was quite decent, and looked around. Grace was texting someone, she also waved at Yui and Sara as they left.
Christine came back over to us. “Let’s go into the shopping room. I think I have some things you’ll really like.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Grace
Isat in a private shopping room at Faun surrounded by beautiful things, as we sipped champagne and had little cookies with the store’s logo on them. All the items had been carefully selected and brought over for us to choose from. I’d never experienced anything like this before.
This was surreal. My phone buzzed.
Verity
The dark green purse is beautiful. But the pink one is rarer if you care about such things. The black slouchy tote is too cute and probably the most practical investment. You could make it fun by tying scarves on the handle to match your outfits.
