We step inside and begin browsing. Tess and I move along the racks while Lisa heads toward a section with dresses. She pulls out a dark green dress, the fabric catching the light with a soft, silky sheen.
“That color would look gorgeous on you,” I say. Lisa studies it closely.
“Do you think it’s too much for a first date?”
“What are you doing on the first date?” Tess asks.
“It’s a bit of a strange story, but I told him he had to prove he can be a gentleman,” Lisa begins. “He said he’d take me to a fancy restaurant and maybe out for cocktails after.”
There’s a mix of nerves and excitement in her expression, and it makes me smile.
“This seems perfect for a fancy dinner and cocktails,” I suggest. “Try it on.”
Lisa agrees and heads straight for the fitting room, leaving Tess and me waiting outside.
“Do you think Holt caused the article?” I ask Tess. We hadn’t really heard the name Holt until yesterday morning, but now it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
“I’m honestly not sure, but don’t worry too much about it. I’m sure the guys have your back,” Tess reassures me.
“It feels like a lot,” Lisa says as she opens the curtain and reveals the dress. The silhouette hugs her body in all the right places, and she looks absolutely incredible.
“Are you kidding me? This is perfection,” I say immediately.
“I couldn’t agree more. You’re officially obligated to buy this dress,” Tess adds.
Lisa turns around, studying her reflection from every angle in the mirror.
“I do have some cute heels that would go well with this,” she says softly. “Ok, I’ll do it,” she adds after a brief pause, and Tess and I exchange satisfied smiles.
After Lisa pays for the dress, we follow her to another store.
“The team colors are blue and orange,” Lisa says, turning to study my face. “I think orange is the best option for you. What do you think?” she asks Tess.
Tess follows her lead and looks at me too, as though they’re evaluating me all over again.
“You are officially making me feel weird,” I laugh.
“Orange. Definitely orange,” Tess confirms before they both split up and start browsing the store. I shrug and follow along.
At one of the racks, I find an orange blouse that catches my eye. It’s made of a linen fabric with silver buttons.
“Oh, you should definitely try that,” Lisa says as she walks over, holding up an orange T-shirt. “I thought this might look nice as well,” she adds, pressing the shirt into my hands.
With both of them teaming up, I know I won’t win this debate, so I head to the fitting room to try everything on.
I quickly remove my shirt and try on the orange T-shirt first. It’s tighter than I expected and highlights areas I’d rather not emphasize.
“Definitely not,” I say, pulling the curtain open slightly so Tess and Lisa can see.
“We were right about the color, though,” Lisa replies, her positivity making me smile.
I close the curtain again and switch to the blouse. I’m not wearing a tank top underneath, so it’s slightly see-through, but it still looks flattering.
“Just imagine I’m not exposing myself and that I’m wearing something underneath,” I warn them before opening the curtain.
“Wear it like that and Zane will lose his mind,” Tess jokes, earning a sharp look from Lisa.
“I guess she might be right, but I’m choosing not to go there,” Lisa laughs. “The blouse looks amazing, though. I seriously think we have a winner already.”
