Page 98 of Unapologetic Love Story

‘I’m on a budget,’ she told her sister.

‘Yeah, yeah,’ Solana said, waving away the statement. ‘Where are the lifts.’

The two sisters moved to the rather ancient, though very stylish, lifts at the back of the building. Raina laughed as Solana impatiently hit the button several times.

‘They take their own sweet time.’

‘Be nice; they’re old,’ Raina said.

While they waited, she became aware of a young woman staring at them both. She was a member of staff, and Raina was about to assure her that they were all right and not attempting to vandalize the lifts when the woman opened her mouth and let out a noise of astonishment.

‘It’s you!’

Raina smiled, a little uncertainly. ‘Hello.’

‘Oh, my God! You’re her!’

A strong Scottish accent. Peroxide blonde hair and a few piercings that would never be allowed in Harrods but were obviously very welcome in Liberty. Sharp features that were intimidating in a neutral expression but beautiful when she smiled.

‘You’re Tom’s sister?’

‘Yes!’ cried the young woman, grinning widely. ‘Mirren!’

She shook Raina’s hand vigorously. Raina glanced about and then felt instantly foolish. Of course he wasn’t here; he was working. She introduced Mirren to her own little sister and as the lift doors finally opened, Mirren got in with them.

‘Tom mentioned you might come by today,’ she told the two of them as they selected their floor. ‘I’m to take extra special care of you.’

‘Oh, that’s not necessary,’ Raina said, blushing. She never blushed.

‘He insisted. And I want to! He’s like a different man these days.’

Solana snorted and Raina shut her up with a nudge. The doors slid open, and the three women stepped out into the wide level of women’s fashion. Raina swallowed, feeling suddenly nervous. She was a big fan of charity shops and strategic shopping. She wasn’t the type to treat herself very often.

‘This is for the Mondays, right?’ Mirren asked, her voice taking on a serious, business-like tone.

‘Yes,’ Raina and Solana said at once.

‘So . . . formal but fun.’

‘And not too breasty,’ Raina said quietly, gesturing to her chest. ‘I love a strapless, but it’s a risk.’

‘We’ll get options,’ Mirren assured her, and Solana nodded sagely. ‘Come this way.’

Fifteen minutes later, Raina was in a large dressing room while Mirren hung up three different gowns.

‘We have pale-pink satin with a cowl neck,’ she said, placing Option One on the rack. ‘Little black number.’ Option Two. ‘Or sequined halter.’ Option Three.

Raina tried all three on and modelled them up and down the shop floor. Mirren and Solana were sat on some chairs, whispering to one another as they inspected each choice.

‘Cut the black,’ Solana said boldly. ‘Your legs look great but it’s not formal enough.’

‘Agreed,’ Raina said, examining her reflection. ‘What about the pink satin?’

‘My favourite so far,’ Solana said, nodding. ‘But I don’t know . . . something is missing.’

Just as Raina was about to agree with her sister, an older woman with silvery hair and incredibly well-tailored black work clothes appeared on the floor. She looked quite grave, enough to panic Raina into feeling that she didn’t belong. The woman took a long, steady look at Raina and then barked out two words.

‘Wait there.’