Page 101 of Shiny Things

“I guess. They actually had a dress that would have looked stunning on you. And I really didn’t want it to be true. I’m sorry that ever happened to you.”

“It’s not a big deal, Gia. Comes with the name. People aren’t treated equally around here. I know you and Elias don’t fully comprehend that, but it’s true. The class system is alive and well.”

“Yeah, but that’s not okay with me. And I did like that store, and now I have to shun it until they seriously kiss your ass or close down.”

“What? Why? You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. We’re family, and you’re a really good person and don’t deserve any of that bullshit, Kim.”

“I love you, but you can’t fight my battles for me. Did you really have another place to go?”

“Maybe. There’s a new little shop around the corner that I’ve been wanting to try. Let’s see what she’s got.”

We walked two streets over, and I was a bit confused because we were heading to what most would consider the ghetto of Ravenden, not that it looked any different than where we’d just come from. Everything was just as clean and nice here.

She surprised me when she stopped in front of Frieda’s Custom Designs.

“This is Frieda Pierce’s shop. Why would you want to go in here?”

“I passed by it the other day and saw a beautiful gown that I really wanted. Want to check it out?”

“Sure. I guess.”

The place was new, and Frieda was struggling to find clients for what she really wanted to do. I knew she was frustrated because she was great at what she did and could design and make absolutely anything, but since she was a Pierce, no one above a Grimes would give it a second glance.

Gia walked inside with her head held high just as she had in the last store. Frieda was in the back room and yelled out, “Be with you in just a second.”

When she stepped into the room and saw Gia, she nearly did a double take and then quickly tried to cover her shock. Gia’s red hair, which was uncharacteristic of most raven shifters, made her stand out everywhere she went.

“Gia. Hello. Welcome. What can I do for you today?” It was the sort of greeting she was used to getting anywhere she went. Then Freida looked at me and instead of the disdain I’d witnessed at the last place, her face lit up. “Kim! It’s so good to see you. What brings you ladies in today?”

Gia relaxed and genuinely smiled. “Much better.”

“I need a dress because I’m being dragged to a Ginny Davenport party tomorrow.”

Frieda’s face lit up with excitement. “Okay. What did you have in mind?”

“Since we’re on crunch time, can we see what you have in stock?” Gia asked. “I know there was a dark green dress in the window last week that I adored.”

“You did?” she asked. “I mean, I have it right back here. The neckline wasn’t quite working for me, so I tweaked it some.”

“Wait, you made it yourself?”

“Of course, Frieda’s Custom Designs. I make all the clothes I sell here.”

She retrieved the dress and started to hand it to me.

“No, that one’s for me. Sorry Kim. But I really love this dress.”

“It’s fine. I was thinking of something blue because it always brings out the color of my eyes.”

“Oh, I have something that may work perfectly. I’ll be right back.”

I had to admit, trying on dresses and doing the whole girlie thing with Gia had been a lot more fun than I would ever admit. Frieda had the perfect dresses for the both of us. Afterward, we went to the salon to get haircuts, manicures, and pedicures.

Word must have been traveling quickly after the little incident in my most hated shop because every salesperson we came in contact with for the rest of the day kissed my ass and went out of their way to be accommodating to me.

“Today was actually sorta fun. Thanks.”

---