Page 257 of Unexpected Ever After

That’s totally random.

Me: Will do.

Within ten seconds he responds.

Xan: What is your favorite color? Don’t tell me, show me tonight.

Whatever.

“Finally, we’re done,” I mumble under my breath. This is the last thing on the rack I have to try on. One last time to open this curtain and wait for Henley and Saylor to ooh and ahh over whatever I’m wearing.

This one is heavy because it’s mostly sequins. Bubble gum pink, shades of green, and even a bit of gold make up the wrap type of top. I’m currently wearing it with a pair of white shorts and cream wedges.

“It’s pretty, but I don’t think I’d ever wear this thing out. It’s too heavy,” I call out to Saylor.

“Yes, you are. That is beautiful on you and perfect for a night out or a party with a cream pencil skirt and heels.”

“But . . .,” I begin. Then Henley looks up from her phone and glares at me.

“I don’t care if you only wear it one time, but, Kollyns, that is stunning on you, you have to get it.”

“Whatever,” I say, deciding it’s not worth the fight. “All I want is to put on something comfortable and sit for a while.”

Saylor and Henley look at each other both smirking but I don’t care. “Can I put on the soft romper and wear it home?” I ask Saylor. She nods in response and hands it to me.

“Once you bring those out, we’ll begin the shoe and lingerie portion of this day.”

My eyes bug out of my head at that comment. “Fine, you ladies go crazy and bring everything to me while I take up residence on that couch and rest.”

I quickly change into the romper and find my place on the couch. I blow the wisps of blond hair out of my face. My braid is a mess from all the changing and frankly I don’t give a damn how I look anymore. I’m exhausted.

Saylor brings boxes and boxes of shoes for me to try on. Booties, sandals, flats and even some super high heels. “Nothing over four inches. I played sports for too many years and my ankles don’t like to be so high off the ground.”

Saylor gives me a questioning look, but I stand my ground. I’m not wasting money on something I know I will never wear.

Then I begin opening the smaller boxes, which include ballet flats, glittery ankle T-straps, and even a pair of cream sneakers. I try on each pair to decide what I like and don’t, while Henley brings over the most outrageous lingerie sets for me to choose between.

“Seriously, Hen? I’m not picking any of those. I don’t wear thongs and you know it. If you want me to choose anything you bring, you need to bring some panties that cover the junk in my trunk.”

She stands there staring at me and I turn my focus back to the shoes. “Oh, and they better not ride up. That’s just like wearing a thong,” I say, not even looking up at her.

I slide my left foot into a flat black sandal with a strap around the ankle and strap between my toes. They’re the strangest thing I’ve ever seen, but man, are they comfortable. Standing up, I walk to the mirror and around the couch. These are a yes for sure.

“Add these to the yes pile,” I direct Saylor.

Henley comes up with a blush pink plunge bra with a hot pink lace overlay. It’s pretty, but I’m fine with my basic colors. If some man is put off because I wear basics, then he needs to get the fuck away from me.

Then she shows me a red bodysuit with lace under the bustline and adjustable straps. It’s stunning and has a full back.

“Red,” I tell Henley. “But not the pink.”

She smirks and hands the red bodysuit to Saylor. We continue this way for another hour at least. I finally have all kinds of lingerie, shoes, and clothes to wear. When Saylor asks if I want pajamas or nighties I draw the line.

“No. I have my favorite sleep shirts. I’m not wearing something froufrou or lacy. That’s a hard no.”

We’re all exhausted, so no one argues with me. Thank the lord, because poor Saylor is close to seeing courtroom KJ and she’s generally a demanding boss bitch.

“It’s been wonderful spending the day with you ladies. I’ll get this all boxed up and delivered to Mr. Lake’s,” Saylor states. “But if you’d like to wear a pair of the sandals with your romper, just let me know which ones and I’ll include your clothes with everything.”

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