Page 85 of Already Home

“I like that,” Violet said. “Discount is more my budget.”

“You’re trendy,” Beth said, parking the car. “Why would youwant to spend a lot on something that’s only going to be in style for a fewmonths? But for classic pieces you’ll keep for years, buy the best you canafford. Consignment is often the way to go.”

“Good advice,” Violet said, following her into the store.

It was open and bright, with high ceilings and lots of windows.Racks of clothes stretched out in all directions.

“Impressive,” Violet said, when what she meant was“intimidating.” Where was she supposed to start?

Beth pointed. “The designer section is over there. You’reskinny enough that everything will fit you. Ignore the bitterness in my voice,by the way. Although I did lose two pounds last week.”

“Good for you,” Violet said. “You’re not dieting, are you?”

Beth patted her hip. “I can’t find anyone to do it for me,unfortunately.”

Violet looked at the other woman’s curves. “You’re beautiful.Why would you want to change anything?”

Beth smiled, then hugged her. “Thank you. These days I’mfeeling short and stout, much like the little teapot.”

Violet was going to ask why, then realized the reason hadSerenity written all over it.

She wanted to tell Beth not to compare herself to the otherwoman—that they were totally different—but it was unlikely Beth would listen. Nomatter how many times Violet managed to fit into a situation, she was stillbraced to be found out. For someone to stand up, point their finger and call hera whore. She supposed everyone had demons.

Beth searched through jackets, pulling out two or three,studying them, then putting half of them back. When she’d loaded Violet downwith half a dozen, she led her to the triple mirror by the dressing rooms andplopped into a chair.

“Let the fashion show begin.”

At Beth’s instruction, Violet had worn a plain white tank overblack jeans. Of her own accord, she’d left her signature bracelets at home andhad only worn one pair of earrings. Her makeup was unusually soft, her hair moretousled than spiked.

She took the first jacket and tried it on. The black fabric wasa soft wool, tailored, and yet it hung loosely.

“I like it,” Beth said as she stood, dumping the remainingjackets onto the chair. “Very simple. The shoulders are right.” She moved behindViolet and smoothed the fabric. “It’s all about fit.”

Next to the mirror were a couple of pincushions filled withpins. Beth picked up a few and went to work. Violet couldn’t see what she wasdoing in back. She felt a few tugs, and suddenly the jacket fit her perfectly,emphasizing her waist while still looking classy.

“What did you do?”

“Pinned it in a little, just to give you an idea of how it’ssupposed to look. Life is a lot better with a good seamstress, let me tell you.I can give you the name of the person I use. She’s not cheap, but she’s thebest. I’m faking it, but at least you can get an idea of how it will be.”

She moved around to Violet’s front and studied her. “Maybeshorten the sleeves by a hair, too,” she murmured before handing Violet a hangerand holding up the next jacket.

They went through each of the jackets the same way, with Bethstudying them, then adjusting with pins when necessary. She found a couple ofadorable cocktail dresses, one of which was only twelve dollars, and severalpairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes in her size.

Two hours later, Violet had two dresses, a skirt, four tops, ajacket, three scarves, four pairs of shoes and a Prada handbag. The pricesranged from twelve dollars to two hundred. The latter should have made herwhimper, but she pulled out her credit card happily. She had the savings tospend more on clothes but had never seen the point. Until Cliff.

“You’ve been great,” she told Beth as their purchases were rungup. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“I’ve had a wonderful time,” Beth assured her. “I don’t get toshop like this much anymore. Now, we’re going directly to my seamstress so youcan get fitted.”

“I don’t want to keep you. You can just give me theaddress.”

“I want to come. It’s fun for me. You’re so pretty. It shouldannoy me, but it doesn’t.”

Violet laughed, then felt an unexpected pang. The longing andloss were for what had never existed in her life.

“Jenna is fortunate to have you.”

Beth smiled.

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