Page 31 of James

Laura shook her head. “Oh, to have that much energy at her age.”

Suzie nodded. “Yeah, she’s something all right.”

Wilma returned with dark green fabric draped over her arm. “You’re what we call a ‘winter type.’ You could also say you look like Snow White. You can wear intense colors, but I would advise against pastels.”

She shook out the garment and held it up in front of her. It was a unique creation, with the bodice and skirt connected by a rich emerald green, but in different fabrics.

“Why don’t you try it on? I think it will suit you,” Wilma urged.

Laura took the dress from her tentatively. “I don’t know if I can afford such an exquisite dress.”

Wilma made a reassuring sound and pursed her lips. “If you wantdedress, it is yours for two-hundred dollars.”

Although it would be a stretch, Laura decided she could manage it. She went into the dressing room, wriggled out of her own clothes, and slipped on the dress. She fumbled around with the zipper at her back before stepping into the main area.

Suzie gasped and Wilma nodded vigorously, but the butterflies swarmed in Laura’s stomach as she went to face the mirror. Her jaw dropped open as she stared at thestranger reflected there. The dress possessed an understated elegance, clinging to curves Laura didn’t even know she had, and bringing out the green color in Laura’s hazel eyes.

Suzie came up beside her and they locked eyes in the mirror. “You look beautiful. That dress is most definitely the one for you.”

Wilma piped in. “I think she’s right, sweetheart. I think I would want to make a small adjustment below your breasts. You have a great hourglass figure, and most size tens don’t have such a tiny waist.”

Laura looked a bit dubious. “When could you make the adjustments? I was going to wear it tonight.”

Wilma patted her cheek. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. If you have one or two errands to do, I can have it done in an hour.”

Suzie beamed. “It gives us plenty of time to find shoes and accessories.”

Laura was a bit overwhelmed as she let Wilma take the needed measurements and changed back into her own clothes. They waved their goodbyes to the elderly lady and left the shop.

“I can’t believe how little she’s charging for it!” Laura exclaimed.

Suzie nodded and linked her arm with her sister. “She told me once she doesn’t want or need to make a profit. She just needs to make enough to break even. It gives her the opportunity to create clothes and make people happy. What do you think, is there room in your budget for shoes?”

“I suppose I can find some. But do I need them?” Laura balked.

“What wereyou thinking of wearing with the dress, those boring flats?” Suzie demanded sternly.

Laura smiled at the visual and shook her head. “Of course not, I have my black work pumps…” She trailed off as Suzie scoffed and pulled her into shoe store.

Twenty minutes later Laura was the proud owner of a pair of golden-brown shoes with higher heels than she’d ever worn. It was a challenge to walk in them, but Suzie had been right. The heels effortlessly elevated her style, adding an elegant touch even to her jeans. They would be fabulous with the dress.

Half an hour later, they were relaxing with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Laura opted for cold and black, nothing but coffee and ice. Suzie ordered a half & half blended with ice made into a smoothie with added whipped cream on the top with a little chocolate syrup. The kids must keep Suzie thin, Laura thought. Those calories would have settled on her own hips immediately.

After buying the shoes, they planned to hunt for jewelry, but Laura remembered she had a pair of earrings that had belonged to their mother. Suzie agreed they would be perfect. Besides, with the dress and shoes Laura had spent enough money already. As they returned to the boutique, Wilma was wrapping up the dress for them to take home. “Now, you have fun, sweetheart,” Wilma called after them as they left.

A wide smile creased the sides of Laura’s face as she surveyed the shopping bags.I certainly plan to!

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“You look absolutely stunning.” The kiss James gave her was chaste enough, but the heat in his eyes showed his thoughts were anything but.

Laura returned his smile.Count on the man to make her feel all flustered and self-conscious.“Why, thank you, James. You look pretty good yourself.”

He was wearing dark slacks over polished dress shoes. His dark long-sleeved shirt had the top few buttons open, displaying a strong neck. With the sleeves down, she couldn’t see if he was wearing his watch. She wished she was brazen enough to stroke his arm to find out.

Behind them, the maître d' cleared his throat and broke the spell. They turned towards him and were escorted to their table. Once they received their menus and the waiter poured them some water, they were alone again.

James glanced over his menu at Laura, making her want to check her make-up and hair. He cleared his throat. “My vanilla dating skills are a bit rusty. This is different from a hookup at the club. I realize our firstencounter wasn’t exactly normal. How about I tell you a bit about myself and you do the same?”

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