Page 34 of Rewind

Amina not only received a lesson in how to best dress for her body type, but Paisley also took her to a cosmetics store where she got a full makeover and was given makeup tips.

As they left their last store, Amina groaned when she noticed Paisley practically skipping. “How do you still have so much energy?”

“I just love shopping!” Paisley twirled making all the bags she was holding spin like a merry-go-round.

“You’re like the energizer bunny,” Amina teased.

“My family says the same thing. I guess I’ve always been like this and I know it can be a lot for some people but I just like finding the joy in life, ya know? That’s what my mom taught me before she passed away.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you’d lost your mom.”

For the first time all day, Paisley’s smile faltered. “Yes, about five years ago. A lot of people say I get my personality from her.”

“Then she must have been a very lovely woman.”

“Thank you for saying that. She was. Anyway, I’m starving. We’re only a few blocks from Redding Terminal Market, there are tons of places to eat there.”

“Sure, although I gotta admit my feet are starting to kill me. We’ve done a lot of walking and shopping.”

“I know but this is great exercise. We can find someplace to sit when we’re there.”

“That place is always packed.”

“Think positive!”

Just as Amina predicted the market was slammed, full of people going to different vendors to try their wares. The delicious smell of food filled the air in the busy indoor market.

Amina ended up purchasing a chicken shawarma bowl, at a Mediterranean stall, and Paisley chose a burger and fries at another vendor. They managed to find seats at a counter.

“Look at all of our bags. I hope no one trips over them.”

Paisley waved her hand dismissively. “They’ll be fine. We’ve moved them far enough out of the way so no one gets hurt.”

“If you say so. I can’t believe you talked this vendor into letting us sit here. The sign says customers of this stall only.”

“He saw two hot women and let us get a pass.”

It was on the tip of Amina’s tongue to say she wasn’t hot but then she remembered what Ethan told her about working on her self-confidence.

“Well, I’m not sure if that’s the reason, but I’m grateful that he did because my dogs are killing me. I still don’t see how you’re not tired. When I get home, I’m going to take a long hot shower and then slide into bed.”

She took a bite of her food and moaned in delight.

“That looks good,” Paisley said with her mouth full of food. “I wish I was as adventurous with my meals.”

“You’re welcome to try my dish if you’d like.”

Paisley popped a fry into her mouth. “As yummy as that appears, I’ll have to decline. I’m not quite ready to try new things today. Besides, this burger is to die for. When I was growing up my dad was such a steak and potatoes kind of guy there wasn’t a lot of variation of our meals. I got used to just eating the basics. I guess that’s why I always have to have the same donut on donut day.”

“I’m not judging you but just like you were coaching me on getting out of my comfort zone with different outfits, you should try different foods. How about for the next donut day, I’ll buy you a different flavor and we start from there. If you don’t like it, you can have your regular one.”

Paisley pursed her lips and stroked her chin. “Hmmm, I guess that seems fair enough. Let’s vow to push each other into being more adventurous.”

Amina grinned. “It’s a deal. You know even though I’ve never been big on shopping, I really enjoyed myself today and I’mso glad you came out with me. I think I would have ended up buying a bunch of the same old outfits.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Paisley reached over and gently placed her hand on Amina’s. “I had a lot of fun today as well and I hope we can do this more often. I mean…. if it’s okay with her boyfriend.”

At the mention of Mark, a bit of the joy she’d felt slipped away, but she squared her shoulders. She was supposed to be turning over a new leaf and she wouldn’t let him ruin another one of her days. “I don’t think we have to worry about him for much longer.”

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