Page 118 of Fall I Want
“I mean, I get why,” I tell her with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “Your brother is great.”
She nods. “And I think you’re the only woman he’s been with who’s recognized that.”
“How is that possible?”
“Because he’s actually himself when he’s with you.”
She flicks her fingers through a few more racks, handing me sweaters and high-waisted pants, then leads me to the corner of the room that opens up into a hallway with doors. “Let’s focus on finding you something to wear for tonight first.”
“Perfect.” I’m genuinely excited as I hang the fine fabrics on the hooks in the oversized dressing room.
Knowing actual models have stood back here has me shaking my head. How am I here right now, hanging out with Lucy, the girl I became besties with on a random October weekend?
I unzip the back of the first gown she handed me and wiggle inside. The sheer sleeves of the midi dress give the style an elegant look with a hint of sexy from the split that reveals the upper thigh.Details are cut out under the bust. It’s classy and fits like it was personally made for my body. I stare at myself in the mirror, spinning around, amazed.
“Let me see,” Harper says.
I step out and give her my best mock runway strut. I catch a glint of the mesh material sparkling in the bright overhead lights.
“Wow. Yes, you absolutely have to wear this tonight. Oh, hold on.”
She runs to the other side of the room and returns with a pair of black high heels. “A nine?”
“Yeah,” I tell her, sliding my feet into them, which will make me three extra inches closer to Zane’s mouth.
“That’s the outfit. A total showstopper. Heads will turn when you enter. My only regret is not being there to witness it,” she says with a grin. “Don’t try to talk me into it. Season four ofProject Runwayis calling my name.”
I change in and out of dresses and jumpers, loving every single thing she gave me. “These clothes were practically made for you. Geez, I want to put you on the runway.”
“Oh, stop. You’re just being kind.”
After one final sweep, Harper and I load everything into garment bags, then she gives the driver several addresses. For hours, we enter stores with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and thirty-thousand-dollar dresses on the walls.
Harper helps me pick out a few bathing suits too. It was a miracle anyone had stock, considering October is right around the corner. She doesn’t allow me to pay for a thing, even though I offer Zane’s card.
When we’re done, I’m ready to drop, but we make one last stop. It’s not a department store or a high-rise building either, it’s a mansion on a street of beautiful homes.
“I called in a favor,” Harper says, unlocking her phone andchecking the time. “Makeup and hair from one of the best in the city. You have exactly three hours before Weston’s party starts. I told my brother you’d meet him there.”
“I just got super nervous.”
“Do you trust me?” she asks.
“I do,” I tell her, because I have no idea how to navigate this world that I’ve somehow slid into. “Will you give me a rundown of what I need to expect? I feel lost.”
She gives me a sweet smile as she leads me down the cobblestone sidewalk. The door swings open and a beautiful man with gorgeous eye shadow appears.
“Harper, sweetie.” They exchange kisses on the cheek and Harper steps aside.
“Oliver,” she says. “You smell great. What is that?”
“Just a new scent that hasn’t been released yet. One of my clients dropped it off,” he says.
Harper grins wide. “This is Autumn. My future sister-in-law.”
“I’m Oliver.” His mouth falls open and he smiles wide, showing his perfect teeth. “Girl, you’re fucking beautiful. Those cheekbones and lips are to die for. What a canvas!”
I laugh and immediately feel comfortable.
