Page 236 of The First Time
I take in my reflection. The dress is beautiful. It hangs off my slim body, creating the illusion of soft curves.
I usually curse my slender frame. Between running and stress non-eating, I stay pretty thin.
It's a popular look in Manhattan, but it leaves me lacking in the T&A department.
"I love it," I say.
She beams. "Perfect. Let's stick with this for the party. Black is always classy. Blake gave me specific instructions. He wants to make sure you're comfortable with your wardrobe. I have another dozen dresses for you. And a bunch more casual wear. Or you can start looking yourself."
I don't know anything about clothes. I should accept her help. I should learn how to accept help. "Let's see them."
She smiles. "Excellent." She calls out to the main room, where Blake is waiting. "Mr. Sterling, we're going to be a while. You may want to get a coffee."
"I'll wait," he calls back.
She shakes her head. Lowers her voice. "He always needs everything just so." She steps backwards. "Strip for me, sweetheart. I'll be right back."
I nod. It's strange, stripping for a stranger, but I'm getting used to it.
I strip and hang the dress.
A few moments later, Ashleigh returns. She helps me into another dress. A long, purple one, with a deep v-neckline.
It's racy. Sexy. Daring.
It's the kind of person I want to be. "I love it."
She smiles. "Perfect. But I do need a few more, ahem, conservative things. Mr. Sterling's sister is very…"
"Judgmental?"
She nods. "Keep that between us. Even if he knows better than anyone."
She helps me into the next dress—powder pink chiffon, knee length, fitted, scoop neckline. She points to a pair of strappy silver sandals.
I step into them and take in my reflection.
God, it's like something out of a dream. Like I'm Cinderella getting ready for the ball.
Ashleigh tilts her head, taking me in again. She motions to my hair. "What about this?"
"What about it?" I've never done anything with my hair. It just hangs there. Limp, flat, refusing to hold a curl. It's not a particularly pretty shade of medium brown, but it's not bad either. It suits my complexion.
"We can style all sorts of fun updos. Ponytails are always chic. Or a bun. Or we could try something bolder. These dresses, they're loud. You want your hair and makeup as loud. Do you know how to do makeup?"
Uh… "A little."
"I'll make an appointment for you. For lessons."
"No. I'll schedule it." That actually sounds fun. I can take Lizzy. She's way more into girly stuff.
"Perfect." Ashleigh motions to my dress. "Strip for me again, sweetie. I have more for you."
I do.
She leaves and returns with another outfit. A regular outfit. Or rich people regular. Designer jeans. A cashmere sweater. A camisole that costs more than all my shoes combined.
I try it on. Then another similar outfit. Then another.
