Page 11 of One Night Together

CHAPTER 8

CASSIE

“Hi, Marta,” Lucy called out, entering the boutique.

Cassie had a few favorite boutiques in town, but she’d never shopped at Marta’s before.

“Hi, Lucy.” Marta came from around the counter.

“This is my friend, Cassie,” Lucy said, gesturing to Cassie.

“Nice to meet you,” Marta said. She was about Cassie’s age and wore a stylish sundress. She had round cheeks and a long braid swinging behind her. “You brought the babies,” Marta exclaimed. “How old are they now?” Marta crouched in front of the stroller to see Sarah and Grace.

“They’re almost two.” Lucy beamed as Marta and Grace played peek-a-boo. This Lucy was different from the shy woman Cassie had met in Los Angeles. Marriage and motherhood were perfect for her.

“Marta, would you mind keeping an eye on them for a few minutes?”

“Take your time. Visiting with Sarah and Grace is the highlight of my day.”

Lucy browsed through a collection of scarves, selecting a few different colors.

Cassie headed to the rack of dresses, pushing through them one at a time with a critical eye. Nothing was right for her. She turned back around to see Lucy frowning at her.

“Oh no, you don’t.” Lucy stalked towards her with a determined expression. “Let’s take another look at those dresses.” Lucy slid the dress hangers across the bar, studying each one. “You have to try on a few to find out what looks good. Trust me.” Lucy selected a few dresses “Let’s find a dressing room.”

Cassie followed Lucy, figuring she try on a few things and then they could go.

The first two dresses were all wrong. One was too short, and the other was way too tight.

“This is why I usually wear loose skirts.” Cassie wiggled out of the tight dress.

“I’ve never been skinny,” Lucy said with understanding. “Especially after being pregnant, but Justin doesn’t complain.”

Conflicting emotions bubbled up inside Cassie. She blamed herself for putting up with Owen’s criticism, but that didn’t stop the pain from threatening to spill over. She’d never had much acceptance from Owen and hoped she would find the kind of support Lucy had.

Lucy took the last dress off the hanger and held it out to her. “Okay, one more and we’ll call it a day.”

Cassie gave her a silent nod, blinking back her tears.

Lucy studied Cassie. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Cassie glanced away. “I’m happy for you and Justin. He loves you unconditionally.”

Lucy’s brows drew together. “Did Owen do something to hurt you?”

She shook her head in response, barely holding back tears. How could she explain this to Lucy? She’d never told any of her friends.

“Cassie, look at me.” She considered her friend’s compassionate expression. “I think there’s more going on than Owen breaking up with you. We’re good friends. You can tell me anything.”

She brushed away a few tears. “I think Owen was attracted to my mind more than my body.”

“Did he shame you?” Lucy’s eyes were warm, but her voice was firm.

“Not specifically. He had opinions about me wearing certain things, especially anything revealing.” She trusted Lucy, but she was too embarrassed to offer more details. She reached for her skirt.

“Stop it.” Lucy grabbed the skirt out of Cassie’s hand and tossed it aside. “Don’t let him win. You’re beautiful. Now try on this dress, and take your life back.”

“Okay,” Cassie said through a shaky smile. She slipped the dress over her head. It was a mint-green silk maxi dress with a halter top and a side-slit up to her mid-thigh. The silk felt light and soft against her skin without clinging too much to her curves. She looked pretty damn good.

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