Fitting Rooms and First Moves
1286 Words
✴ Scarlett ✴
The bell above the door chimed as Emily and I entered Matthews Couture. The warm air inside was a welcome contrast to the frosty chill outside. The boutique was a masterpiece of elegance, with racks of glittering gowns arranged like an artist's palette. My family had owned the shop for generations, and even now, after all these years, I was immensely proud of it.
“So beautiful,” Emily remarked as her eyes scanned the wide array of sequined, silk, and velvet creations.
“Not the first time you are seeing them,” I teased as I nudged her shoulder with mine.
“I don’t know…this year feels different,” she replied as she reached out and brushed her fingers against a shimmering emerald gown. Emily wasn’t wrong. This year did feel different. I wasn’t sure if it was Damien’s unexpected return or the fact that my own journey was on a different course. Either way, the air felt charged. Almost as if something big was about to happen.
“Ladies! Welcome!” Beverly, the boutique’s manager, and an old family friend, greeted us as she came over. “I have already pulled a few pieces that I think you will both love. Follow me,” Emily and I trailed after her to a private fitting room where a selection of gowns hung, each more dazzling than the other.
“Oh! Woah!” Emily exclaimed as she let out a low whistle. I chuckled as Beverly left us to try on the dresses. However, as Emily sifted through the dresses, her usual bubbly energy seemed more subdued. I watched her closely as she fidgeted with the hem of her sweater.
“Ok…I know something is going on…” I said as I crossed my arms across my chest. “So, spill the tea, what is going on?” Emily blinked slowly as she glanced over at me, and I couldn’t help but grin at the so-called innocent look she was trying to give me.
“What?” she asked.
“Give it up, bestie,” I said and when she hesitated, I frowned. “What’s going on?” I asked again.
“Well…you know how Josh and I…I mean, how we have been…I don’t know…flirting with each other?”
“Um…sure,” I said as I tried to hide my smile. I wouldn’t call it flirting, but it was one way to look at it.
“He…he asked me to be his plus one for the gala,” she finally revealed, and a slow smile spread across my face.
“Emily! That is amazing!”
“Do you think so?” she questioned as her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink.
“Are you kidding? You have been crushing on him for months!” I reminded her.
“I know…I just…I didn’t think he was interested…”
“Why not? The two of you have been flirting with each other since September,” I said as my own excitement grew for her. “I am so happy for you,” I added. Emily nodded, but I could tell that there was something else. Something she wasn’t telling me.
“I’m nervous though,” Emily admitted, and I nodded in understanding. “I mean…he is the Mayor, and this is a big event…what…what if I make…I mean, come on, Scarlett, what if I make a fool out of myself somehow?”
“That isn’t going to happen,” I said firmly. “You will be fine,”
“Maybe,”
“No, not maybe. You, Emily Quinn, are beautiful, and funny, and it’s about time Josh took action. You deserve happiness, Emily,” I told her, and she nodded as a big smile spread across her face. “Besides, now I don’t have to worry about you crushing over Damien,” I teased. Emily laughed as she shook her head.
“Oh, please. Damien Gale? He is not my type, too broody,” we laughed over that, but eventually, we turned our attention back to the dresses. We spent the next hour trying on dress after dress until Emily finally settled on a deep sapphire gown that made her look like royalty. I chose a crimson velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline with intricate beadwork that sparkled like fresh snow. After finalizing the alterations, Emily and I headed to Hearts Café for lunch. The place was decked out in full Christmas splendor, with garlands draped over every surface and a massive tree twinkling in the corner. We ordered a festive lunch – turkey cranberry paninis and peppermint hot chocolate – before we took a seat in a booth by the window.
“So, tell me more about this,” I said as I leaned back in my seat and watched my friend. “When did Josh ask you to be his plus one?”
“Actually, he stopped by my place last night after dinner,” she said, her cheeks once again a dark shade of pink. “I just…it’s so surreal. A date with Josh…it’s like something out of a movie,”
“Better than a movie, since it is real…but you deserve it, Emily, and who knows…this may be the start of something big for the two of you,” I said as our server came over to drop off our hot chocolate. However, before either of us could pick up the conversation, someone approached our booth.
“Scarlett?” I looked up to see Damien standing beside our table, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored coat.
“Damien,” I said as I tried my best to keep my voice steady. Emily’s gaze flickered between the two of us, her expression was a mixture of curiosity and mischief.
“Do you mind if I join you for a moment?” he asked, his gaze fixed on me.
“Oh, of course,” I said as I gestured across from me. Emily’s eyes went wide, but instead of sliding in next to Emily, Damien slid in next to me. His presence somehow made the space feel even smaller. “Um, Damien, this is Emily…but I’m sure you remember her,” I said a bit awkwardly. Damien glanced over at Emily with a polite smile, before he turned back to me.
“I want to apologize for last night,” Damien said. “I recognized you, but it took me a moment to remember your name,” I was surprised. I hadn't thought he had recognized me.
“It’s been a long time,” I said softly.
“It has,” he agreed, and it was almost as if we were the only two people in the world. Everything else had just faded away. Not even the ‘jingle’ of the bell broke the sudden bubble I found myself in with Damien. “Scarlett…are you attending the gala this weekend?” Damien then asked, his voice low and deep.
“Yes,” I answered, and Damien’s gaze was steady as he watched me closely.
“Perfect,” he said, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I look forward to seeing you there,” I nodded and when he leaned in and kissed my cheek, I blushed. Damien then nodded at Emily before he slipped out of the booth and headed to the counter up front.
“Ok…what was that?!” Emily questioned softly, and I quickly shook my head as my heart raced rapidly.
“Nothing,”
“Nothing? Oh please, you and Damien Gale? Now that would be a Christmas miracle,” Emily stated, and I ducked my head as I smiled.
- Writer
