Page 78 of The Perfect Melody

Sensing I’m overwhelmed, Jordan steps closer. “I’ve grouped a few things I think will work as complete outfits together. Feelfree to mix and match, but I thought you might like a starting point.”

“Thank you. It’s been a while since I bought anything outside of work clothes or comfy stuff. I’m a bit nervous.”

Jordan gives me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t you worry. I promise we will find at least one outfit here today that you feel great in. I won’t hover, but just give me a shout if you need anything.”

“Thanks.” Jordan strides off, and I’m left staring at the array of clothes in front of me like something might leap out and bite me.

Daphne and Mei exchange a loaded look, then Mei edges closer. “You don’t have to try anything on if you don’t want to. We can leave.”

“No, I—I want to. Sorry, I just don’t like clothes shopping—it stresses me out.”

“Well, we’re here to make it as low-stress as possible. Try stuff on, and if you’re not sure about something and want a second opinion, come out and show us.”

“OK, I will.” I eye the options in front of me. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“There’s no rush,” Daphne says. “I’m off today, and Mei’s on the late shift at Bowman’s. We have plenty of time.”

The heavy velvet curtain makes a soft whoosh as I close it. I hang the three items I collected myself on the end of the metal bar mounted to the back wall. Deciding to dive right in, I take off my jeans and t-shirt, setting them on the little stool in the corner. I grab the first outfit Jordan compiled, not looking in the mirror to my left until I’ve put the leather pencil skirt on and tucked in the silk blouse. Hm. It looks good, but it’s not me. Wasting no time, I hang the items back up and move on to the next outfit. I wiggle into the long-sleeved corset-style top, then step into the burgundy high-waisted trousers. Not bad.

I open the curtain to show Mei and Daphne. “What do you think?” I ask.

Daphne tilts her head, looking at me appraisingly. “It suits you.”

“But?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look a little uncomfortable?”

I grimace. “It’s the shoulders.” I tug lightly at where the material rests slightly too wide, making me feel like it’s about to slide down at any moment. “They don’t quite sit right, but it’s because I’m narrow.” It’s not the first time I’ve had this problem, and it won’t be the last.

“Then it’s not the one,” Daphne says.

Mei nods in agreement. “Clothes are supposed to fitus—we’re not supposed to contort ourselves to fit into them.”

My lips part in shock. At every fitting I’ve ever had, Miranda always tutted and huffed whenever I needed alterations, and that was when I needed something takenin. God help me if I needed the next size up for anything—then I’d be subjected to a lecture on how important it was to keep myself in shape. I hate that phrase, ‘in shape’. I’m a person, that’s my fucking shape. Mei and Daphne acting as if the top not fitting is no big deal shouldn’t feel revolutionary, yet it does.

Stepping back behind the curtain, I take a few deep breaths to gather myself. The last thing I want is for anyone to notice the swell of emotions inside me. I give my hands and arms a quick shake to help banish all thoughts of Miranda. My mother has no say in what I wear now. It’s time I shut her ever-critical voice out of my mind.

I try a couple more things on without bothering to show the girls. The clothes are great, and they fit well, but they don’t feel like me. Then I pick up a royal-blue tea dress. The moment I putit on, I know it’s coming home with me. Still, I step out to show Daphne and Mei, giving them a little twirl.

“That’s the one,” Mei says with a decisive nod.

Daphne’s smile widens as I strike a pose. “Look at you, feeling yourself. Youhaveto get this one.”

“I will.” Encouraged by our first success, I dart back into the changing room to try on what’s left.

By the time I’m done, I have five new pieces of clothing, including the satin skirt I chose myself and the tea dress. I’ve also gained an appreciation for shopping with friends. Mei and Daphne made an experience I’d been dreading fun. Jordan nods approvingly at my selection, and I thank them for their help—three of the five items I’m leaving with were chosen by them. Mei doesn’t get anything, but Daphne steps up to the till after me to buy a polkadot blouse with a keyhole neckline. It’s not something I’d ever choose for myself, but it fits her slightly vintage style perfectly.

“Thank you so much for doing this with me,” I say, as we exit the shop.

“It was fun. I hope you have a great time on your date tonight,” Daphne replies.

“Austin won’t know what to do with himself when he sees you all dressed up,” Mei tells me.

Laughing, I shake my head. The new clothes make me feel great, but I think she’s exaggerating a touch. Austin is hardly the dramatic type. “See you soon.” With a little wave to them both, I head back to The Dragonfly to relax in my room before I need to get ready.

Chapter Thirty

Cassie