me to bring you soup? Ginger ale?
Oh Brian. Before I can type out a response, the rolling rack shifts. I toss my phone on the counter and right the rack before everything crumbles to the floor. The phone begins to vibrate and since I assume it’s Connor still offering me food, I slide the answer without looking at the caller.
“I don’t need soup, but I could use a hug and a kiss.”
Silence.
“Hello?” I look to the screen and read, “Unknown Caller.” Stupid spam calls. I hang up and type a quick response to Connor’s text message.
Me: My mom is sick. I’m covering for her at the store. Call you later.
Once I’ve hit sent, I toss the phone on the counter to finish the work I started. The door opens and the annoying sound my mom loves chimes, alerting me to a customer.
Rounding the counter, I shout a welcome to the customers and hope it’s one of my mom’s book club friends. Someone who is only here to browse and check up on me. I have no doubt the news that I’m covering for my mom has made its way through town.
“Felicity, honey. How are you?”
The familiar voice of my mom’s best friend draws a huge smile to my face. Charla Larson is one of the sweetest people in town. Plus, she likes me.
“Mrs. Larson, it’s nice to see you.”
“Oh please, you aren’t a child, call me Charla. How’s Loretta? I heard she was sick.”
By heard she actually means heard. Could’ve been at the market or the diner. Regardless, word spreads like wildfire around Lexington when anything new happens.
“Dad said she’s better after sleeping and taking more medicine. You know my mom; she’ll be back here tomorrow come hell or highwater. Now are you here to check up on me or do some shopping?”
“Charla, what do you think of this?” a woman asks from behind a rack. I follow the sound and see a beautiful blonde woman holding up a dress. I recognize her from around town. Dakota Jennings. I heard she just remarried. Heard. Dammit I’m just like everyone else.
“You could wear a potato sack and that husband of yours would love it. I think it’s a little boring, how about you, dear?”
When there isn’t a response, I turn my attention from the display of scarves I’m messing with and the two women staring at me. Dakota’s eyes are wide, pleading with me to save her. The wrap dress is a classic and the shade of red will look great on her. Instead of saying that, I step forward and offer her a smile.
“Oh my, where are my manners. Dakota, honey do you know Felicity? Her mama owns this wonderful establishment but is home ill. Felicity is a doll and covering for her. Now, what do you think of this dress?”
“It’s nice to officially meet you,” I say in greeting.
Dakota is polite and kind enough not to call me out on my poor behavior she’s experienced in the past and simply greets me with, “Hi.” Moving to the floor length mirror on the wall. Holding the side out, she sways from side to side.
“Maybe if I know the occasion I can be of more help.”
“I’m receiving an award for women in business.”
“So, are you going professional or—”
Sighing, Dakota slips the hanger back onto the rack. “The invitation said cocktail.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.”
Directing Dakota to the dressing room, I start pulling a few of the dressier options my mom carries. There aren’t too many, but I also saw a few separates that I think will work perfectly for her. For the next thirty minutes, she slips in and out of dresses. When she groans in frustration, I pull the two pieces that aren’t exactly a traditional dress, but I think they’ll be perfect for her.
Knocking on the door I wait for her to open it a crack. “If you’re willing to step outside the box a little, I have two pieces that will go together.”
“What can it hurt?” Extending her hand, she takes the hangers from me and says, “Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.”
“I have a good feeling about this. Tuck the top into the waistband of the skirt, which should rest on your upper waist. And, I’m guessing we’re about the same shoe size. These will work perfectly.”
Her eyes widen along with her smile. I had a feeling she’d love it. Leaving Dakota to get dressed, I meander around the store. Charla approaches and rests