like something and I feel good in it, I buy it. I can't categorise my style. 'I don't have a style really.' I shrug, and her eyes light up. That must have been a good answer.
'Lots of dresses,' Jesse interrupts. 'She likes dresses.'
'You like dresses.' I mutter, earning myself a nudge of his knee.
She smiles, revealing a perfect set of Hollywood, too white teeth. 'You're about a ten, yes?'
'Yes.' I confirm.
'Not too short.' Jesse spits quickly.
I look at him with my mouth agape. This is what I knew would happen. I'm not generally a short dress person, but he's turning me into one with his caveman attitude.
Zoe laughs. 'Jesse, she has fantastic legs. It would be a shame to waste them. What shoe size are you, Ava?'
I like her. 'I'm a five.'
'Great, let's go.' She stands, and I join her. Jesse gets up too.
'I can't believe you've done this to me.' I whine as he dips and kisses me on the cheek. I like Zoe, but I would much prefer to be left to my own devices.
He sighs. 'Ava, let me have my fun,' He leans in and crowds me. 'I get my own little fashion show with my favourite lady modeling.' He pouts.
'Who gets to pick the dress, Jesse?'
He nuzzles my nose. 'You do. I'm just observing. I promise. Go on, knock yourself out.' He sits back down on the sofa and starts making a call. I'm relieved. I don't think I could bear him following us around the store, trampling everything I give a second look at.
Zoe leads me through the department. 'So, you're being spoiled today?' she asks on a friendly smile. She is lovely, but those teeth are really very white.
'I am, under duress.' I return her smile.
'You don't want to be spoiled?' she laughs, picking up a long, green gown and presenting it to me. It's lovely but more Kate's colour than mine. I give a little apologetic shake of my head. She mirrors it. 'No, I agree. What about this one?' She places a hand on a lovely Grecian style dress.
'That's lovely.' I admit, but it also looks very expensive.
'It is. We'll try it. What about this?'
'Wow!' I blurt at the cream, tight number with a thigh high slash up the leg. 'Jesse can be a bit uptight with overexposure.' I laugh as I hold the split open. You would have to shave everything off!
'He can?' She looks at me curiously. If she says... 'He's so laidback.' she adds.
No, he's not!
I release the dress and move on to a red satin one. 'Not with me,' I mutter. 'I like this one.'
Zoe replaces her curious stare with a smile. 'Good choice. And this one?' She walks across the way and strokes a stunning cream, strapless affair. Is strapless allowed?
'It's lovely.' I agree. I can try it. I'm sure he will make it known if it's a no go. My attention is seized across the department, and I'm wandering over before I realise my legs are moving.
I run my finger lightly down the front of the black, delicate lace gown. It's beautiful.
'You absolutely must try that one.' Zoe says, joining me in front of the gown. She takes it down and turns it gently. It's attached to a security wire which can only mean one thing. 'Isn't it wonderful?' she asks dreamily.
Oh it is. It is also in the realms of ridiculously expensive if the store feels the need to wire it up. There is also no price on the tag - another tell-tale sign that I'll pass out at the price. I run my eyes down the back of the fitted dress that splays mid-thigh to pool the floor slightly. The design is simple, with a plunged V shaped back, dainty capped sleeves that fall slightly off the shoulder, and a flattering deep neckline. It absolutely screams couture.
'Jesse loves me in lace.' I muse quietly. He also loves me in black.
'Then we should definitely try,' Zoe hangs it back up. 'How long have you been seeing Jesse?' she asks casually.
The question instantly puts me on guard. What do I say? The truth is, I've been seeing him for a month-ish and a week of that was spent with Jesse drunk and me nursing a broken heart. A sudden nasty thought invades my mushy brain.
'Not long,' I try and sound as casual as Zoe when I follow it up with, 'Does he bring all of the women he dates here?'