A Better Way
1044 Words
Emily Brown stepped out of her Range Rover SUV. The black vehicle almost seemed to glitter in the sunlight. Her hair caught in the wind a bit as she stood, facing the mall. She was with Jennifer, her assistant.
“What are we getting today, ma'am?"
“I'm not sure what I want, Jen. But let's check out what they have. I heard they have lines that sell the best evening dresses. Maybe I can find one that I like."
“Okay."
As they went in through the glass doors, there seemed to be a slight commotion going on between the security personnel and a group of men in elegant suits. Curious, Emily craned her neck to get a better view of what was going on but she was unconscious of when she bumped blindly into a taller guy in an expensive suit. She quickly backed away and apologized.
“I'm sorry. I was just too interested in what's going on over there."
But she became a bit uncomfortable when she noticed the way he looked at her. For attention, she enjoyed the look but it was quite unusual, as this was a total stranger. Rich, yes, but a stranger. He finally extended his large hand.
“Nice to meet you. I'm Eric Blaine."
Emily almost jolted but she stopped herself. At this point, she really wished it was Camille with her. She hesitated to take his hand.
“Anything the problem?"
“No, not at all", she denied uneasily, still taking in the physique of her would-have-been husband.
Eric raised a brow.
“Are you alright? You don't seem fine to me. Did I say something bad?"
“No, it's fine. I'm Jane. Just Jane. I came here to shop anyway before I got distracted by the little tussle over there. Do you have any idea what went wrong?"
"Nothing major. Just a mindless accusation of shoplifting; like I don't pay my men enough.”
“Oh." Emily glanced at her personal assistant and suddenly remembered why they had come to the mall. “Alright. I better be off now. I have some serious shopping to do. Nice to meet you, Eric."
He was taken aback by the way she called his name with so much familiarity. It was when she disappeared around a corner that he remembered he hadn't really gotten her name. She had quite a body and face too. The outfit she had on was just too perfect.
Emily excused herself from Jennifer and went into the restroom. She dialed Camille's number.
“Camille, I bumped into Eric today."
Camille's eyes lit up.
“Oh, really? Where?"
“At the mall. He's so good looking, oh my gosh! I couldn't help it, Camille. I freaked out. I lied about my name. Told him I'm Jane.”
"What?!”
"I know it's crazy. I just didn't want him to lose interest already. I'm meeting him later this evening for a date that both our parents arranged. Perhaps, when he sees me there, he wouldn't be so plain about it. What do you think?”
"Well…for the sake of mystifying yourself, you did well. But I hope he doesn't count that as dishonesty for you."
Emily's heart jumped into her mouth at the prospect.
“I really hope he doesn't. I liked the way he looked at me. Seemed I had all the attention in the world at my disposal at that moment."
“So, it isn't that bad after all. From what I hear, you two already got some good chemistry going on. I wish you the best, Emily." Camille said wistfully and fell silent for a few moments. “Uh…Emily?”
"Yeah?”
"I gotta get back to work. My boss just arrived. Enjoy your shopping.”
"Have a nice day”, Emily replied and hung up.
As she gazed into her own eyes in the mirror, she began to wonder if she had gotten anything right at all that day, bumping into Eric, lying to him or even telling her best friend what had happened. She ran the faucet and pat her hands gingerly with some toilet paper. She went back to meet her assistant.
"What have you found?”
"This red dress. But I don't know what you think.”
Jennifer held out the dress to her. Emily ran her eyes over it. The sequins sent out the perfect shimmer, and the design was classy, yet savvy.
"I'll try it on for the fit.”
Emily returned with the dress on. Jennifer and the sales representative gasped and gaped in awe. The dress hugged her smallish, yet feminine figure, making her appear almost pristine.
“How do I look?"
“Fantastic, ma'am. Your date is in for a real surprise", the sales representative chimed excitedly, happy for obvious reasons.
“Are there other accessories?" Jennifer inquired as she looked at the outfit once more. “I think it needs more spice. Black accessories like fashion gloves, a choker; red like the earrings and highlights for her hair. You know, just to spice it up a bit."
“Sure, we can get those ma'am."
“Do that right away."
The sales representative sped off to put the accessories together. Emily requested that Jennifer took a photo of the dress so she could send to Camille. She went back and changed out of it. When she came out, a young lady was waiting to collect the dress for packaging.
“I've never felt so good about myself in a dress."
“It's worth it, ma'am. You work really hard. You deserve it."
The sales representative returned with the dress and other accessories.
"Here you go, ma'am. Seventeen thousand dollars.”
"That's quite cheap”, Emily said to herself in a whisper.
"Here's my card.”
Jennifer collected the bags from the sales representative and trailed Emily as they exited the store.
"Don't you think we should get red stilettos for the dress, ma'am?”
Emily snapped her fingers.
"That'll be perfect, Jen. Red Christian Louboutins; that's all.”
"Alright, ma'am. You can stay in the car. I'll be back shortly.”
The driver came out and took the bags from Jennifer while she headed back into the mall.
- Writer
