A Fashion Facade

Spark At First Connection 2

CHAPTER THREE

I couldn't really concentrate at work. I went through my day like a zombie, the hardworking me now replaced by a distracted one.

"Lily, get your head out of the clouds! You served the wrong order!" Frank's gruff voice echoed.

He stood behind, red-faced with frustration. "This is the third order you've messed up today. What's wrong with you?" he barked at me.

"I'm so sorry, Frank," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush. "I had a rough night." I offer my excuse.

"That's no excuse," he snarled. "You have to get a grip on yourself, Another mistake from you and it's coming out of your paycheck." He warned.

“Yes boss” I echoed as he walked away.

I can't afford any deductions.,

"Lily, table four needs a refill," Margo said, interrupting my thoughts. She was in her usual cheerful spirit.

"Coming" I shouted, walking toward the customer table with the coffee pot in my hand. The middle-aged lady smiled at me as I refilled her cup.

"Thank you," she muttered,

I nodded, walking back to the counter to see Margo.

"Hey, I feel bad about last night," she said, lowering her voice so no one can hear us. "I had no idea; he was such a jerk, I shouldn't have set you up with him. Please, let me make it up to you." I could see the sincerity in her eyes. I offered her a smile to ease the tension.

"That i***t called last night, and was spewing different nonsense about you, what a douche" she laments angrily. "Am sorry Lily it's all my fault, I thought he was a nice guy, I didn't know he was the devil's nephew "

"It's not your fault. I am fine ."I said,

"I am going to teach him a lesson," she said in a serious tone.

"Don't, He is not worth it," I mumbled .

" I need to make it up to you. I know just what you need to cheer you up, going out on a date with me" she smiled.

"You don't need to do anything to cheer me up. I am okay," I said, forcing a smile on my face.

"No buts about it," she said firmly. "Guess what? My brother is in town, and he's treating me to dinner at this amazing restaurant. I want you to come with me. And before that, we are going to have a little pampering session. Hair, clothes, shoes, makeup. you name it, and don't you dare say no," she warned.

I opened my mouth to protest but she cut me off , "Nope, no arguments. I want to make it up to you, it's my treat. Please let me do this," she begged.

"I really can't—" I tried to say.

"Yes, you can. You're coming with me, and that's final," she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation

I sighed there was no way I could refuse her without hurting her feelings. "Okay, fine. But you don't have to do this for me. I'm not in a bad mood because of what happened last night; I'm just tired," I explained.

"I know, but I want to," she replied, her grin broadening. "Now, let's get through the rest of this shift, and then we're off for a day of luxury." She cheered.

The rest of the day dragged on. Frank scolded me a few more times, but I managed to avoid any major mishaps. Finally, the shift ended, and Margo practically dragged me out of the diner.

In the afternoon, we got to sit in a salon; we both had our hair cut, and styled—from my usual messy auburn hair into sleek shiny waves. We did our nails as well.

After leaving the salon, we went into one of the most expensive boutiques in the city. The boutique screamed luxury from the marble floors to the crystal chandeliers hanging above.

"Welcome, ladies," a well-dressed sales associate greeted us as we went in. "How can I help you today?"

"We are looking for something special," Margo said as her eyes roamed the racks of clothing with elegant dresses. "Something that will make my friend here feel like a queen."

The attendant nodded, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Of course. Follow me."

We followed the sales associate to a section of the store containing some of the most beautiful gowns. The dresses ranged from sleek, modern to over-the-top dresses.

"Try this one," Margo said, pulling a dress from the rack. It was a stunning emerald green with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that shimmered as it caught the light. "It'll bring out your eyes."

"It's beautiful," I smiled, running my hands through the fabric.

"And this one," the associate said, passing me a deep blue dress with delicate lace detailing and a subtle train.

"Go on, try them both," Margo urged, pushing me toward the dressing rooms.

First, I slipped into the green dress. I love the how soft the fabric felt on my skin, pushing the curtains aside,

"Wow," Margo said when I stepped out. "You look amazing!"

I smiled, twirling in the dress. "It feels like a dream."

"Wait until you try the blue one," Margo said, winking.

I tried on the blue dress, and the same thing happened. The lace over it added sophistication, and the blue added a kind of glow to my skin. I came out of the dressing room a totally different person altogether.

"Absolutely gorgeous," the sales associate clapped her hands together. "You have to get both."

I laughed and all of a sudden I felt a bloom of warmth. "I can't choose," I admitted, glancing between the two dresses.

"Well then don't," Margo said, already grinning. "My brother said to go all out, and that means both dresses."

As we prepared to leave the dress store, Margo turned to me with a wicked smile. "You know, I once wore a dress like this to a party. And a guy told me, "I looked like a million bucks."

I raised an eyebrow. "And what did you say?"

"I told him I'd settle for half, if he had it on him, he sadly did not" she laughed.

The sound of laughter echoed through the boutique. As I laughed I felt warmth. "Thanks, Margo. I really needed that."

"Anytime," Margo said with a little playful nudge. "Now, let's get you something to match those dresses. Shoes and accessories."

We spent the next hour picking out the perfect shoes and accessories to go with the dresses. For the outfit, I chose a pair of elegant, strappy silver heels and a delicate necklace that glistened in the light. Margo had statement earrings on, which went perfectly well with her dress.

We went to one of the finest restaurants in town. The glass windows allowed some view from outside of the sleek modern exterior. The inside had subtle shades of gold and deep blue, with crystal chandeliers casting warm, inviting light all across the room as we entered. The tables were laid with snowy-white linen and beautiful silverware; the air was filled with the seductive smell of lavender.

"Wow," my eyes widened as I stared around in awe.

"Pretty impressive, huh?" Margo smiled "This place is one of the best in the city. Only the best for my birthday treat."

We were led to a table by vast windows from which the city skyline could be seen. We ordered drinks and an appetizer, and we chatted, laughing and actually enjoying ourselves. Margo had her usual fill for me on the latest gist in town.

“When will Xander get here” I asked,

“He is not coming, he called to tell me he can't make it” she explained.

“Are you okay with it, I mean you were pretty excited about going to dinner with him” I reasoned

“My Brother's money made it to dinner, so I’m good, more food for me anyway” she shrugged, I laughed in reply.

We ordered the main course and were waiting for it to arrive. A beautiful painting in another section of the restaurant caught my eyes and I decided to check it out. I stared lost in thoughts

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

I turned.

A tall, impeccably dressed, sharp-featured, and piercing blue-eyed man. staring at me, His hair was dark and perfectly styled.

"Yes, it is," I replied, flustered at his sudden appearance.

"I'm James," he said, offering his hand. "I couldn't help but notice you admiring the artwork."

"Lily," I replied, shaking his firm and warm hands, I felt a strange fluttering in my chest. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," James said, his gaze lingering on my face for a second before moving away. "I hope you're enjoying your evening."

"I am, thank you," I said, and felt a blush work its way up my cheeks.

He smiled, something unreadable in his eyes. "Well, I won't keep you. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lily.” He said as he walked off,

I returned to the table, thinking about the strange man

"Are you okay?" Margo inquired .

"Yes, I'm just. I met someone interesting," I said, taking my seat.

Before Margo could press me for more information, the main courses arrived, her eyes lit up like a kid opening a Christmas present.

“It's about time” she smiled, picking up her cutlery,

While I excuse myself to use the restroom. I was busy in the toilet, so I washed my hands.

Feeling a presence behind me, my heart leaped into my throat, and I spun around.

"Who are you?" I whispered, shaking with fear.

A hand grasped at my shoulder. I screamed.

“calm down Lily, it's just me?” Margo said, I hugged her tightly as I cried into her arms.