He moved closer, causing Sophie to hold her breath. “Why do you care?” He raised his eyebrow, looking down at her with his beautiful blue eyes.
“I don’t. Just curious what you’re doing with your life and why you’re here? Did you spend your trust fund and now living off your grandmother?”
“Always so quick to think the worst of me, Sophie.” He shook his head.
“You have showed me no other side, so how could I possibly think anything else?”
“Fair enough.” He smiled before backing out of the room, leaving her alone again. Sophie collapsed on the sofa, releasing her breath. She was in so much trouble. She couldn’t understand why of all the guys in the world she had to have this attraction to Ashton. She had been destined for failure when it came to love, which was why she had avoided relationships thus far. Sophie ran their conversation through her head. When did I become the mean one? Was it possible that they were so far down the path of cruelty toward each other that neither one of them knew how to find their way back?
Margaret joined Sophie a short while later. She wore her bright smile despite the dark circles under her eyes. “Ashton told me you like to paint, so I think you might enjoy what I have in store for tomorrow evening, if you’re up to joining me.”
“If it has something to do with art, I am always interested,” Sophie said excitedly.
“Good, it’s an art gallery opening. Do you have something formal to wear?” Margaret asked. Sophie looked down at her casual clothes that she had worn to class this morning.
“How formal?” Sophie smiled sheepishly. There was nothing formal in the wardrobe options she had packed before leaving her apartment. Shopping would definitely be in order. A twinge of excitement fluttered through her with anticipation of going to an art show, and one requiring formal wear seemed like it would be very exclusive.
“I’m sure we can figure something out.” Margaret smiled warmly. “For the rest of the today we’ll take it easy, catch up on a few phone calls. Tomorrow will be a very full day.”
***
Sophie had driven the most luxurious car she had ever been in as she and Margaret made various stops. The responsibly of driving Margaret around in her beautiful car was a little unnerving at first. Sophie took notes and recorded names to ensure she would remember the people she met throughout the morning. Margaret was still very involved in the community for her age.
One of their stops was an elementary school that was planting a garden for the children to learn how to grow their own food. Margaret had been on the committee that had pushed for the project. Sophie smiled when a little girl no older than six years old took her hand and asked if she wanted to play in the dirt.
Before long someone passed Sophie a pair of gloves and she found herself in the mess of it all, digging holes for the children to place their plants. It was an experience that she was thankful for. The children were so excited. The process of growing food seemed magical to their young minds and Sophie realized why Margaret felt so strongly about making a difference in her community.
After Sophie cleaned herself up, she and Margaret headed to a dress boutique. When they walked through the door, Margaret was immediately welcomed warmly by the staff. The interior looked like a glorified lounge. The mostly white décor was immaculate and looked as if it was staged for a magazine shoot with beautiful fresh flowers set out on the tables. Sophie looked around, surprised to see only a few dresses were showcased on mannequins strategically placed to complement the flow of the room. It did not look like any boutique she had shopped in before. Sophie was used to endless racks of clothes to shuffle through.
Sophie sat next to Margaret on one of the pristine sofas, and they were promptly served herbal tea.
“The dress turned out lovely, Margaret. What do you think?” One of the women displayed a dress for Margaret. The royal blue material of the shirted bottom looked as if it would feel like liquid as it spilled over the woman’s hands. The bodice was fitted with a high neckline and lace sleeves. It looked beautiful and Sophie couldn’t resist touching the soft fabric. She had never felt material that felt so fluid against her skin.
“It is the most wonderful dress I have ever seen. Are you going to try it on?” Sophie asked Margaret.
“I never pass up the opportunity to play dress up.” Margaret said before setting her tea down and walking into a dressing room. A few moments later she came out looking amazing in the dress that was obviously made to fit her flawlessly. Sophie couldn’t imagine a more perfect dress to display the graceful woman that she was. Her figure still possessed her feminine curves, refusing to fade with age.
“It’s beautiful, Margaret.” Sophie raved.
“Yes, I think it will do quite nicely. Now for you.” Margaret smiled at Sophie like she had a trick up her sleeve. It was the first time that she noticed any similarities between Margaret and Ashton and it made her smile. Margaret nodded toward one of the women before turning back toward the changing room.
“What are you up to, Margaret?” Sophie asked, confused. The same woman came back with a few dresses in hand, presenting them to Sophie.
“Do you have a color preference?” the brunette asked.
“Oh…no, thank you. I am only here to accompany Margaret.” Sophie passed on the beautiful dresses displayed for her. The woman furrowed her brow. Her hair was upswept into a sleek style. She wore a pants suit that was very complementary to her figure.
“Bring out a selection please, Donna.” Margaret requested, stepping out of the changing room in her original clothes. “It is a formal event tonight so we must dress to impress.”
“I would love to try on beautiful dresses, but if they knew what my bank account looked like they wouldn’t let me in this store, let alone try anything on.” Sophie said nervously.
“Don’t worry, dear. I don’t expect you to pay for the dress. It is a work function, after all.” Margaret insisted.
“Margaret, I appreciate it but I couldn’t possibly accept something so extravagant.” Sophie lowered her voice.
“This would look darling on you.” Margaret held up a red dress, the perfect shade of red that spoke of romance and endless nights. It was beautiful. Sophie ran her hand over the fabric longingly.
“It should be your size. As well as these.” The woman hung up the dresses in the changing room for Sophie to try on.
Margaret had to practically push her into the room because Sophie couldn’t get her feet to move. “Try them all on, Sophie. I want to see them.”
Sophie closed the curtain and looked at the four dresses. Slipping off her clothes, she first tried on the red dress that slid against her skin with no more than a whisper. She pulled up the zipper that was hidden so intricately on the side. The smallest of straps delicately sat on her shoulders, meeting a fitted bodice that wrapped around her form. The long skirt lay gracefully against her skin, sweeping to the floor.
Sophie pulled the curtain aside and stepped out to the audience that awaited her. “Sophie, you look so beautiful in that dress,” Margaret gasped.
“You don’t think it’s too…?” She indicated toward her cleavage that was displayed. It was nowhere near as revealing as Mel’s dress, but she did not feel very professional having her skin exposed.
“No, not at all. You look perfect.” Margaret beamed. She turned toward the woman at her side. “We’ll need some shoes and a necklace as well.”
***
Sophie stood in front of the mirror in her room at Margaret’s house wearing the new red dress. Margaret had insisted on buying it, along with the three other dresses, shoes, accessories, and a few pieces of jewelry. She claimed that Sophie would need them for future functions. Margaret wouldn’t even entertain the idea of taking it out of her paycheck. She refused to tell Sophie how much they cost. In fact, no prices were discussed or disclosed by anyone while they were there, leaving Sophie to only wonder how much the dresses were.
Sophie sat down on the bed and slipped on her new nude heels before twirling around in the mirror. She felt like a princess and any moment she would wake up and realize that this had been a crazy dream. She had curled her hair loosely and swept it up in a loose low twist with hair cascading from the clip. The jeweled necklace sat on the swell of her breasts and a dainty coordinating bracelet graced her wrist.