Filed to story: Submitting to My Bestie’s Daddy Read Online >>???
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m very excited to help you find the perfect dress today. Can you tell me a little bit about what you’re looking for?”
I wasn’t sure what to say, and I looked at Mia uncertainly.
“Something that’s sexy without being too revealing,” she jumped in. “She’s leaning toward a sheath or mermaid silhouette.”
Angelica smiled. “Perfect! I’m going to grab a few dresses that I think you’ll love. I would suggest that the two of you take a look around and pick a few out, too. Then we’ll get you into a fitting room and start the show!” She gestured toward a long row of dresses hanging at the other end of the room. “The style you want is over there, but don’t feel limited.”
“Okay,” I said nervously.
Mia linked her arm with me and led me across the room. We spent the next several minutes looking at dresses, and Mia kept joking about some of the more extreme designs and it helped me to relax and loosen up. After a little while I had chosen two dresses and Mia had chosen one that she wouldn’t let me get a good look at.
Angelica approached us and looked at the dresses in our arms appraisingly. “It looks like you’ve had some luck,” she said. “Are you ready to try some on?”
I nodded excitedly. “Very ready.”
She led us to another section of the shop that had a row of comfortable-looking seats across from a small circular platform that was lined by mirrors on the opposite side. There was a long coffee table in front of the seats that held an array of light snacks and an ice bucket with a chilled bottle of champagne.
She took the dress from Mia, then gestured for her to have a seat. “Help yourself to champagne and snacks,” she said. “And we’ll be right out to show you the first dress.” She looked at me and smiled. “Before we’re through, we’ll find you a dress that gives you that magical, bubbly feeling in your chest,” she promised.
I followed Angelica to the dressing room and stared in surprise at the half-dozen dresses that were hanging on hooks around the room. There was one tall mirror in the room and a chair, but that was all.
The next few hours passed in a blur. I tried on dress after dress and trotted out to the platform to show Mia. It felt silly at first, feeling like I was trying to imitate the models at the bridal show, but soon I was twirling and laughing as Mia either lavished me with praise or made witty remarks about the dresses. It felt so light-hearted and was a ton of fun. I was so glad to have her with me.
After about five dresses, Angelica helped me into a dress that was far from what I had asked for. I was skeptical about it, but I didn’t say anything.
It had a full, multilayered skirt that had a long train behind it. The dress was silky smooth against my skin, but many of the skirt layers were stiff in order to hold its shape under the weight. Despite how heavy it felt, I quickly grew accustomed to the feeling.
The dress was too big, so Angelica used a few large clips that reminded me of oversized clothespins in order to hold the back closed so that the bodice fit snugly around my waist.
The dress had an off-the-shoulder top and showed a bit of cleavage without being too revealing. The entire dress had small pearls sewn into the top layer. It was stunning, and I was shocked by how much I liked it when I looked in the mirror.
“This is the dress Mia chose,” Angelica informed me. “Shall we go show her how it looks?”
I nodded mutely and turned toward the door. Angelica followed after me, carrying the long train of the dress so it didn’t get caught on anything.
Mia gasped as I stepped onto the small stage. Angelica flared the dress behind me and then stepped back. I looked into the mirror ahead of me and stared.
“This might be it,” I said softly.
“You look incredible,” Mia said. “I’m not just saying that because I picked the dress.”
“I think I want it,” I said. I turned slowly and watched the dress move with me. It looked almost unreal.
“So, there’s good news and bad news,” Angelica said nervously.
“Uh oh,” I replied. “Better start with the bad news.”
“So, the way this normally works is that you choose a dress you love based on the floor model and we order you a brand new one in your size,” she explained.
“But–” I prompted her.
“But, this dress is from a discontinued line. We can’t order one.”
My face fell. I was immediately upset that she had let me try it on if I couldn’t have it.
“Now, the good news is that the floor model is in good condition and is just a little bit too big on you, so we could sell you this exact dress and have it custom-fitted to you by our seamstress.”
“Some people think it’s bad luck to wear a dress that others have worn, but if it doesn’t bother you, then it’s a good option,” Mia said hopefully.
“I see,” I said. I looked down at the train of the dress and twisted slowly. I really did love the dress, and I couldn’t see a single flaw in it. It didn’t bother me that it was the floor model, especially if they were going to customize it to fit me perfectly.
“I do really like it,” I said.
Angelica smiled and nodded. “We have a couple more to try if you still want to.”
“Of course,” I said happily.
“We’re still looking for that moment,” she said with a knowing smile.
I nodded in agreement then we went back into the dressing room.
After a few minutes of fussing with the clips, I slipped into another dress. This one was satin and felt amazing against my skin. There was no lace or beading, but it had a very shiny jeweled belt.
I walked out to show Mia. I twirled as soon as I stepped onto the platform and she laughed in delight.
“Now that’s sleek, but I think it’s too simple,” she said, “especially compared to the last few.”
I looked into the mirrors and turned slowly. “You’re right,” I said. “I really like the way it feels, but it’s not very eye-catching.”
“It’s got to be the other dress,” I said. “I want that one.”
Angelica smiled broadly. “Well, it’s all yours then. We just need a deposit.”
I frowned. Was I being too hasty? I didn’t really want to put money down on anything yet. If this dress sold and I couldn’t get over it, I had no doubt that Tallon would hire a seamstress to make me one just like it. It wasn’t like I would really be missing out.
I went back to the dressing room and changed into my normal clothes, then Mia and I went to the front with Angelica. The dress was hanging on a hook by the front desk waiting for us. I looked at it longingly, but I just wasn’t ready to commit to a dress.
“I think I’m going to have to think about it more,” I said.
Angelica looked disappointed. “We can’t hold it for you,” she pointed out. “It’s the last one we have, so if someone else snatches it up, then it’s gone.”
“I understand,” I said. “I want to sleep on it, though.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Mia said firmly.
We thanked Angelica, then turned to leave. The moment we did, my face fell.
Standing near the door and waiting patiently was Bianca. Mia saw the look on my face and linked her arm with mine protectively.
“We have to stop running into each other,” Bianca said as she approached me. She wasn’t looking at me.
She was staring over my shoulder at the dress.
“Bianca,” I said coolly.
