Page 36 of Something Stronger
Carrie parked and we all climbed out. “Where do you want to start?” Codie waved her hands around.
“How about McClintock’s?” Codie pointed to the store a few doors down. They always had nice stuff, but the boutique was often pricey.
“I don’t know if I can afford anything in there.” I sighed.
“Well, we can at least look.” Codie shrugged.
We both followed her inside. There were several mannequins dressed in spring dresses up front and then rack after rack of what we always called ’Sunday wear’. Growing up, we had dresses, play clothes, and Sunday wear. If it was Sunday wear, it was only worn on special occasions or to church. Mama bought us a new spring dress each Easter, and we had to make it last until the fall. For most of us, this was easy. We just made sure to change when we got home. Gia was the only one to mess her dresses up. There were many Sundays when she refused to change, and we knew she was hoping to rip or stain her dress so she didn’t have to wear it anymore.
“What about this?” Carrie pulled a silk sheath out. It was a deep plum color and had white flowers on it. “He said purple, right?”
“I like that.” Codie breezed past me for the shoes. “These would match—” she held up a pair of sandals “—and look…” She pointed at a rack of hats.
“Go try it on.” Carrie shoved the dress at me and pointed toward the dressing rooms.
“How much is it?” I tried to locate the price tag, but my sisters didn’t give me the chance.
“I wanna see it when you get it on,” Codie called at my back.
I changed into the dress, and it fit perfectly. The silk was so soft, and it swished around my thighs when I walked. I could tell by the way it felt that it was expensive. “Look at this.” Codie came over with a hat. It had a large brim and it shadowed my face slightly. “Yes. You have to buy this. You look so good in it.”She clapped happily. “Go take it off.” She shooed me back into the dressing room.
I could hear them both talking in hushed whispers out there as I changed. When I was putting the dress back on the hanger, I finally saw the tag. $342. My stomach nearly came up into my throat.
“You’re stalling. Come out!” Codie called as she knocked on the door.
I closed my eyes as I gathered everything and opened the door. “I can’t get this. It’s too much. I have rent due soon.” I looked at the floor before going to put the dress back on the rack.
“Nonsense. You look stunning in that, and we’re going to get it for you.” Codie put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot.
“What? No!” I shook my head. “That’s too much.”
“Um, first off, you look great in it, and second you look great in it.” They both started giggling.
“Um, and you need to get some and if Issac doesn’t want to give it to you after seeing that, then he has a problem.” Carrie wagged her finger, and I could feel my face heating.
“This isn’t about that,” I scoffed.
“Oh honey, it most certainly is.” Codie burst into laughter. “Trust me when I tell you that you still got it. Now, come on. Let’s pay for all that and go get some ice cream.” She motioned to the register in the back.
“You had me at ice cream.” I giggled.
Chapter 21
Louisiana
When we arrived at the racing complex, I was completely overwhelmed. There were more people than I ever imagined, and I felt so out of place. I’ve gone with my dad in the past to auctions for farm equipment or animals, but there have never been crowds like this.
“It’s something, isn’t it?” Issac stretched as he climbed out of the truck.
“Can we go to the barns?” Hallie bounced on her toes.
“You can go to the barns. I need to make sure we’re all checked in. Stay with Craig when you get there, and I’ll come and get you.” He wagged his finger. “I mean it.”
“Yes, Daddy.” She gave a quick nod, then grabbed Amy’s hand and took off running, pulling Amy behind her.
“Will they be ok?” I watched as they weaved through people milling around and then disappeared.
“Yeah, there’s only one barn here. It’s a smaller complex and Hallie’s been doing this most of her life.” Issac chuckled. “She probably knows her way around better than I do.”
