Page 15 of Home in the Country
It’s feminine and sexy without showing off a ton of skin. Small details and embellishments make it clear that the beautiful garment is a Cheyenne original. My best friend is incredibly gifted and has always added her own flair to the pieces in the shop.
“The faster you come out here the faster we can go get drinks,” Rhea says with a knowing lilt to her voice.
“Y’all are terrible, ya know that?”
“Maybe,”—Isla shrugs—“but you look great so you’re welcome.”
“Modesty isn’t her strong suit,” Rhea stage-whispers.
“Am I wrong?”
“Nope.” Cheyenne pops thepand grins at me like a fool. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks. It’s beautiful. But seriously, how do you pee? I had a kid, and while I’ve taken care of myself, my bladder isn’t what it used to be.”
“The things to look forward to,” Marlee muses as she shows me some secret trick to disrobing before hustling me back to change back into my clothes.
“Hey, hand over the yes and no piles and we’ll get them sorted,” Cheyenne yells, and I oblige.
“I’ll go through them when I’m dressed and narrow it down,” I say, but it’s suspiciously quiet. Mentally, I sort through the items and figure out what I can afford while fixing my hair in the mirror. Decision made and permission to splurge on the romper I’m not sure I’ll be able to get out of granted, I emerge from the dressing room and make my way to the register.
“Ready to go?” Rhea asks.
“Sure, just let me pay for…” The girls all have bags in their hands with purses over their shoulders.
“It’s all taken care of,” Isla says.
“What? No! Absolutely not. You can’t—”
Rhea and Cheyenne snicker as Marlee bites her bottom lip to hide her obvious grin. Isla looks cooler than a wet dog at a barbeque.
“Consider this your welcome casserole.”
“Um, what?”
Isla smiles. “I don’t cook, usually, because Hank is really hot to watch in the kitchen, so this is my welcome home gift to you.”
Tears well in my eyes as I see her complete sincerity reflected back at me.
“You don’t even know me.”
Her smile is bright and her teeth are practically blinding as she wraps me in a tight hug. “You’re important to them, and now you’re important to me.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Wiping at my cheeks as I pull away, I see that everyone now has gentle smiles on their faces.
“Thank you might work,” Marlee quips and everyone laughs. I grab Isla’s hand in mine.
“Thank you.”
“It’s my love language.” Spinning toward the door, she adds, “And that romper will look great on you next Friday night when we all go out to dance at the Brew, Q, ’n Boogie!”
“Wait, what?”
Their combined laughter echoes throughout the store as they make their way to the exit, and I’m left wondering what the hell just happened.
“But we move in next week to our new house. I can’t—”
“Good thing you’ve got lots of people to help!” Cheyenne singsongs.
