Page 161 of One More Kiss

“We’re looking for a classy dress. Something that’s affordable but doesn’t make my daughter look like she’s poor if you know what I mean,” my mom said.

Mrs. Tanner nodded as if knowing exactly what my mother meant. “Come this way. I haven’t put everything out on the floor because…” She swept her arm as if indicating how packed the floor was. “I do have something that came in a few days ago. It’s not perfect, but it screams what you’re looking for. Not just that, I think Tori would look amazing in it.”

I smiled and blushed. Mrs. Tanner knew how to compliment a person and make her feel special. We followed her to the back of the store and stood in the doorway as she walked through the door. I didn’t want to feel like I was intruding, so my mom, Clarissa, and I waited for Mrs. Tanner to come back. Two minutes later, she walked back to us holding a sequined blue dress in the air. It was a long dress, and it looked like Mrs. Tanner didn’t want to allow it to drag the floor.

“Oh, my,” Clarissa commented first, “that’s a stunning dress. Tori, you’ll look fabulous in that piece of material.”

“It’s beautiful,” my mom agreed, running her hand along the dress.

Mrs. Tanner nodded, “It sure is. It will be even prettier once Tori actually puts it on. What do you think?” She looked my way as if waiting for my reply.

Blue wasn’t my color, but I wasn’t known to be picky. Even though the dress was blue, it was still pretty and catchy. The rhinestones on the front caught my eye. It was to the floor and had spaghetti straps for the shoulders.

“How much?” I asked, “I think it’s pretty, but I want to make sure I can afford it.”

Mrs. Tanner smiled. The wrinkles near her eyes made her seem much older, but she was probably my mom’s age, in her late thirties. “For my favorite shoppers, this one is on me. The only thing I require is for you to have an amazing time. Is this a date or are you going alone?”

“You don’t have to do that,” I said, feeling vulnerable. I never knew how to handle people being nice to me, even though I knew Mrs. Tanner.

My mom added, “That’s so sweet of you dear. We truly appreciate your generosity, don’t we?” My mom glanced my way as if asking if I was appreciative. Of course, I was.

“Well, if she wasn’t going to do it, I would’ve offered to help too,” Clarissa chimed in. “You deserve that dress more than anyone else I know.”

“You’re so sweet, dear,” Mom complemented Clarissa, “She’s got a good friend in you.”

My mom patted Clarissa on the hand as she complimented her. She’s always had a soft spot for Clarissa, probably because we’ve known each other for a long time, and she was always good to me.

I smiled to Mrs. Tanner, “Thank you, Mrs. Tanner. If you need me to volunteer time to repay the dress, I’d be more than happy to assist.”

Mrs. Tanner handed the dress to me. “No need. Think of this as a graduation gift. Don’t think I didn’t know you were graduating. I wish I could give more, but you know, things aren’t as cheap as they used to be. Enjoy this dress.”

I gushed, “thank you so much!” Then looked at my mom. “Do you mind if I go look around? I haven’t been here in a while and want to see what’s new.”

“Go ahead, but hand me the dress. I’ll hold it while you look around,” Mom looked at Mrs. Tanner before making conversation.

I wasn’t sure what the two spoke about and didn’t really care. I was on a mission, and that was to find my mom a new purse. I couldn’t afford much, but the least I could do was invest in something for one of the people I loved the most. I grabbed Clarissa’s hand and guided her with me to the side of the store.

“What are we doing?” Clarissa asked the minute we were out of earshot.

“Getting my mom a purse. Her’s is falling apart. She needs something nice for a change.”

“That’s sweet of you. Let me help you find something then,” Clarissa said, pointing to a few purses on a hook. One was exactly the type of purse my mom would sport. It was large, brown, and lined with a cream-color.

My mom wasn’t known to be a flashy woman. This purse was right up her alley. I grabbed the item, walked to where the two women stood and said, “I’m ready.”

“What’s that?” My mom asked, pointing to the purse knowing damn well what it was.

“That’s yours,” I said and handed Mrs. Tanner the money for the purse. Both Clarissa and Mrs. Tanner smiled.

Mrs. Tanner took the offered money. “Look at that. You have such amazing kids, Ellen. They always seem to think of their parents when they’re shopping here. Enjoy the purse, and the dress.”

“We sure will,” I said, “Have a good day and thanks again.”

“Bye, Mrs. Tanner,” Clarissa announced.

My mom couldn’t seem to say a word. It was like she was choked up from the gift. Instead of talking, she waved her hand to Mrs. Tanner and then headed out the front door. I kept in step with my mom, then all three of us got into the vehicle. Still, my mom didn’t say a word. We pulled up to Clarissa’s home, dropped her off, both of us promising to set aside time to spend together soon. Once we arrived in our driveaway at home, my mom finally spoke.

It seemed like during the drive she took the time to compose herself, because she said, sniffling, “I appreciate the new purse, Tori. You didn’t have to buy me something you know. Especially spending the little money you have.”

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