Jade Clark:When are you gonna show your entire ass like Hugh did in here? I’ll just need a bit of a warning before I’m scarred again.
Saturdays were always decently busy,but this one kept me moving the whole time. By the end of the day, when an older woman walked in, I felt like I was dragging my feet. I did my best to ignore it.
It didn’t help that I was anxious as I waited to hear back about the test. I wouldn’t know until Monday, and that made everything feel worse.
The woman looked familiar in a way I couldn’t place. It was possible she’d come in years ago and I’d forgotten. I wouldn’t admit it, but pregnancy was making me forget simple things. I wasn’t sure if it was the exhaustion or the stress.
“Hi! Welcome to the Treasure Trove. I’m Grace. Can I help you find anything today?”
The woman’s eyes found mine immediately and she perked up. “Hello! I’m Virginia. How are you?”
This wasn’t that unusual. Usually, people from the town cared more about me than the clothes, and it was nice to see someone not from here do the same.
“Oh, just a little tired, but it’s been a day. I’m happy to help you find whatever you need, though.”
Virginia’s mouth twisted. “I’m not sure what I want, honestly. I just figured I’d see what you have.”
She was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, which told me she probably worked on her feet. I tried to cater to how people lived their lives. There was no point in telling them to buy clothes they wouldn’t like.
“You know, I have a few new pairs of jeans in. One of them holds the record for the most pockets.”
“In women’s jeans? How many pockets do they have, four?”
I laughed. “About ten, actually.”
“Now that’s interesting. But I also want something ...nicer.” She sighed. “Over the years, I’ve gotten into a bad habit of not ever dressing up. Do you have anything that’ll look nice on me?”
Now I had energy. A makeover? Oh, I was lucky today.
“I’ve got a lot of things that would look nice on you. Hang on just a second.”
I piled dresses of all shapes and sizes onto my arm.
“Oh, hon, I’ll carry that. You just said you were tired.”
“Absolutely not.” I gripped the pile tighter. “You’ve made my day by asking for new outfits. I have all the energy in the world for this.”
“Feisty,” she said with a laugh. “All right, I’ll back off.”
I resumed my hunt before putting everything in the fitting room. “First things first, it’s a rule here that I get to see what you like on yourself.”
“Are you making sure it truly looks good?”
“No, I just like to see people’s faces when they feel amazing.”
Her cheeks turned red. “That’s so sweet, Grace.”
I waved her off. “I try. Now, rule two is the most important to me.”
“And what’s that?”
“Have fun.”
“I’ll do my best,” she said when she went to the back.
Virginia shuffled around and I waited patiently for her to find something she liked. I heard her gasp when she put one thing on.
“Okay, I might need an opinion on this.” Her voice was unsteady.