Chapter 5: The Shopping

Elizabeth

Pittsburgh, USA

First night in my new home. I have a month to mentally and physically prepare myself before classes start.

My night is a bit strange. I can't seem to relax and let myself drift into sleep. I keep thinking about what my uncle told me about the new tenant.

My mind keeps spinning. I can't resist the urge to go online, look up photos of Troy, and read about him.

I sigh and sit up in bed. Reaching over to the bedside table, I grab my laptop.

I take a deep breath and type his name into the search bar.

BINGO.

Wow, he's not bad-looking at all-actually, he's really cute. A handsome brunette with hazel eyes. Oh, and that muscular chest... I'm practically drooling.

I check his height. Yes! He's taller than me.

Then I watch some videos of him playing hockey. Wow! His puck-handling skills are amazing, and he has incredible game vision.

How could a guy like him ever be interested in someone like me? A curvy redhead with a big brain.

I'm pathetic.

I absolutely need to change this negative image I have of myself. It starts tomorrow-with some sexy shopping to find clothes that flatter my figure and make me feel more attractive, to myself and to others.

I browse a few lingerie websites to see what I might want to buy tomorrow.

Before shutting my laptop, I take one last look at Troy's photos. Then I decide to read a few chapters of my current book-a steamy historical romance featuring a 15th-century Highlander. All muscles and authority.

I can't help but touch myself while reading. At least it'll help me sleep.

Tomorrow will be the day of truth, the start of my transformation.

I drift off into blissful sleep, a smile on my lips, satisfied by my book right in the middle of an exciting chapter.

The sound of birds chirping wakes me early in the morning. How lovely. My stomach growls with hunger. I close the book lying open on my chest and slide it into my bedside drawer.

I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. I brush my teeth and wash my face. Smiling at my reflection in the mirror, I tell myself:

"This is going to be a memorable day. The beginning of your new life. You are strong, and you can do anything."

"This day will be unforgettable. The start of your new life. You are strong, and you can do anything," I say aloud.

I gather my mane into a braid, slip on shorts, a tank top, and my favorite sneakers.

I head down to the kitchen. My aunt is already at the island. She looks up and smiles.

- Good morning, good morning, you're up early, she says.

- My stomach and the singing birds woke me up, I reply, sitting down in front of her.

- Ah! Youth and appetite-they go hand in hand, she says.

I smile.

- What would you like so early in the morning? I have chocolate croissants and raspberry danishes.

- One of each sounds perfect.

- What would you like to drink with that?

- A hazelnut cappuccino, like last Christmas, please. It was amazing, I say, hearts practically in my eyes.

- One hazelnut cappuccino for the young lady, she sings.

- The kids will be up soon, she says. Do you have any ideas for our shopping day?

I freeze with the danish halfway to my mouth. I swallow hard, lower my gaze, and feel my cheeks flush.

My aunt furrows her brow.

- Is something wrong? she asks.

I stammer, trying to say the words that won't come out.

- I-I-I'd like-I...

- You don't have to feel shy with me, sweetheart. What do you want during this shopping trip?

I take a deep, trembling breath.

Staring at my feet, I say, I want to change my style completely. Look more grown-up.

I blush even more deeply. - More like a woman, I mumble.

My aunt walks around the island, wraps an arm around my shoulders, and says, - You mean sexier, don't you?

I nod.

She kisses the top of my head and says, - Sexy it is.

- What's sexy? my uncle asks as he suddenly walks into the kitchen.

I choke on my bite and turn red as a tomato.

My aunt pats my back and glares at my uncle.

He mimes zipping his lips and heads to the coffee machine.

He grabs the cappuccino already prepared and places it on the island, then starts another cup for himself.

- So, my little red-haired fairy, did you sleep well? he asks.

- Yes, very well, I reply, staring at my plate, hoping my cheeks will cool down quickly.

- What time are you two heading out for your girls' shopping trip? he asks.

- As soon as the mall opens, my aunt says, giving my uncle a kiss on the lips.

- Don't forget to pick out a ball gown for Friday's charity gala, he reminds her.

I suddenly look up, wide-eyed.

- Oh my god, I can't show up to that now! I'm not ready! I... I... I stammer in a panic.

My aunt approaches and says, - Calm down, sweetheart. You'll be stunning. We'll go to the beauty spa together for a full pampering session. We'll get treated and glammed up like movie stars.

I let out a trembling sigh, grateful to have such an amazing aunt.

---

On the way to our girls' shopping trip.

The day is beautiful, but I'm still trembling inside about Friday's gala.

- Still nervous about Friday? my aunt asks while driving.

- A little, I admit.

She winks at me.

- Okay, okay-a lot, I confess.

We burst out laughing together. It feels so good to laugh. It releases the tension.

The shopping day goes smoothly, and we stop for lunch before finally tackling the ball gown.

In the fitting room, I have three completely different styles and colors to choose from. I'm at a loss.

A sexy green one that matches my eyes.

A semi-sexy purple one.

A classic black one.

They all look great on me. But my heart wants the green, my conscience wants the purple, and my mind wants the black.

Oof! What do I do now?

My aunt appears in the doorway and asks if everything is okay.

I look at her with desperate puppy eyes.

She steps in and asks, - So, what's the problem here?

I explain my dilemma.

- What did we say this morning? she asks.

- Sexy.

- Then there's your answer. Don't overthink it.

My aunt is amazing-have I said that before? Yes, a thousand times.

Now, all that's left are matching shoes and a clutch.

Oops! Lingerie-I'll handle that in secret. Thank goodness for online shopping.