Filed to story: Young Girls Forbidden Love Series: My Best Friend’s Daddy
“My name is Shelby,” I answered. I considered running out the door and waiting by the jet ski until Michael returned but knew I would have to explain eventually.
“Well, Shelby, please let me know if you need anything.”
“Actually, McKenzie. I have something to confess,” I say nervously.
McKenzie looked confused but let me continue.
“Everything in this dressing room is way out of my price range. Honestly, I probably couldn’t afford a pair of underwear.”
McKenzie smiled and giggled a little. My face dropped; I could not believe she was laughing at me for being broke.
“I am so sorry, Shelby. I am not laughing at you; I totally understand your concern. I just figured you already knew. You don’t have to be able to afford anything here.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, still confused.
“Michael already has everything covered. He told me I am not allowed to let you leave this store until you have found a dress and at least ten new outfits,” McKenzie said, amused with the shocked look on my face.
“I can’t possibly go along with this,” I said, my voice cracking.
“You have to, Shelby. If you don’t, we won’t earn any commission.” McKenzie leaned closer and whispered, “I can’t afford the underwear here either.”
I was uncomfortable with the idea of Michael spending so much money on me, but I refused to be the reason that these women missed out on a huge commission. I immediately felt better, knowing I had much in common with McKenzie and possibly Jane.
“Okay, where do we start?” I said with a small sigh of defeat.
“Let’s start with the everyday outfits and move on to the gowns after,” she said and then added, “Oh, we can also spend some time looking at the underwear if you’d like.”
I knew my face must have turned as red as my hair at that comment, so I quickly busied myself trying on the first top within reach. Then, I realized how this must look to these saleswomen, how it would look to anyone.
I started to wonder how many other women he’s done this for; the saleswomen seemed used to this type of thing.
I quickly pushed the thought out of my mind. It didn’t matter what this looked like; Michael was just a kind person. Plus, there was no way he would be interested in someone like me.
After many outfit changes and finding more new clothes than I’d bought for myself in an entire year, all that was left to pick out was a dress. McKenzie and Jane had outdone themselves in giving me beautiful options.
I tried on every single one and was met with many compliments from the sales team as I modeled them on the platform in the center of the dressing rooms.
Jane refilled my glass of champagne and asked, “Have you decided which one you want to go with?”
“I have one more left to try on before I decide,” I said and slipped back into the changing room.
As soon as I put on Michael’s choice, I knew it was the one I would be wearing out. The midnight blue silk slid over every curve of my body like it was molded specifically for me. The dress brushed the floor, but a slit up one side made it easy to move in.
“Wow,” two voices behind me said in unison.
“I’ll take this one.”
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Shelby POV
I walked out of Amorebelle wearing a new outfit with light pink clothing bags weighing down each arm. I could not remember a time in my life when I had gotten this many new clothes at one time.
I also had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that these clothes cost more than I made in an entire year.
The saleswomen Jane and McKenzie wouldn’t let me look at the price tags on anything, but as they were ringing up my picks, I caught a glimpse of the total on the computer screen. I didn’t know how I would ever be able to pay Michael back for this shopping trip.
I also couldn’t help but wonder how often he did this for women. Jane, who’d worked at the shop the longest, had recognized him when we walked in the door.
I didn’t have time to contemplate this because I noticed a maid I recognized from the yacht. She made her way to me and started relieving me of my bags. I made sure to keep the bag with my dress and shoes for the evening.
“Miss Shelby, I was told to take these to your room on the ship while you are at your appointment,” the maid told me.
“What appointment?” I asked her, confused.
“You have an appointment at the salon three stores up,” she said.
“Did Michael set this up for me?” I asked.
“Yes, Miss,” the maid said with a smile.
I was glad that the boutique I’d been shopping in had a shower where I was able to rinse off before this appointment. They must’ve been used to sandy beachgoers coming in right before a night out.
I made my way up the street and stopped at the salon with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. From the outside, I could see the row of chairs, each in front of its own mirror.
I walked in, and the man at the front desk assured me that I did, in fact, have an appointment, full hair, and makeup, which was all prepaid.
The receptionist walked me back to my stylist, an attractive man whose hair color matched mine.
“What do you have in mind today, sweetheart,” my stylist asked me.
“I’m honestly not sure. Can I leave it up to you?” I asked.
“That is my favorite request,” he said as he ran his fingers through my hair. “Your natural coloring is gorgeous, obviously, so I am not going to touch that. So, I’m thinking a quick trim and a classic blowout.”
He had my hair and makeup done within an hour, and I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I was amazed that my hair was perfectly smooth. There was not a single strand of frizz to be found. I gently ran my fingers through my hair and couldn’t believe how soft it was.
“What do you think?” the stylist asked me. He handed me a small mirror and turned me in the chair so I could get a better view of the back of my hair.
“Is this really my hair?” I asked, holding up the smaller mirror.
“Of course, sweetheart. You look amazing,” he said with a smile.
“I didn’t know I could love my hair this much. But, truthfully, I have always been self-conscious about it. I got teased a lot when I was younger because of it,” I admitted.
“I know the feeling. Now, you have a chance to go prove all those bullies wrong. So, go enjoy it!” he said with a huge smile.
“I will. I love it. Thank you so much,” I said enthusiastically.
I walked out of the salon’s front door in my midnight blue silk dress with shining hair, and I felt amazing. For the first time since the breakup, I felt like I could do a whole lot better than Todd.
“All I can say is wow,” said Michael. He had been waiting for me outside of the salon.
“I hardly recognize myself,” I said with a laugh.