Page 31 of Sexting His Son's Ex
The sun peeks out from the clouds. The rays warm my face. I hover a hand over my eyebrows to block the brightness so I can see the screen. I’d feel more comfortable using his money if he knew who I was. I frown, wondering if he would offer his money to anyone.
Me: “That’s very thoughtful of you, but I have my own money. I do well for myself.”
I send a heart emoji too hoping it doesn’t sound too snippy.
Him: “It isn’t about that. It’s about taking care of you.”
Me: “I can take care of myself.”
Him: “It isn’t about that. It’s about being taken care of.”
“Excuse me?”
A sweet, happy voice has me whip my head up. A middle-aged woman smiles down at me; her brown eyes filled with warmth. Her dark hair is up in a French twist, and her blush is a light shade pink dashed across her cheeks. There are wrinkles by her eyes when she smiles, adding to the comfort I immediately feel in her presence.
She’s wearing a blush-colored shirt with a black blazer, matching the store’s vibes.
Oh my god.
She’s from the Sheer Imagination.
I drop my phone into my purse and return the smile. “Hi.”
“I am so sorry to bother you on such a beautiful day, but you’ve been out here for a bit. I’ve been keeping an eye on you to see if you’d come inside. Is everything okay, dear?” She smiles again, showing her teeth that are somehow just as endearing as she is. Her two front teeth slightly overlap the other, adding to her natural charm. “Are you only looking around? Exploring?”
My face heats. “Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed. You’re telling me to leave in a very nice way, aren’t you? I am so sorry. I’ll go. I didn’t mean to cause any attention.” I hook my purse strap on my shoulder, doing my best not to look at her because when I’m panicked, tears build.
“Oh my goodness, no! No, no, no.” She places a hand on my shoulder to stop me from leaving. There’s no force added. Her touch is gentle and easy, still giving me the option to leave if I want. “I’m just wondering if you want to come inside? You can see the clothes better in there than you can out here.”
“I… I don’t know. I’m not sure. I’ve never gone into a store like this before. I don’t know what I like or what would look good on me. Thinking about it is overwhelming.” I have a curvaceous body, one I’m proud of. It isn’t about not liking my body. I do. I love my body. I also have never been the kind of person to show a lot of skin. It’s preference. It’s about comfort level.
“We have so many options that will look fabulous on you. Come on.” She hurries to the front door, opening it, doing the hardest part for me. “We’ll get you in pieces that you’re going to love. So many women feel the exact same way you do. Showing our bodies… it’s so vulnerable. Being vulnerable is hard. It allowspeople to see another side of you, and we as women are so careful with what others see, aren’t we? We choose it and that’s what makes women so powerful. Our vulnerability can show whenever we please, but it also doesn’t mean anyone else needs to see it. Maybe you want to feel different for yourself. That’s more than okay too. Nothing in this store is for others. It’s only for you.”
I stand, hiking my purse up my shoulder. There’s a quick thought to make a run for it. I should run. As far away as I can because it’s not like I can tell her,‘Hey, I need lingerie to impress my ex’s dad that I’m talking to in text only. I sent him flowers with my number on it, but he doesn’t know it’s me.’
Yeah, that will go over swimmingly.
“You’re really great at this,” I say, taking a step forward.
“Well, I would sure hope so. Itismy store. I’ve been in this business for many years. I know when people need a little push.” She winks at me and it’s enough to have me smile, then step inside.
The air conditioning feels so good drifting over my heated skin. I must have been outside longer than I thought.
“Wow.” I’m in awe with how the store looks.
Everything has a designated spot. There aren’t racks upon racks of lingerie. There’s plenty of space to navigate without feeling overwhelmed with options.
The store is narrow but long. To the left, there’s the register. Behind the register are two sales associates checking customers out. All of their outfits match so it must be a uniform ofsome sort. Mannequins are strategically placed in a few corners, draped in their newest or best-selling lingerie.
Most of the pieces are black and that’s not my favorite color. I love richer or brighter shades. Greens and purples are my favorite.
The floors are polished wood with a deep red stain. The ceilings are high with huge beams and large fans to keep the air circulating. The walls are painted an off-white, making it easier on the eyes. Each piece of lingerie has its own section built within the wall. In the back, there’s a winding staircase that leads up to the second floor.
“Upstairs is where we do alterations of any kind. Bras, underwear, lingerie, everything is made to fit you how you deserve.”
“To think I almost walked away.”
“You might find the favorite version of yourself here. You never know.” She winks. “I’m Sally. If you have any questions, let me know, and I’ll help.”
