Page 77 of The Perfect Melody

“Is it weird that I’m nervous? This is pathetic, right? It’s just clothes, I should be able to dress myself without panicking.” My throat’s tight and my eyes burn, but Irefuseto cry over this.

“Hey, none of that,” Bailey replies, a sharp edge to her voice I’ve never heard before. “You arenotpathetic. You’ve spentyears being forced to conform to some old white man’s idea of what young women and teens want.” She takes a calming breath and softens her tone. “It’s completely understandable that having choices for the first time feels overwhelming. Got it?”

Not trusting myself to speak, I nod.

“Good. Now, you’re going to tell your friend you’re looking for black, grey, or jewel-toned colours with classic lines. You’re looking for simple—nothing that’s overtly traditionally feminine.”

Taking a few deep breaths, I let that sink in while Bailey waits patiently. “OK. I can do that. Thank you—for helping me, and for, you know, the other stuff you said.”

“Anytime. I mean it, Cassie. I know we only met because I’m dating Liam, but we’re friends too now—I’ve got your back.”

My heart swells with appreciation for them both. I may be building a new life for myself here in Pine Grove, but Liam and Bailey will always be my first true friends. I’ll never forget all the ways they’ve been there for me. “I’ve got yours too. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask.”

Liam nudges his way back into view of the camera. “We know, and we love you.”

“Alright, stop that or you’re going to make me cry, and then I’ll have to explain why my eyes are all red when I meet the girls for coffee, and it’ll be a whole thing.”

“You hear that, Bails? She loves us too,” Liam says, clearly taking the piss.

We both roll our eyes, more than used to him by now. “Seriously though, thank you both. I need to get going, or I’m going to be late, but I’ll call you soon?”

“You’d better,” Bailey replies. “I want to hear all about your date.”

“You got it.”

We say our goodbyes, then I end the call feeling ten times lighter than I did before.

* * *

Mei and Daphne were more than willing to help me shop for clothes after I told them and the rest of who I’ve now come to think of asourfriendship group about my dinner date with Austin. Not one of them was surprised by the news—Molly really spread the word about walking in on Austin and me kissing. I’m still kind of pissed off with her for that. Not because we were hiding our relationship, but because it was just that—ours. Austin and I didn’t feel the need to announce our private business to the entire town. Unfortunately, Molly had no such qualms, so for the past week he and I have been fielding questions from a steady stream of nosy customers.

At least the news of our budding relationship made Abby happy. I know she and Austin had their issues in the past, but I can’t help enjoying the motherly attention she’s been showing me since I arrived. She’s ramped it up even further now that she knows I’m dating her son. After years of Miranda’s arctic chill, Abby’s warmth is a welcome change. Austin pretends to be embarrassed by all her fussing, but I can tell he’s secretly pleased.

Daphne leads Mei and me to a shop across the street and a few doors down from Beans & Bakes. Inside is a treasure trove of lovingly displayed clothes and accessories. “Wow.”

“I know, right?” Mei says.

“Hi, can I help you?” The salesperson has artfully tousled short dark hair and is rocking an androgynous look. There’s a small pin on the lapel of their blazer stating they use the pronouns they/them.

On the short walk over from the coffee shop, I told the girls what kind of thing I’m looking for. I repeated Bailey’s words verbatim, so when Daphne launches into an explanation of what we’re here for, I’m happy to let her take the lead.

After a couple of minutes, the salesperson nods. “Great, I’ve got a few options that I think will work. I’ll run around and grab them—feel free to browse while you wait. If anything takes your fancy, just bring it over to the changing area.” They point towards the back right corner of the shop where I can see two changing cubicles with thick, velvet curtains currently hanging open.

“Thanks,” I reply, but they’ve already disappeared.

“Jordan’s awesome. The only problem you’re going to have is choosing between the outfits they bring you,” Mei tells me.

“Come on, let’s look through the racks while we wait,” Daphne encourages.

It’s strange, browsing the carefully organised rails of clothing myself instead of walking into a room with a rack full of items curated specifically for me. Well, for Melody. Keeping in mind everything Bailey and I discussed, I carefully pick through rows of tops, dresses, and skirts. I pull a few items out for a better look, putting most of them back, but am pleasantly surprised when I decide to hold on to a couple to try on.

“That will look great on you,” Daphne tells me, nodding at the midnight-blue satin skirt I’m holding.

“Really?” I ask hopefully.

“Yeah. Go try it on, Jordan’s already left some other stuff in one of the changing rooms for you.”

‘Some’ is an understatement. They’ve gone above and beyond. I gape at the selection before me.