Page 44 of Always Almost You

Lauren nodded.

“Then you’re in luck.” The woman rose and retrieved three sweaters: one in teal and coral, one cream with navy accents, and one in deep forest green tones. “We also have long-sleeve tees that layer beautifully underneath,” she added.

Lauren was the only customer in the shop.

“Would your little friend like to stay up front with me?” the proprietor asked. “My schnauzer usually comes to work, but I left her home today. There’s a dog bed behind the counter.”

Lauren crouched. “What do you think, Pumpkin? Want to supervise?”

Pumpkin trotted behind the counter without hesitation and curled into the waiting bed as if she owned it. “Traitor,” Lauren whispered affectionately.

By the time Lauren finished browsing, the dressing room held an impressive array: two pairs of pants, three Fair Isle sweaters, six layering tees, and four soft crewneck sweaters.

Pumpkin followed Lauren into the dressing room and settled against the wall, observing critically.

“Everything fits,” Lauren called through the door. “And it all looks amazing.”

“Sounds like your luggage misfortune turned into shopping karma,” the woman replied.

Lauren turned in front of the mirror, admiring the teal and coral sweater.

“I can’t decide which one I like best.”

“This year’s Fair Isle selection is the prettiest we’ve ever carried,” the proprietor said.

Lauren stepped out to show her.

“That one,” the woman declared immediately. “It lights up your eyes.”

Lauren studied herself again. “I’m going to buy all three,” she said finally. “Actually … I’m going to buy everything I tried on.” She laughed. “I don’t even know how I’ll get it all home.”

“There’s a luggage shop a block down,” the woman said smoothly.

“Thank goodness.”

As the proprietor rang up the items, Lauren’s eye caught a rack tucked into a corner. “Wait. What are those?”

“Velvet cocktail dresses. Seasonal stock. They’re thirty percent off.”

Lauren hesitated. “I never go anywhere fancy. I have no use for a cocktail dress.”

“That’s the thing about party dresses,” the woman said. “You never know when you’ll need one.”

Lauren walked to the rack and returned with two dresses—a sapphire blue and a classic black. “I don’t know why I’m even trying these on.”

“If you buy one,” the woman replied knowingly, “the reason will appear.”

Moments later, Lauren stepped out wearing the sapphire velvet. The fabric caught the light like midnight water. The empire waist and flowing skirt gracefully draped across her slim form.

The proprietor led her to the three-way mirror. “It looks made for you.”

Lauren swallowed. “It is beautiful. But when would I wear it?”

The woman snapped her fingers. “Tonight.”

Lauren blinked.

“The Spring Street merchants are doing our annual Christmas caroling. We meet across the street at 5:45 and walk the residential streets singing. Some houses serve hot cider. Others pass out cookies. It’s straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.”