One Summer in Paris

She opened the door and Audrey whistled.

“That outfit is perfect. Stunning. And those gold sandals are right on trend.”

The strappy gold sandals had been just one of many outrageous purchases.

Grace had been afraid Audrey would want her to buy clothes designed for a woman half her age, but that hadn’t happened. They’d found a small boutique and the first thing Audrey had picked out was a beautiful dress in Mediterranean blue. The top was fitted and left Grace’s arms bare, and the skirt flowed from the waist in tiny pleats. Audrey had also talked her into buying a pair of gold strappy sandals and a sun hat with a wide brim and a ribbon. While Grace had been trying everything on, Audrey picked out a couple of tops, a pair of well-cut jeans and a white floral skirt that fell just below the knee. It was bright and summery, but still sophisticated.

“You should be a stylist.” Grace did a twirl in the blue dress, loving the way it felt and looked. Was that really her in the mirror? She’d had no idea that clothes could make her feel this good. Some of her friends bought new outfits every week, but Grace had invested in a capsule wardrobe that could be easily adapted for every occasion in her life.

This was the first time she’d had to dress for dinner with an ex-lover and nothing in her wardrobe covered that.

How could a dress give you confidence? She didn’t know, but this one did.

“What do you think?”

Audrey folded her arms. “What do you think?”

“I love it!

“Good. So do I. Now try these—” Audrey thrust another couple of dresses at her, and Grace took them, ignoring the part of her that said she didn’t need a whole new wardrobe.

If the clothes didn’t fit her life, then she’d change her life.

She spent more in that one shopping spree than she had in her entire life and she had no regrets.

Now she tucked her purse under her arm and studied Audrey. “You look good, too.”

“I didn’t know what to wear.” Audrey glanced down at her jeans and shimmery top. “It’s a party at the house of one of his friends. My bottom half could be underdressed, and my top half could be overdressed but I figure at least one half of me is going to fit right in.”

“What type of party is it?”

“The sort where people get drunk, dance, throw up in the bathroom and sometimes have sex. Not all at the same time. In other words, the usual type. No fancy dress thankfully. My friend Meena and I once went as cats to a party and the mask made me itch. It was fun having a tail, though. And now you’re looking anxious. You don’t have to worry about me, Grace.”

“Where is the party?”

“I don’t know. I’m not the one with the sense of direction, as you know. Etienne is picking me up, so luckily for me it’s not my problem.”

“Do you know the friend who owns the house?”

“Duh, no? What do you want? References?” Audrey gave her a look, and Grace felt like an idiot.

“Sorry. You’re right. I should be worrying about myself, not you.”

Audrey patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t stay out too late. If you get in trouble call me. Do you have a condom in your bag?”

“I’m not going to need a condom.”

“You never know.” Audrey smoothed a strand of Grace’s hair. “I’m loving this look. Was it easy to do this morning?”

“Yes. I wish I’d had it cut years ago.” Lately it had felt as if life had been happening to her. She’d had no control. She’d had no choice about what happened with David. But now she’d made a few small choices of her own—apartment, haircut, dinner with Philippe—and it felt good.

“Only one thing missing.” Audrey handed her a little bag, and Grace opened it.

“You bought me lipstick?”

Audrey took it from her and twisted it so that Grace could see the color. “Try it.”

The color was little more than a subtle sheen, but it was perfect. “Thank you. That’s incredibly kind. But you must let me pay.”