Captivated

ChapterTwenty

Angelina

Thursday arrived, and I began to look forward to my shopping trip with Diane and Donna. As Michael dropped us off in the city centre, the hairs on the nape of my neck pricked up. I turned around but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“It’ll only be Sacha and Lilah.”

I smiled at Donna. “I guess they’re cloaking their presence.”

She nodded. “That, and I can’t sense any demons or their familiars.”

She was right. Even I, with my limited experience in my brand-new life, sensed no malevolent presence.

“Come on, ladies. Time’s a wasting.”

We giggled as we watched Diane head off down one of the side streets.

“Guess that’s our cue to follow, or we’ll lose her.”

The small boutique wasn’t at all what I’d expected. The décor was pretty old-fashioned. My best guess was sixties; even the music was retro. I dreaded to think what the clothes were like. Diane was chatting away to a woman who appeared to be in her late fifties. Donna dug me in the ribs and rolled her eyes.

“I saw that.” We jumped guiltily at Diane’s comment.

“Sorry,” we murmured.

“I’m Cheryl. Looks are deceiving. The best clothes are upstairs. Hang on,” she said, going to the shop door and clicking the lock shut. “Come with me.”

We followed her up some rickety stairs and gaped when we entered the space on the floor above the shop. It was ultra-modern, all chrome and black. The walls had rails along them with a multitude of beautiful gowns.

“Don’t be shy. Go check them out while I see to Diane.”

We headed for different ends of the rails. My eyes were drawn to a beautiful very pale lilac, floor-length gown, with gossamer thread shot through it, giving it an iridescent glow, which altered when it moved in the light. It was strapless, with built-in bust support. A slash ran from the floor to mid-thigh. I grabbed it and headed to one of the changing rooms. As soon as I put it on, I knew this was the one. The colour was perfect for my hair and eye colouring. It was going to be a real task to keep the guys out of my head, as I didn’t want them to know anything about my dress before the day of the ceremony.

“Angelina, are you dressed yet?” Donna’s voice was filled with excitement.

“Yep. Are you?”

“Yes.”

We came out of our changing rooms and squealed with enthusiasm. Donna wore an electric-blue dress, almost the same style as the one I wore, but hers had a halter neck.

“You look so beautiful.”

We turned at the sound of Diane’s voice. She looked stunning too, in a long black gown covered in glittery beading. It was a little more conservative, with capped sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.

“Do you have any jewellery we can look at?” I asked.

“Yes, follow me. I also have the perfect sandals to match your outfits.”

We headed through another door, where Cheryl indicated to a huge array of jewellery on stands and in cases. Instantly, I knew what I wanted. I’d spotted a black velvet choker with a crystal skull on it. There was also a bracelet decorated with crystal skulls. Donna chose a deep blue choker with a silver heart on it, and a matching bracelet. The high-heeled sandals, as promised, were almost identical in colour to our dresses.

Once we’d changed and paid for our purchases, we headed back downstairs. Cheryl saw us out and I turned to hug her.

“Thank you so much. I think you’ll be seeing us again.”

She smiled and kissed my cheek. “I’m sure I will. It’s been lovely to meet you.”

“There’s a fab little bistro in the next street down.” Diane ushered us away from the boutique.

“Great. I’m starving,” Donna announced.