On the way there, I was surprised to get a phone call from Ian and Dylan.
“Hey, boys,” I greeted.
“Ace,” Ian said.
“Hey, Laney,” Dylan added.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of having both of you call me?”
“We just wanted to check on you,” Ian said. “And ask you how Isabelle’s doing.”
“She sounds a bit down on the phone,” Dylan added.
My heart just about melted at this. “She’s hustling, but it’s harder than she imagined, I think. Just putting it out there, but if you two were to visit, I think she’d be very happy.”
“We plan to do that anyway. We’re coming to the gala,” Dylan said. The guys were running their own company in Washington and were flexible with their time.
“Perfect. I think she misses her friends. I meet with her as often as I can, and Tess and Josie are too, but the more familiar faces the better. I’m actually meeting them now. They’re helping me buy a dress.”
“Okay, we’ll leave you to it, then,” Ian said.
“Have fun. And Laney? Take care of her, okay?”
“I will. Promise. Got to go.”
“Bye.”
I met Isabelle and Tess directly in front of the store in Soho. Tess was already there when I arrived, and Isabelle arrived two minutes after I did.
“Tess, I love your shoes,” Isabelle said, her gaze glued to Tess’s high heels. They were absolutely gorgeous: bright red peep-toes with a five-inch heel.
“Thanks,” Tess said, smiling, taking my arm. “Let’s get you dressed, girl.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m ready.”
I wasn’t a big shopper, since I wore scrubs at work and practically lived in jeans and simple tank tops when I was outside the hospital. My last shopping spree had been before Rome, where I’d gone to H&M and Zara, but this was something else entirely.
The shop had dark hardwood floors, and the scent of jasmine was thick around us from the air fresheners set on the round, marble table.
The salesclerk, Danielle, approached us with a big smile.
“What can I do for you?” she asked.
“I need a dress for a gala,” I explained.
Danielle looked at Tess knowingly. “Would that be one of your galas?”
“That’s right,” Tess answered.
Danielle looked me up and down. “Size six, I would say. Maybe four with some European designers. Can I bring you a wide selection, just for fun? A mix of styles and colors? Or do you want something specific?”
“A wide selection sounds good.”
When I’d looked at dresses online, I was fixated on A-shaped gowns, but I had a feeling that I was missing out.
Danielle led us to the back, where there was a very luxurious seating area in front of the changing rooms. There was a velvet couch with two marble tables identical to the one in front of the entrance.
“Skye and I usually come here for dresses,” Tess commented. “We love Danielle. She has a knack for picking out things that make one look like a supermodel. It’s a great boost to one’s ego.”