Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
She gave Arch one of her best thrifting tips. “Always look up high or down low in a thrift store. Everybody looks in the middle, but most of the real treasures are tucked on the highest and lowest shelves.”
“Noted, my thrifting queen.”
They took their wares to the changing rooms, and on the way, Arch grabbed a green dinner jacket and a plaid bow tie.
“Some interesting choices you’ve got there,” she teased.
“I’m an actor, so I can’t resist a little dress-up,” he explained, pulling open the curtain to a changing room. “It’s one of my favorite things about my career—pretending to be someone else for a little while.”
In her own dressing room, Tessa slipped into the red dress first. The fabric was sensational, but it was too long, as predicted. She stepped out to show Arch. He was wearing the dinner jacket with no shirt and the top hat, while leaning on the cane.
“Oh my gosh… it’s so you,” she said.
“Why, thank you, madam,” he replied in a British accent, taking a small bow and doffing his hat. “And may I say, you look incredible in red silk.”
Tessa turned from side to side in the mirror. There was a lot to like about the dress, but it didn’t feel quite right. “I’m going to try the others.”
She slipped into the black strapless first. It fit like a glove, clinging nicely to her curves. But to her mind, it wasn’t quite special enough for a red carpet.
She came out in the dress to see that Arch had found another hat, this one a wool flat cap, and had paired it with the denim shirt. “I’m calling this look ‘sexy farmer who found himself at the rodeo.’”
She laughed and said, “The shirt looks great.” It was so nice to see Arch this relaxed and playful. She’d been worried that he’d be bored, but of course it made perfect sense he would like trying on different costumes.
“What do you think?” she said, doing a little twirl. “I could dress it up with some red lipstick and some nice shoes, but I’m still not sure if it’s red-carpet worthy.”
Arch was complimentary, but said she could wear something more showy if she wanted.
The idea made her panic a little—the last thing she wanted was attention at this ceremony, but she also didn’t want to look underdressed. She tried on the last dress, but it wouldn’t fasten over her bust. She slipped back into her T-shirt.
“The last dress was no good?”
“I couldn’t get the zipper up over my chest.”
He shook his head sadly. “You should have asked for some help… I’d have enjoyed that.”
She wanted to lean in and give him a kiss, but though there was no one in sight, she was too conscious of being spotted.
* * *
“I’m going to get the shirt,” Arch said. “You’re right, it’s a great fit. And the walking stick, obviously.” He tossed it in the air and caught it like Fred Astaire. “What about the red dress? Did you want it?”
He hoped Tessa would say no. She looked great in it, of course—she’d look great in anything—but the dress Mila had found was something truly special, and he wanted to surprise her with it.
She shook her head. “It’s not quite right. I’ll keep looking.”
“I want you to be happy with whatever you wear.”
He’d loved watching her consider all the dresses so carefully. She’d looked fabulous in the two she’d shown him, but he was secretly glad she hadn’t found the perfect one.
As they approached the sales counter, she suddenly stopped—her attention caught by something on one of the shelves. She reached to the top shelf and brought down something shiny. It was a little beaded evening bag, white, with a Deco vibe.
“This is gorgeous.” She looked at him quizzically. “Is it weird to buy the bag before I find the dress?”
Arch shook his head. He couldn’t believe how well what she’d chosen would go with the silvery dress. He and Mila hadn’t even thought to buy a bag. “It’s perfect.”
She opened the purse, showing him the original silk lining. She turned the price tag over and then nodded with satisfaction. “Ten dollars.”
His eyebrows shot up. “No way. I’m about to spend that on iced coffees for us.”
“Way,” she said, clearly pleased with her find. “Told you I’m good at this. And see? It was on a high shelf. There’s nothing quite like a bargain.”
He hadn’t even looked at the price of his shirt. Twelve dollars. He was stunned. The walking stick was thirty-five bucks—and he’d be using it with a tux custom-made for him by Dior.
He went to add the bag to his pile of finds, but Tessa shook her head. “These are on me,” she said. “You can buy the coffee if you like.”
But he held firm. “You wouldn’t even need that purse if you weren’t doing me a favor. So I’m buying it—and your dress when you find one.”