Chapter 2

Lily watched the city lights flash by as Chloe drove to the club. A love song was playing on the radio, she had heard it before. It seems to be one of the songs that was played on her wedding day. Yes it was the one they danced their first dance as a couple to.

“Oh my God.” Chloe’s sudden scream shattered the quiet. She stirred the car to the side of the road and pulled it to an abrupt stop.

“What’s wrong?” Lily’s heart jumped. She twisted in her seat, scanning around for what could have possibly made Chloe panic. “What happened? Are you okay?”

 “We can’t have you going to the club like this.” Chloe declared, turning to face Lily. “Not with you dressed like this.”

Lily blinked confused. She looking down at her dress. It was an elegant white dress that flowed down to her ankle. It was one of her favorite dresses–Ethan had given it to her for her birthday last year. “What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Everything, it is beautiful, but more appropriate for a picnic,” Chloe answered, shaking her head. “This won’t do. I forgot you’ve never been to a club. I’ll take you to my stylist friend now. Let’s make you the hottest babe at the club.”

Lily was wondering if she made the wrong decision agreeing to this outing.

 She and Chloe made a bet, if Ethan had come home for an anniversary dinner with her, she won, if not, she had to do whatever Chloe requested that night. But he hadn’t, hence she lost the bet.

Maybe she was foolish for thinking this year was going to be different. 

Chloe started up the car again, turning at the intersection ahead.

“Here we are,” Chloe announced, packing the car in front of a stylish boutique on the corner. 

The boutique stood out with its mix of cottage and modern aesthetic, its brick walls and delicate awning covered with blooming Wisteria vine, the trails of their lavender blooms reminded her of the tangled fairytale. While its large glass windows showcased fashionable clothes.  Mannequins posed elegantly, dressed in outfits that were different–bolder– from what Lily would normally wear. 

This was definitely a bad idea. She wondered if she should turn back and go home. But when her eyes met Chloe’s excited ones she decided to go along with it.

The small pathway leading to the entrance was lined with neatly trimmed Gardenia bushes. Their zesty floral scent calmed her racing heart as she and Chloe walked hand in hand to the entrance. The wooden sign hung above the door bearing the boutique’s name in cursive script— “Urban Threads” swang gently in the evening breeze.

Inside the boutique was just as beautiful as the outside. Warm light spilled across the racks of clothes lining the walls, each piece reflecting the talent of the owner. The soft hum from the staff and a few late shoppers settled in the background as she took in the sight.

“Chloe, mon amour, comment as-tu été?”

Both Lily and Chloe turned in the direction of the sound. A tall man wearing a colorful feathery coat that looked straight out of the runway was walking up to them. His pink hair gleamed under the store's light

“Gabriel, my dear, I have been very well,” Chole squealed, running into his arms.

They embraced each other in a hug, giving each other air kisses. 

“When did you get back?“ Gabriel asked. Looking her up and down. “I see your vacation was a blast. My goodness, you look stunning,”

 His gaze turned to Lily who was standing by the side–and widened in delight.

 “And who might this exquisite goddess be?”

Lily's eyes, a deep shade of brown like chocolate pools, drew people in with their flecks of green. Her heart-shaped face was framed by rich chestnut hair cascading down her back in soft waves. Her nose was small and slightly upturned, giving her an endearing, doll-like appearance. Her bow-shaped lips were curved in a soft smile as she watched the friends reunite.

“My bestfriend, Lily.” Chloe answered. “I brought her for a makeover, do your magic.”

“Sweetheart, she doesn’t need any magic,” Gabriel said walking around Lily. ”I think I have finally found my muse. What’s the event? We can always enhance perfection.” He asked,  his expression turning professional.

“First time going to the club,” Chloe answered, making herself comfortable on one of the plush seats in the corner of the store. “I want her to dazzle.”

 “Mon dieu! This… this is a tragedy! How have you never been to a club? Non, I have to do something.” He beckoned to one of his staff. “Alice! Come! We have an emergency”

Gabriel dragged her around the store, browsing through clothes, picking and adding them to the pile Alice carried. 

“Okay off you go to the changing room.” Gabriel finally announced, pushing her into a stall.

She looked at the array of clothes arranged on the rack and picked the first one. ‘Well here goes nothing.

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It was surprisingly fun.

As she tried on different outfits, posing and twirling for Chloe, Alice and Gabriel, she felt a nostalgic joy. She laughed at their praises and exaggerated reactions. It reminded her of when Chloe and she were in high school playing dressup, with their friends as the audience. 

Outfit after another passed, until…

“This is the dress” Chloe’s voice rose in an excited squeal, jumping from her seat, as Lily stepped out. “This one this one.”

The dress was a stunning red piece that hugged Lily's curves perfectly–curves she rarely ever showed. The high slit running from her tigh, revealed a tempting amount of skin when she moved. With a light touch of makeup and some expert styling on her hair, Lily looked like a completely different person—breathtaking, vibrant, and sexy.

When she saw her reflection in the mirror.

 Her breath caught.

Was this her? The woman staring back at her looked breathtaking

Gone was the demure, quiet wife that waited home alone for her husband. 

"You look amazing," Chloe exclaimed, beaming with pride. "Gabriel, this is perfect, thank you. You are a miracle worker as usual"

“Non. Thank you, enjoy your night girls, it’s off to the drawing board for me.” Gabriel stood in front of Lily and took her hands in his. “You have to come again, I have so many dresses I want to design for you.”

With their mission accomplished, they left the boutique, ready to party. As they walked to the car, Lily felt a sense of peace wash over her.

 Tonight, she was going to let go of her worries and just enjoy herself.