sir?” “I need a nice dress.” A dress? “There’s this shop called Ulna’s Boutique. It’s about three blocks from here. Are you familiar with it?” I’ve passed by that store countless times since I’ve worked for Trentini & White but never got passed the window front. I don’t like torturing myself by going into stores to browse around knowing I can’t afford anything in the there. Not even a wallet. “Yes, I’m familiar with Ulna’s.” “Good. I need a nice black or white cocktail dress. She’s about your size. So try it on. I trust your judgment when it comes to style. Why don’t you do that for me now?” “Okay. What’s your price range?” “Don’t worry about the cost. I just want the best that they have.” Wow. This woman must be extremely special. Although I’ve never heard him mention a girlfriend. Not that we’ve had many personal conversations. Why wouldn’t he have a girlfriend? Besides, if he was interested in me I doubt he would send me dress shopping for someone else unless he made it crystal clear that the person being shopped for was a relative or close friend. All I got was, she’s about your size. Now I’m even more convinced that yesterday meant nothing more than a nice guy coming to the rescue of a good girl being mistreated by a scumbag.
The door chimes as I enter Ulna’s Boutique. Everything is so tidy and elegant looking. Ulna’s is definitely not a place to spend your time when you’re living from paycheck to paycheck like I am. Mmm. It even smells expensive. “How can I help you, Madam?” A slim gentleman with dark curls and a French accent steps from behind the counter. “Hi, I’m looking for a nice cocktail dress, size 2, in black or white.” “Certainly. I can pull a few pieces for you.” I follow behind him as he sashays over to a rack of dresses. He pulls a few pieces for me but they aren’t my style. I laugh to myself. As if I have a real style. “Can I see that one?” I point at the black and white strapless dress. “Ahh, yes this is a beauty. You will definitely make a true statement with this dress. It’s a drama piece.” He puts the dress up to my body. “I just adore the way you have this crisp white circle here that’s flawlessly place on this black fabric. It’s modern and chic.” I look down at the dress. My fingers outline the black rose belt. “This is gorgeous. Can I try it on?” The gentleman leads me to the fitting room. I tear my clothes off then carefully slip into the beautiful dress. One bonus off the rip is the side zipper. I always struggle with dresses that have the zipper in the back. I’m sure whoever this girl is will appreciate that small detail as well. The fabric clings to my body as if the designer had me in mind when he was creating this beauty. It stops just at my knees. I take a few steps forward then I squat as if I’m about to take a seat. The material is very comfortable. Great wiggle room. Who knows, he might be taking her dancing. I stand in front of the mirror. I like how one side is black and the other side is white. And the back. Wow. I run my hand over my backside. It accentuates the little butt that I do have so nicely. I smile at my reflection. I could get used to looking like this. I take a peek at the price tag. Wow. Five hundred bucks. Oh well. In Mr. White’s world I’m pretty sure that’s coming out on the cheap end. Cheap or not. This is the one that made my mouth water. So I’m getting it. After admiring myself for a few more minutes I finally pay for the dress then head back to the office. Mr. White’s door is close when I return. I knock. “Enter.” I walk inside with the large black bag dangling from my hand. He stands as I walk closer to him. “Here you go, sir.” He takes the bag from my hand and puts it into his coat closet. “And your card.” I place the card on his desk then take a few steps back. “Thank you, Miss Riley.” “You’re