CHAPTER 8

"I'm from Luxx. I'm here to see the collection you wish to have published in our magazine." "Yes ma'am. My assistant and I had been expecting you." Without any further adieu, Ashley came out the changing room and began her fashion walk with a collection piece on. I stood on the side as I explained the outfit more, instead of just looking on to. I needed to sell myself, my boutique and my collection. Ashley and I had previously rearranged the boutique and made it look like a catwalk. The Luxx representative was the judge, Ashley was the model, and I was the project seller. While Ashley changed into another outfit, I showed the clothes on the mannequins. The representative looked so pleased. She must have thought she'll just be sitting there, waiting for Ashley to change into another. ~ After we showcased our first twelve summer collection pieces, she gave us a very satisfying compliment and remarks, then left. Ashley and I hugged each other. The bell on the door jingled, indicating someone had come in. Ashley and I looked over. EJ and Madison stood there with smiles on their faces. "This is your place?" Madison asked. "Yes. How can I help you?" "I'm looking for a dress like no other." "She wants a dress so I referred you to her," EJ inputted. I scoffed but threw on a smile. I welcomed all customers. This was business. I took down to a rack of dresses in her size and with fabrics that would compliment her complexion. "Ohh I love this one!" she said with excitement as she came out the changing room with the ‘green off the shoulder dress that flowed down the back but stopped above the knees at the front'. She did look pretty in it and it matched her eyes. "That piece is a bit on the expensive side. It's one thousand." "That's okay." "What's the occasion?" I asked. She looked like she was in a hurry to purchase a dress for something important. "EJ and I are going out on a date. He's paying for the dress." She changed back into her regular clothes and went up to Ashley at the cash register. Ashley swiped a card EJ handed her, bagged the dress and handed it over to Madison. I watched as they waved goodbye to me and left. ~ "They make a cute couple," Ashley said, unaware of the pain in my heart. Ethan Junior's POV "You're really making me feel bad right now Madison. I honestly forgotten it's your birthday." Madison had came over this morning to remind me it was her ninteenth birthday today. I had completely forgotten about it and I felt bad. I'm a terrible friend. "That's okay. You can make up for it by buying me a dress and taking me out to dinner later on tonight." She had an amazing smile. I wasn't about to reject her and make her feel bad on her special day. "That I can do." I went upstairs and got my car keys to my black Mercedes-Benz. "MOM! DAD! I'm heading downtown with Mads." I called to my parents as we went out the door. I couldn't wait for my twenty first birthday where I'll be given my own house. Make my own rules. And come home whatever time I like. ____________ "You know where you're taking me?" Madison asked as I drove downtown. "Yes. I'm taking you to ZENIA'S." "ZENIA'S as in Zenia?" "Yep. She owns and manages her own boutique." "Wow. That's nice." __________ We pulled up to Zenia's boutique almost an hour later. Zenia looked surprised when she saw us walked in together. "This is your place?" Madison asked her in astonishment. Duh! I just told you that. "Yes. How can I help you?" Zenia asked, sounding all professional. "I'm looking for a dress like no other," Madison replied as she looked around. "She wants a dress so I referred you to her," I butted in. Zenia led her through the store and I took a seat while I texted some of my friends. After Madison had found the dress she wanted and liked, I paid for it like I said I would. Then we left. We got back into my car and I drove us back home. "What time should I get ready for?" she asked as she came out the car when we reached her destination. "7:00." "And where are we going?" "You'll see." I didn't had a damn idea on where to take her. I hadn't planned anything. She gave me another cute smile, closed in the car door and walked up to her house. I drove away and went back to mine. _________________ I laid down on my bed in my room, and texted Zenia. Me: hey Zenia: Ur girl likes the dress? Oh, I was sensing jealousy from her. I would play along with this. Me: yh, she likes it. Wants me to get her another one. Zenia: Oh so she is ur girl..hmm OK. I threw back my head and laughed. Zenia liked me but she wasn't letting herself fall for me. She was easy to read but hard to understand. Me: And what if she is or isn't? She's a real sweet person but not my type.