Dress Shopping (1)

The girls all took turns between eating breakfast and taking showers. Only Mrs. cooper skipped breakfast, claiming that she wasn't one to eat so early in the morning. I made sure to pack some granola bars into my purse and double-checked to make sure I had everything. Money? Check? Fully charged phone? Check. Portable battery for phone with charge cord? Check. Granola bars, gum, and aspirin? Check, check, and check.

"I thought we had to be there early??" I heard Rachel complaining from down the hall. That's what the aspirin was for.

I rolled my eyes. "Just making sure we have everything. I'm ready now." I joined them in the foyer and opened the front door so they could leave before me. After they left, I closed the door and locked it.

"What about your dad?" Mrs. Cooper asked once we were in the car. "I didn't see him come home or anything. I hope we aren't putting him out."

A little too late for that, is what I wanted to say. But I stuck with the kindness route. "Oh, he's working nights this weekend. On twelve-hour shifts. So he probably got home early this morning, and will probably be gone by the time we get back in the afternoon."

"Oh. That's a rough schedule to keep." She remarked.

"Uh-huh." I agreed.

"How's the pay though?" She then asked.

"Mommm." Brittany groaned from the front passenger seat. "You don't just ask someone about their income. That's rude."

"I didn't mean to be rude. It was just natural curiosity." Mrs. Cooper defended herself.

"It's alright, I understand." I interrupted the would-be fight. I need this morning to go smoothly as possible. Fighting over etiquette on income questions is currently not high on my priority list. "I'm not sure the exact amount my dad makes, but he is looking forward to retirement."

"Isn't everyone?" Mrs. Cooper laughed. "I feel like I'm getting a second round of senoritis. These days I find any reason to use my vacation and sick days. One day in that office now feels like ten."

I laughed. That sounded like my dad. "Do you have an idea when you want to retire?"

"I want to retire now." She joked. "But as for when I can really retire? Maybe another ten years when I start collecting social security."

"Same with my dad." I smiled.

"Oh! Are we the same age?"

"He's about to turn 58." I grinned. "If you see him this weekend, don't tell him I told you."

She laughed. "It's okay. I just turned 58. I'm a little bit older I guess. It'd be nice to see him this weekend to express our thanks. Letting us stay with you was much cheaper than a hotel room or two. We really lucked out."

I smiled. "We might see him tomorrow." I drove us down to the beaches and pointed out a few landmarks.

"Wow. How are we going to find parking?" Brittany asked, frowning. "Isn't it still early? How many people get up this early on a Saturday?"

I smiled. "It's mostly the surfers. Don't worry, I already know where we're going to park." I drove through some busy streets, and glimpses of the beach could be seen between apartment complexes.

Luckily I had been in this area before and found out that a coworker lived nearby. With a free lunch, she told me I could park in her driveway for the day.

"Is this okay?" Brittany asked. "Isn't this private property?"

I turned off the car after parking. "It's fine. I know the person who lives here from work. I already told her that I'd be parking my car here."

"It must be so nice to live this close to the beach." Kelly sighed with a hint of jealousy.

I nodded in agreement. "This used to be her parents house and when she inherited it, she was so excited. She couldn't normally afford something so close to the beach." I would know. We have nearly the same income.

"How lucky!" Kelly said.

We all got out of the car and gathered on the sidewalk. I made sure to lock the doors before leading us on a short walk.

"Why couldn't we just park closer to the shops?" Rachel asked. "I'm sure we could have found something closer."

I rolled my eyes, but didn't turn around. "Maybe. But we don't have time to waste to find parking for a suv. Best to take what we can and focus on why we're here." I grinned back at Brittany. "To find the bride her dress!"

Brittany grinned and put her hands together. "Please let me find something! I don't even care if it's not in my budget anymore! I'll make it work."

"Are we going to expensive places?" Mrs. Cooper asked. She looked down at her plain outfit. "Is this okay to wear?"

"There are no dress codes." I reassured her. "I've seen people go in with sweatpants. The places I picked out aren't just known for their dresses, but for their customer service too. They won't turn clients away because of what they wear to the store."

"Oh! Sounds nice!" She replied.

The walk was only a quarter of a mile before we got into the shopping district. I found the first store and held the door open for everyone.

"Any longer and I'd have to take a break." Rachel complained. "I can't wait to take a seat."

This girl...I swear. She's testing my patience like no other. After everyone walked in, I did so too, letting the door close behind me. I hurried in front of the group again to speak with the receptionist.

"Welcome!" The nice lady in a pantsuit greeted. "Do you have an appointment with us today or just browsing?"

"Appointment under Cooper." I told her. I gestured at Brittany. "This is my friend Brittany Cooper, the bride."

"Hello! Nice to meet you!" The receptionist gave her a friendly greeting. "Your personal consultant will be here in just a second."

True to her word, a middle-aged woman came out just as she finished speaking. "Hi! Welcome! Let's get you all to your private dressing room. We have refreshments if you want any?"

I nodded and took the lead to follow her. "Yes, please! A bottle of champagne...make it two."

She laughed. "No worries. I'll have someone bring it in right away."