Chapter 6: Boutique’s Encounter

Ruby strolled into the boutique, she had decided to attend the birthday party. There was nothing in her wardrobe that wasnt office clothes so she was in need for some party outfits.

She scanned the boutique's racks, immediately her eyes were drawn to a silk, form-fitting red dress on a mannequin. Ruby smiled slightly to herself, imagining stepping into the party and seeing the surprise on Kiko's face when he realized she had actually shown up. She was about to reach for the dress when a commotion near the back of the store drew her attention.

A well-dressed, elderly woman with perfectly coiffed white hair and layers of gold jewelry was practically tearing the boutique apart. Clothes were scattered on the floor, and two store assistants looked helpless as they tried to appease her.

"I told you, I don't want any of these dull things!" the woman barked, her voice sharp. "I want something with color, with life! You young people just don't understand."

The store assistants exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure how to handle the irate customer. Ruby watched for a moment, observing the scene. The woman's face was flushed, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Ruby sensed she was on the verge of a full-blown meltdown.

Without hesitation, Ruby approached, slipping into the calm, composed demeanor that had helped her diffuse so many tense situations at the hotel. She gently touched the arm of one of the assistants, offering a reassuring smile.

"Let me handle this," she whispered, before stepping forward and addressing the woman with a warm smile. 

"Excuse me, ma'am, I couldn't help but overhear. I'm Ruby, and I happen to have a bit of an eye for fashion. Would you mind if I helped you find something that feels a little more… exciting?"

The woman looked at her, surprise flickering in her eyes before she let out a huff. "Oh, really? And what makes you think you can help me?"

"Well," Ruby replied smoothly, "I work in hospitality, and let's just say I know a thing or two about making people feel good. Plus," she added with a wink, "I agree with you. Life's too short to wear dull clothes."

For the first time, the woman's expression softened. Her lips twitched, almost as if she was trying not to smile. "Alright, then. Impress me," she challenged.

Ruby gestured toward a nearby rack that displayed vibrant, patterned dresses and picked up a bright turquoise piece adorned with delicate gold stitching. "How about this? The color would look amazing with your hair, and the gold stitching complements your jewelry."

The woman took the dress, examining it thoughtfully. She held it up to her shoulders, glancing at her reflection in a nearby mirror. Ruby noticed the assistants exchanging relieved glances as they quietly moved to tidy up the mess the woman had left behind.

The woman sighed, her fingers tracing the fabric. "You're right," she murmured. "It's beautiful." 

She looked up at Ruby, a softer expression now in her eyes. "You know, as I get older, I've realized the importance of dressing brightly, of embracing color. But sometimes, well…" She hesitated, her voice trailing off.

"Sometimes," Ruby finished gently, "it's easy to feel like the world wants you to blend in. But there's no reason you should."

The woman's face lit up with a rare smile. "Exactly. It's been a while since anyone reminded me of that."

Ruby offered her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "You should wear what makes you feel alive. If that's bold colors and luxurious fabrics, then so be it."

The woman's smile widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "You're quite wise for someone so young. Tell me, are you single?"

The question caught Ruby off guard. She opened her mouth to respond, hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I am."

The woman nodded, as if that confirmed some suspicion she held. 

"I thought so. You have that air about you—focused, strong, but with a hint of loneliness." Her gaze softened, and Ruby found herself unable to look away. 

There was something motherly about this stranger, something that tugged at a part of her she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge in a long time.

"Loneliness?" Ruby repeated, feeling the weight of the word settle over her. She forced a smile.

The woman gave her an assuring look. "Yes, I can sense it. Any woman my age can notice a woman who hasn't been touched by a man in a while"

Ruby laughed, a real laugh that seemed to surprise even herself. "I suppose you're right."

The woman glanced at the dress in her hands, then looked back at Ruby, her eyes gleaming. 

"You know, I could use a little more company in my life. Would you mind if we exchanged numbers? Perhaps we could go shopping together sometime, or just have a coffee. I'd love to have someone like you around."

Ruby hesitated. She didn't make a habit of giving her personal number to strangers, but there was something about this woman that drew her in. She seemed lonely, perhaps in a way that echoed Ruby's own feelings, hidden beneath layers of work and responsibility.

After a moment's pause, she pulled out her phone and handed it to the woman. "I'd like that."

The woman took the phone with a grateful smile, tapping in her number. "My name's Evelyn, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Evelyn," Ruby replied, feeling a surprising warmth spread through her. It had been so long since she had opened up to anyone outside of work or family.

Evelyn handed back the phone and studied her for a moment.

"Tonight, when you wear that dress, remember to have fun. Not just for the people around you, but for yourself. You deserve it."

Ruby nodded.