Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Seven

Daphne

" D amn, Daph. Are you sure they're going to let us in this place?" Wren turns, her eyebrow arched as she looks back at the high-end clothing boutique Ezra recommended to find a dress for the gala.

Looking at my two best friends and then down at myself, I can't stop the sly smile that spreads across my face.

"I feel like we're about to have a Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman moment." Meadow giggles.

I have to admit, this could definitely mimic the movie. I just don't know if we'll be accepted or turned away.

Meadow is in one of her many bohemian-style skirts with Birkenstocks, bangles going halfway up her forearms, and a cropped tank top. Her blonde riotous hair is blowing in the breeze. Wren looks like the perfect goth princess she is, in her black platform combat boots, thigh-highs, and bodycon dress, completed with her signature space buns and fierce makeup. I'm rocking my favorite wide-legged, high-waisted jeans and an old paint-splattered shirt matching my Chucks. My hair is in a messy braid.

"Um, I'd like to say this isn't going to be an issue, but I have no idea what we're about to walk into. We are far from the women these people are used to dealing with. Let's just hope Ezra wouldn't send me to a place where they're going to treat us like shit."

Meadow smiles before walking closer to me and linking her arm with mine. She tugs a grumbling Wren into her other side and then heads to the door. Wren wrenches it open, and the three of us walk in.

It's brightly lit and has a modern feel with its stark white walls and black accents. The dresses are to the right while men's clothing is on the other side.

I'm a little surprised when a petite woman with purple hair, her septum and nose pierced, tattoos up and down her arms, and rocking a super cool grunge look walks up to us.

"Hi, ladies. I'm Tink. Welcome to my shop." She holds out a hand, and it takes everything to keep my mouth from gaping open.

"Hi, I'm Meadow." She drops my arm to step forward and shake Tink's hand. "This is Wren, and this is Daphne."

We all shake hands.

"Let me just say, I never would've pegged that this is your shop when you look as badass as you do."

"Wren," I chide, not at all surprised at my bold friend.

Tink laughs, making me breathe a little easier knowing she's not offended.

"You're not the first, nor will you be the last, to say something along those lines. I know you can't tell it from my current state"—she gestures down at her clothes—"but I grew up in the world of the upper elite, where I was forced to be paraded around to all the events my parents deemed I needed to attend. I loathed the dresses my mother would pick out, so I started altering them. I'd hem a little here, cut out a little there, and add some cool zippers, just so I could stay a little true to myself in a world I never seemed to fit in. My mother hated what I did, but I had several other daughters come to me to alter their dresses. I realized I could make a living doing something I loved if I decided to pursue it."

"Hmm, seems like you have a lot in common with our Daphne," Meadow interjects, making me blush.

"Oh, wait. Daphne…" Tink puzzles for a minute, and I anxiously wait to see where she's going with this. "Are your parents the Barkleys?"

"Um, yes…"

"I thought you looked familiar. My real name is Anna Stewart. Our dads were in office together. I've got about five or so years on you, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember me. Honestly, I only remember you because I was envious of how tall you were and I wanted to get my hands on some of those dresses you wore."

I cringe, remembering some of the awful dresses my mother paraded me around in as I try to place Anna. I'm having a hard time pulling her up in my mind, but it's not surprising since those events were very anxiety-inducing for me.

"I'm sorry. I don't remember you."

"That's fine, girl. No worries."

"Tink, these dresses are badass," Wren calls from a rack several feet away. She's holding up a black dress with diamond cutouts on the side and a light, gauzy fabric outer layer that catches the light every time Wren moves it.

"Wow, that is really beautiful." Meadow moves closer to take a better look.

"So, what can I help you ladies with today?"

"Um, I need a dress for an event. My date recommended your store and told me he would let you know he's handling everything."

"Who is your date?"

"Ezra Winters…" I wait to see her reaction. I don't know why I'm so nervous since Tink seems extremely friendly and accepting.

"Oh, nice. Hold on for one sec, will you?"

I watch curiously as Tink walks to the front counter and picks up a phone. I can't hear what she's saying, but I see her shake her head as a smile forms on her face.

She hangs up before making her way back to me.

"Okay, we're all set. My partner talked to Ezra. He wasn't sure what day you would be here, and she forgot to make a note on the calendar. He did take care of everything and told me you have no limit. If you see something you love, then it's yours."

I blush furiously because that's exactly something I've come to expect from Ezra. Even though I've told him he doesn't need to do anything for me, he's found a sweet way to let me know he's thinking of me and likes spoiling me rotten. The daily caffeine deliveries have been a huge hit at the shop, even if it does make Brooks a little disgruntled.

"Do you have any preferences, or are you willing to try on whatever I bring you?" Tink has a mischievous glint in her eye, but I don't doubt that whatever she puts me in will make me look beautiful.

It's my body dysmorphia that has me hesitating.

"Put her in whatever you want. She doesn't realize how stunning she is, so we'll have to convince her no matter what," Wren pipes up from behind me, making me jump.

I turn to glare at her as she sticks her tongue out at me.

"You know I love you, Daph, and that I'm right—whether you want to admit it or not. That's why Meadow and I insisted on coming with you. We just want you to feel how beautiful we know you are, inside and out."

Looking into Wren's eyes, I can't be annoyed with her even if she is calling me on my crap.

The moment she can tell all anger has faded, a cocky smirk tugs at her lips. I stick my tongue out at her before facing Tink, who already has a handful of dresses in her arms.

"I want to start with these. I have an idea of what colors I'm going to like on you, but I want to mix it up a bit. Sometimes, the dress you love the least ends up being the perfect one for you."

I take her word for it as I follow her towards the back of the store. We came first thing in the morning, so the store has been quiet the entire time we've been here, which makes me feel a little more comfortable.

Tink opens the door to the dressing room, and I'm blown away by how nice it is. It's got comfortable seating, plenty of room to move around in, a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and the most forgiving lighting I've ever seen in a changing room.

Tink looks at me thoughtfully for a second. "Do you need lingerie? With a lot of my dresses, you can go without undergarments, or they need custom lingerie."

God, sometimes I hate how awkward I am.

I fidget, embarrassed to tell her I'm already wearing lingerie even though it might not seem like my type of thing by my outer appearance. "Um, I have some on, but you can let me know if I need something different."

"Sounds good. Give me a minute to go grab a few things. Check out the dresses while I'm gone, and then let me know which one you'd like to try first."

I nod, barely being able to make eye contact. Instead, I turn towards the dresses hanging on the rack. I see the black dress Wren spotted when we first walked in, along with a crimson red, deep eggplant, royal blood, and a rich emerald dress.

I'm running my fingers over the different fabrics when Tink comes back in. She's got a tape measure thrown over her shoulders, a bag that looks like it's stuffed with sewing things in one hand, and a bottle of champagne with a flute in the other.

"First things first." She expertly opens the champagne without spilling a drop and fills the glass to the brim. "Drink up. I know it's nerve-wracking to be in a vulnerable position like this, so why not some liquid courage to get us going."

I take the offered glass and drink it, the bubbles tingling the entire time. My eyes sting a little from drinking the champagne so fast, but it's delicious, and I find myself pouring another, albeit smaller, glass.

"Okay, let's dive in. Which dress would you naturally gravitate towards?"

I point to the black dress. Even though it still has its flair, it's more demure than the other rich colors hanging in front of me.

"Perfect. Which dress makes you nervous?"

My eyes immediately dart to the red dress as I bite my lip. When I turn to face Tink, her grin is as wide as the Cheshire cat's from Alice in Wonderland .

"I had a feeling that would be the last dress you'd pick out for yourself. Let's start where you're comfortable and work your way up to the red one, okay?"

"Okay…" I hesitate.

"Are you comfortable if I stay in here with you to assist, or would you rather I wait outside? Either way is totally fine with me."

"You can stay."

I divert my eyes and turn to the side a bit before kicking off my shoes and getting undressed. My black lace balconette bra from La Perla makes my boobs look full and pushes them up to give me nice cleavage. The matching black lace thong doesn't leave much to the imagination as I slide my jeans off my hips.

Tink lets out a whistle, which pulls my head in her direction. I blush as I see her looking at me appreciatively.

"Damn, babe. I had no idea you were hiding that body under those baggy clothes. I mean, I remember you've always been lithe, but you could be a model for my line."

The blush spreads further down my chest as I shift nervously on my feet, my hands hanging awkwardly over my stomach. Objectively, I know I have a body a lot of women would kill for, but I've always struggled with it. Until I finally grew some hips and boobs, my mom used to pinch the back of my arms and comment on how skinny I was. I couldn't help that I didn't have the curves she did. But once I finally did fill out, she couldn't help but comment how I needed to make sure I was demure and not being a floozy by flaunting my body too much. I could never win, and it always left me a mess when it comes to my body image.

"Hey." Tink gently touches my arm, grabbing my attention. "I'm sorry if my bluntness made you uncomfortable. I believe all bodies should be celebrated, and girl, you've got a banging body. If I wasn't taken, I'd definitely be down to prove it to you." Tink holds up her left hand where a jade ring sits, as she winks at me.

I feel more at ease and smile tentatively back at her. "Thank you. And you didn't make me feel uncomfortable. I'm just really bad at accepting compliments, especially in regard to my body."

A knowing look passes her face before Tink smiles. Turning to the dresses, she grabs the black one and helps me step into it. "I grew up in the same world you did, if anyone understands, it's me."

"Thanks," I say, not only to her acknowledging what growing up in our world was like, but also for helping me feel good in my body, which looks amazing in this dress.

I run my hands over the sheer fabric on top, loving how it catches the light and sparks. The material underneath is a buttery soft silk that feels like heaven on my skin.

"I think Wren was right, and you're going to look stunning in everything I put on you. Hell, I could even let out the hem on this one a little more to make the back more dramatic if you wanted. Here, put these heels on." Tink leans down and slides the smooth leather onto my foot.

I'm always amazed at what a good stiletto can do for my posture.

Tink stands and fusses over the dress for a few minutes to make sure it's laying exactly where she wants it. "Alright, are you ready to show the girls?"

Taking a steadying breath, I nod and wait anxiously as Tink opens the changing room door.

"Hot damn, Daph. You're a fucking smoke-show," Wren exclaims as she jumps to her feet to make her way to me.

Meadow is beaming at me as she checks out the gorgeous dress. She runs her dainty hand over the sheer outer layer and hums her approval as it shimmers in the light.

"You really are stunning, Daphne." Meadow smiles sweetly up at me as she wraps her arms around me. Meadow's hugs have healing powers, I swear.

When she finally lets me go, I look in the mirrors and gasp. For the first time, I see what my friends are always telling me. I do look stunning in this dress, and I would be proud to wear it to an event as Ezra's date.

"Your friends are right. You're gorgeous, but I'm dying to get you in the other dresses."

Wren and Meadow head back to their seats and eat some snacks as they drink their champagne. I can hear their laughter in the dressing room, and it makes me so happy to have them here and that they're having a good time.

Tink helps me make it through the next few dresses, and my friends ooh and aah at every new one I put on. With each dress, my confidence grows until it's time to put on the stunning red dress.

The dress is a candy apple red chiffon, with a long flowy skirt and a slit that comes almost all the way up to my hip. It has an empire waist that cinches me in beautifully. The top is a masterpiece of fabrics woven together, with a sweetheart neckline giving glimpses of my ribs and taut abdomen. One strap goes over my left shoulder and straight down my side, leaving my back completely open. The right side is held up by a skin-toned mesh, which gives the illusion that there isn't anything holding the piece in place. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to show Meadow and Wren.

"Gah, I knew you were going to look phenomenal in this piece. It's like I made it specifically for you and didn't even know it."

I beam at Tink.

"I'm not even pulling your exceptionally gorgeous, long leg either. Every woman who has tried this dress on has looked pretty but would obviously need some alterations if they ended up wanting it. I won't have to touch this one for you, though. It fits you like a second skin."

"I'm blown away, Tink. This is exquisite. I'm a little anxious about this piece. I'm afraid that if I move wrong, I will tear it." I gesture to the mesh under my right arm that connects in the back.

"Hmm, I get that. Oh, wait here. I'll be right back." Tink rushes out of the dressing room and comes back moments later with something lacy in her hands. She holds it up triumphantly, making me laugh.

"I think this will work perfectly for you." She holds up a red lace bra that matches my dress. It has a front clasp, and the back is two thin bands of sparkling crystals. "What I can do is take this back mesh piece out, and you can wear this sexy little strapless number. I can put eye hooks right here"—she skims her fingers on the right side of the cup of the dress—"that you can snap right onto the bra. Then the dress won't move, the girls will stay secure, and you don't need to worry about the back breaking."

"I love that idea."

"Okay, let's unzip this real so I can fit this bra to you, and I can put a couple of quick stitches in so we can get the idea."

I unzip the side of the dress and slide it off. Tink hands me the bra, and I slide it on over my current one. I maneuver my bra off so that I'm left in the red with the crystals. It's a little big, so I stand still while Tink pins it, then push it back off and hand it to her. She quickly cinches the bra with a few stitches before giving it back. It fits perfectly when I slide it on.

Tink helps me back in the dress before having me turn so my back is towards her.

She makes quick work of removing the mesh piece and pinning the dress to the bra. "I'll add the eyelets after, but this should work for now. Ready to go show your friends?"

"Yes."

"Fuck me. I thought Ezra wanted to eat you up at the shop in your regular clothes. I can't even imagine the look he's going to give you when he sees you in that dress. I wouldn't be surprised if you don't even make it to the gala."

I smile at Wren, then turn to look in the mirrors. A gasp has me glancing over my shoulder at Meadow with her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes. I can tell by the way they're crinkled at the side that she's smiling.

"Babe, you're a bombshell," Meadow wobbles out as she fights back her tears. She's always felt so deeply. Her friendship has given me the strength to feel more comfortable expressing myself, and I'm so happy she's in my life.

"So, is this the dress for the gala?" Tink questions with a knowing smile.

"Yes."

"Fuck yeah."

"Absolutely."

All three of us speak at the same time before bursting into laughter.

"You really are a magician, Tink. I feel as beautiful in this dress as you all have been telling me I am since we walked through the door. Thank you for giving me the confidence that always seems to be lacking." I'm crying by the time I get the words out and notice the other girls are as well. I step towards Tink and open my arms to give her a quick hug.

"It's been my pleasure. Let's go get this off, and I will get you ladies on your way."

Tink helps me out of the dress and lets me know she only needs a day to get the alterations done while I get dressed. She says she can have everything delivered to me, so I don't have to make another trip back to the city before the event.

The nagging thought that my mom won't like my tattoos showing is driving me nuts as we get ready to leave. "Wren, do you think you can help me cover some of my tattoos?"

"Ugggggh, is this because of the wicked witch of the west?"

"Yes. I just don't know if I have the patience to deal with her."

"Babe, I don't think you'll have to worry about that. There's no way Ezra will let her say shit to you. But if it will make you feel better, I can help you cover them if you want."

"I'll think about it."

Making it to the front of the shop, we all stop to say bye to Tink.

"Thanks again for today. You made this experience way better than I anticipated it being."

"It was my pleasure. You've got my number now. Take lots of pictures and let me know how your night goes." Tink squeezes my hand as I smile back at her.

"Screw just texting. You need to come to Sparrow Falls. I'll give you some ink, and then you can come out with us for a girls' night," Wren teases as Meadow nods in confirmation.

"That sounds great. It's a date."

With my friends by my side, I head back to Sparrow Falls. I text Ezra to let him know I got a dress and thank him profusely for sending me to Tink. He, of course, brushes it off by insisting it's his pleasure and that we'll talk later tonight.

The gala is in a few days, but with my dress taken care of and the boost to my confidence, I feel like I might be a fitting partner for Ezra. I'm looking forward to talking to him later and hoping this newfound confidence lasts.