21. The Look 👀

I've never seen a clothing store that was set up like a museum. The clothes were the art and the cash registers were waiting for payment. It was a bright and inviting space. At the same time, I felt out of my element. If I looked too long at anything, I know they were expecting me to pay for it.

"You like anything you see?" Zeke asked me.

Yes, but I'm not telling him that.

Zeke said, "There's more downstairs if you--"

I interrupted him, "Let's go downstairs."

Zeke led the way down the wide staircase.

"Are you sure this is one store? It looks like an entire mall down there." There's no way this is one store with all this space full of clothes on model mannequins and regal racks.

"If you don't know where to start, the employees on the floor can help you. Take your time. I'll be in the basement." Zeke turned and continued down the wide staircase.

"The basement?" I whispered to myself. I crossed my arms. "This is insanity." I looked around before my feet finally moved.

"Hi, Jae. Are you looking for anything  in particular?" A woman asked me.

First-of-all, where did she come from? Second-of-all, "Umm... how do you know my name?"

She smiled at me, "Mr. Rivers closed the store for today. He told us you'd be joining him."

I nodded my head as I looked around. I was the only shopper in here. Why wasn't that the first thing I noticed? Is this what it's like to have money?

"We also have a popular collection available if you're interested in trends," the woman informed me.

"No, thank you. Do you have anything that stands out almost like a costume, but not like a clown or anything. Something like... if I wanted to play dress-up or pretend to be someone else." I don't even know where I was going with this, but Zeke told me to have fun.

"Yes. We have two sections for that. The first one is the OTT and the second is the Trench."

I arched a brow, "What does that mean?"

"OTT stands for over-the-top, and the Trench is mostly jackets and coats and things like that. Those come with an entire look. Sometimes wigs are included along with heels or sunglasses. Would you like to see?"

"Sure." I followed her to a far away area near the back. The OTT and Trench were in clothing bags with descriptions on the outside.

"Shoppers like the vague descriptions, because the style and color of the jacket is all we mention."

I took a step closer to read some of them. I pointed, "Can I try on this one? It's a purple trench." I read the description.

The woman grabbed the clothing bag off the rack. Another woman walked over to us and took the clothing bag before disappearing.

"She's going to take it to the basement where you can try it on later."

"No need. I can try it on now." I don't know why I'm passing up an opportunity to shop til' I drop, but I'm curious to know what's inside the bag.

"Of course. Follow me." The woman led me to the basement.

It went from dark to light once we walked into a short corridor. There was a section by curtains. We walked passed a few before stopping in front of one. She pushed back one curtain to reveal an entire room which was set up like a fitting room at a bridal shop.

Zeke was on his phone as he sat on a semi-circular couch in front of a circle platform with mirrors on the wall.

"Would you like any help changing?" The woman asked me.

Considering that I didn't know what could be in the bag, I rather not go through the trouble on my own. "Yes, please."

She walked over to the mirror wall and pushed one back like a sliding door. There was a changing room. Okay. This place is officially too much, and I liked it. I walked inside and the woman followed me. She slid the mirror back and turned to face me.

"Let's open it up." She secured the clothing bag's hanger on the hook and unzipped it.

The most vibrant purple fur coat came busting out. It looked so soft. I caressed it.

The woman smiled and asked me, "How does it feel?"

"Cozy."

She took the coat off the hanger, and opened it up for me to try on.

Once my arms were in, I wrapped myself in the coat. It stopped at my knees. It felt like a blanket. I could definitely go to sleep in this.

"And here are the items it comes with." The woman held up a pair of sunglasses and a flat rectangle box. When she opened it, there was a silver short wig inside. It had bangs, too. The model wearing the wig made it look super sophisticated. Could I even pull this look off?

A few minutes later, we walked out the fitting room. I stepped on the circle platform, facing Zeke. He was texting on his phone.

I cleared my throat.

Zeke looked up, and I think he was speechless.

I struck a pose. "How do I look?"

"Looks good to be honest. Short hair looks good on you. You might be able to pull off any color, too."

Was that a complement? I turned around to finally look at myself in the mirrors.

Is this me? Jamie? I didn't know I could look like this.

"What else did you find?" Zeke asked me.

"I only want this."

Zeke stood to his feet. "Let's go."

The drive back to the house was me not being able to keep my hands off my new coat. I didn't dare ask how much it cost in fear of wanting Zeke to return it. I was so into my coat that I didn't realize we were inside the house.

"Before I forget, we're going to a party tonight."

I spun around so fast that I almost dropped my new, beautiful coat. "You said you're going or we as in us? You and me? Like a couple? Together?"

Zeke lightly laughed, "Jae, you and I are going to a party tonight."

"What kind of party like a house party or a club party? A tea party?" I needed the details.

Zeke walked over to me. "You should wear your new look. Be ready in two hours." He walked away.

"Two hours?"

"I'll go to your room when it's time." He left me to my thoughts. Why didn't he tell me this earlier? I could've at least picked a second outfit. I looked at my attire in the clothing bag.

I headed to my room and opened the door. The first thing I noticed were the shopping bags. I closed my door before putting my coat on the bed. I slowly opened the first bag and pulled out a suede black box. I opened it to see a silver chain necklace. I knew it was real just from holding it. How did Zeke do this? I opened the second box and I instantly knew it was a pair of shoes. I smiled brightly as I opened the box. Oh, my goodness. How am I going to walk in these? It was a pair of silver heels with chains for straps. As beautiful as they were, all I kept thinking about was people watching me fall down the stairs in these. I don't even know if there will be stairs at the party, but I can't stop thinking about falling.

"Jamie, you gotta stop putting limits on yourself." I took a deep breath before digging in my purse for my phone. I grabbed it and called Zeke.

"You ready that fast?" He chuckled.

I playfully rolled my eyes. "No. I just wanted to say thank you for the outfit. Honestly, thank you for all the clothes and everything, even this experience."

"You got an hour and 45 minutes left," he informed me.

I narrowed my eyes. "I know that. Okay. Bye."

"You're welcome," he hung up.

Time was down to the last minute as I stood in front of the full-length mirror. I didn't even recognize myself. It's amazing what a different hairstyle can do let alone expensive clothes. If I was brave enough to take a picture, I'd send it to Monica, but she'd probably roast me. My make-up was definitely giving 2010s tease. I need to watch some TikTok videos for updates.

I heard two knocks at my door. I walked over to open it.

"You rea-" Zeke's eyes went from my head to my shoes and back up. "You look so different."

"In a good way or a bad way?" I asked him.

Zeke licked his lips. "You look like Jae the Grammy-winning singer."

If this outfit says that, then I don't ever need to take it off.

Zeke held out his hand, and I took it. All my nerves quickly vanished.