Charming Hannah (Big Sky #1)(41)

“She has beautiful things,” I agree and smile when a beautiful, tall brunette comes walking toward us. She pulls Jenna in for a big hug.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” Willa says. “I was afraid no one would come.”

“Why? This is the best,” Grace says, also hugging Willa. “And this is our friend, Hannah Malone, who is also the best.”

“I’ve heard your name around town,” Willa says, shaking my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You as well,” I reply. “Your shop is lovely.”

And I’m not just being polite. The place is magical. She’s gone with a grey, white, black, and pink theme. The floors are reclaimed barn wood. Chandeliers dripping with crystal hang above us. It’s the epitome of fancy, stylish, and just flat out pretty.

“Thanks,” she says with a smile and glances around. “It’s been one big project, but I’m happy with it. I have clothing lines from New York and London, as well as some smaller labels that I love. And let’s not forget the shoes.”

“No, let’s not,” Jenna says with a laugh. “Shoes are my love language.”

“Do you have flats for those of us who might kill ourselves otherwise?” Grace asks hopefully.

“Of course,” Willa replies. “There’s something in this store for everyone. There’s wine floating around, along with some light appetizers. Help yourselves, and have fun. That’s the most important thing. And let me know if you have any questions.” Willa waves at another group of women who just walked in. “Excuse me, ladies.”

“She’s nice,” I say as I watch her walk away. “Why did Max dump her?”

“Because he’s stupid,” Jenna says, handing me a can of Coke. But I surprise her by shaking my head and reaching for the wine. “You never drink.”

“I do tonight. I’m not on call, so guess what? I can.” I take a sip and enjoy not feeling guilty about having fun. “Let’s browse, ladies.”

“Let’s spend some money,” Grace corrects me, and we begin to wander through the shop, enjoying the beautiful things Willa has for sale.

“I love living in a small town, but it’s so hard to shop,” I say and pull a summer dress off the rack. “It’s nice to have a trendy place in town.”

“You’re so right,” Jenna replies and points to the garment in my hand. “That dress is a must buy.”

I nod and drape it over my arm.

Over the next hour, we drink more glasses of wine, and make piles of clothes that we’re going to buy.

It’s fucking amazing, and so damn fun.

“This bikini is everything,” Jenna says, showing me a turquoise two-piece.

“It will look amazing with your hair,” I agree, then show her a T-shirt that says Coffee Before Talkie. “I need this.”

“Oh yes, that’s completely you,” Jenna replies with a laugh. “And look at this one!”

I Don’t Trip, I Do Random Gravity Checks.

“That’s Grace,” I say, adding it to my pile. She has to have it.

“She needs this one too,” Jenna says, showing me a T-shirt that says Rocking The Spoiled Wife Life.

“Yes, perfect.”

“Hannah,” Grace says loudly, rushing from across the store, holding something in her hand. “You have to smell this.”

But before I can, Grace trips on her feet, falling right into me, and knocking her head against my cheek, making me see stars. On my way down, she grabs my arm, trying to keep me up, but we both end up on the floor, a tangle of arms and legs, and glitter falling from the air.

“Oh shit,” she says, snorting. “I hope I didn’t ruin any clothes.”

“You just ruined me,” I reply. We’re both giggling like crazy.

“Did I hurt your face?”

“I don’t think so.” I touch around my eye with my fingertips. It’s a little sore, but not bad. “Are you hurt?”

“Nah.” She shakes her head, and glitter falls out of her hair. “That was a bath bomb, by the way.”

“It exploded.”

We look at each other and dissolve into giggles again.

“Willa’s going to be pissed,” Grace says.

“No, I’m not,” Willa says from behind us. “Just don’t touch anything else with all of that glitter all over you.”

We look at each other and laugh some more. We laugh so hard that I can’t catch my breath. My sides ache, I can barely breathe, but I can’t stop laughing.

We look ridiculous.

Finally, once we’ve all paid for our things, and left Dress It Up, we stand on the sidewalk, wiping the tears from under our eyes.

“That wine was strong,” I say, once I catch my breath.

“And you never drink, so your tolerance is low,” Jenna replies. “You probably shouldn’t drive.”

I stare at her for a moment, and realize there are two of her.

“No, definitely no driving for me. I’ll walk.”

“It’s raining,” Grace says. I glance around and then rush out from under the awning, letting the rain fall on me.

“Oh, it’s nice.”