“No, I saw a picture of you in an article done on your husband several months ago. I’m doing an exclusive interview on Max, and have learned a lot the past couple of weeks,” Cassie said with a twinkle in her eye. Amy instantly laughed.
“Oh, you have to sit with me for lunch and tell me how you got Max to sit still for an interview. And don’t leave a single detail out,” Amy insisted. They grabbed their food and found a table.
An hour flew by and the two women didn’t stop laughing throughout the story. Amy willingly volunteered information about Max, his siblings, and his cousins. Cassie knew she wouldn’t need to go to the gym after having lunch with Amy. Her stomach hurt from laughing for so long.
“I would love to continue chatting with you. It’s truly been a pleasure but I have to go shopping or I’ll be freezing in Alaska, and there’s no way I want Max to say I told you so,” Cassie said.
“Ooh, I love shopping. If you don’t mind, I’ll tag along with you,” Amy said.
“I’d love for you to join me. I’m going to Alaska, and was thinking I’d go to the mall for warm clothes. You can help me find what I need,” Cassie said. She hadn’t had a day out with a friend in a long time, and needed an afternoon of girl chat.
“We may as well make it a full day and get pedicures, too. I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t made it to the salon in a while,” Amy said, quickly grabbing Cassie’s arm and leading her from the room.
Amy was nothing like Cassie would’ve expected. She was funny, kind, and full of energy. Even though she was married to one of the wealthiest families in the world she felt no need to wear over-priced clothing or jewelry. Her wedding ring could blind a person, but that was the only piece of jewelry on her that had a huge stone. After rushing from store to store, they made it to the salon, where they sat, grateful for the massaging chairs.
“This water is just what the doctor ordered. I haven’t shopped so long in forever. I think I have everything I could possibly need for the trip. Max hopes for us to be out of there within a few days, but he said in Cordova’s harsh conditions it’s better to be prepared for the worst,” Cassie spoke before a sigh escaped as the woman rubbed her foot and leg.
“I know, this is pure heaven,” Amy said in response to the sigh. “Max is absolutely correct. I remember one trip I took with Lucas to Canada. We ended up getting snowed in for two weeks straight when an unexpected blizzard hit. Luckily, we were at a remote resort that was fully stocked and prepared for emergencies. There was only one other couple staying there, and they were just as happy to hibernate in their room as we were. We met in the kitchen a few times to refuel, but it ended up turning out quite romantic,” Amy sighed.
The thought of getting snowed in with Max in a remote location should terrify her, but it only caused excitement. She could think of many things she’d like to do with him in a remote cabin in the wilds of Alaska. A shiver racked through her at the thought, so she shook her head to clear it. She’d never been the kind of girl to fantasize day and night about a man, before meeting Max. She tuned back into her conversation with Amy and realized she must have asked her something, because she was staring at her expectantly.
“I’m sorry, Amy. What did you say?”
“I just wanted to know if you’d like to come over for dinner when you get back. I’ve enjoyed our day together. I’d love for you to meet my family. When us girls get together the men head for the hills. We feel like teenagers again. We have at least one day a month where our husbands babysit the children and we get an entire night of girl time,” Amy invited. Cassie was touched, more than the woman could possibly know. To be invited into such a close knit group felt unlike anything she could imagine. Maybe, just maybe, she’d develop some friendships out of all this, and finally start to feel like she belonged.
“That sounds perfect,” Cassie said, hearing that her voice was choked. Amy couldn’t possibly know how lonely she got sometimes. She really missed her family, and more than anything she missed her best friend. They’d been together through thick and thin and she couldn’t wait for her to come back to the states.
“I can hardly wait. I know you’re exhausted, but we have a bit more shopping to do,” Amy said with a Cheshire cat smile. Cassie was on instant alert.
“I already have everything I need,” Cassie said with trepidation. She’d never seen anyone who could shop the way Amy did.
“You got everything for your Alaska trip, but if you want to be a big city reporter, then you have to get some sleek business attire. I know the perfect place that doesn’t charge hideous prices, plus I get the ultimate discount there,” Amy said, practically bouncing in her chair.
“I don’t know…” Cassie hesitated. She was already picturing her rapidly falling checking account and didn’t think she could afford much more. She’d been out of work for a month and didn’t know when she’d get a job next.
“Let’s at least look. I promise you’ll have fun,” Amy pled.
“Okay,” Cassie caved. Looking couldn’t hurt, she reasoned with herself. Besides, she wasn’t ready to call it a day. She was enjoying herself too much.
They finished with their pedicures and Amy quickly hailed a cab, taking them to the huge Anderson Storefront. Cassie had been in the corporate offices, but never to their department store. The two women walked in and Amy was quickly greeted with many smiles. They got stopped several times on their way to Lady’s apparel.
“You’re very popular here,” Cassie told her.
“That’s because I’m their number one customer,” Amy said with a smile. Amy was certainly on a mission and soon Cassie found her arms loaded with outfits she would’ve never even thought about picking out for herself. She found that she liked the colorful materials.
“Okay, I can’t hold anymore items. Lead me to the dressing room,” Cassie told her with a chuckle.
“Give me one minute. I just discovered a rack of new items, and I have to try on these dresses,” Amy said, grabbing an armful for herself. “Now we can have a fashion show,” she added with delight.
The two women went to the changing rooms and modeled every outfit for each other, both of them oohing and aahing at the other’s clothes.
“You absolutely have to get the green, blue, and silver outfits. Those were my favorites,” Amy said as they came back out.