"I-I just remembered I haven’t gotten shoes!" I scurried out without looking back, cheeks burning in embarrassment.
I cut to the next corridor and rushed into a shoe boutique. First that weird dream, and now this? I don’t care, I’ll stay here forever!
"Hello, can I help you?"
I whipped my head to a lady suddenly before me, dressed neatly in her suit jacket and skirt, with white gloves covering her hands.
I just kept gawking at her whilst catching my breath, not until I shook my head to collect myself.
"Y-Yeah..." I walked to the expansive display of shoes that cost way more than buying a house.
I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that I can shop for things like this. Athena was the spendthrift today, but it’s a good thing I have Ares’ card with me.
"Um... If you’re here for a job interview, then I’m afraid we’re not currently taking any applicants."
"Excuse me?"
I noticed she was staring me up with her eyes. It was not like I was dressed homeless or anything. I wore a thick creamy batwing cardigan with a tank top beneath, high-waisted jeans, and sneakers, comfy for my sore feets.
Seems like this wasn’t classy enough for her to deem me a customer.
"I said you must be lost, and we’re not taking new hirers," she said, keeping her fake smile, which I was very accustomed to.
In my defense, I do that to people I don’t like, and I tried my best to maintain a professional air. I’d give her points for that.
I adjusted my glasses to speak, but she stopped me.
"I think you should find your way out. Excuse me."
I scoffed as she walked past me to a customer who had just stepped in. Seriously, what is it with all these high-end boutiques their quickness to judge?
"Welcome, ma’am. What would you like?" she said sweetly.
Maybe I should leave and spare myself any headaches. But the thought of meeting Reed outside made me rethink.
"That..." The woman pointed to me, and I froze where I was.
The hell?
Slowly, she walked toward me, elegant in steps like she walked on clouds.
She had short brown hair styled in a vintage curly bob, the strands of silver from age catching the light. A white blazer rested on her shoulders; under it, a matching silk turtleneck with sleeves; long pants flared at the bottom, paired with black heels.
My body tensed when she stood right in front of me, and her expensive perfume filled my nose. Damn! She’s tall.
"That," she said again, this time pointing behind me where the shoes were displayed.
Oh.
"Of course!" The staffer hurried to me and whispered whilst keeping her smile. "I thought I told you to leave!"
Okay... I thought about leaving, but I changed my mind.
"I came to get shoes and I’ll get them. Take your time, and I’ll do too," I said as I walked towards the other section.
"Forgive me, ma’am, that was..."
I tuned out her words as I took a pointed-toe pump, loving the details on this one, with swirls, the silver caught the lights exquisitely.
"You have a good eye."
I turned to the woman who was suddenly approaching me.
"That silver will set the tone right..."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Huh...
I eyed the staffer at the far end, who glared.
"I’m sure she has already told you I’m unwanted here..."
"You came for those, did you not?"
"Yes."
"Then buy them." She took a heel from the display. "They say shoes reflect a woman’s heart."
I smiled. "That’s one way to put it."
"Women are associated with simple yet complex things; the least we can do is keep it going..."
I asked with intrigue. "How so?"
"Because we set that standard and grew them every century."
I nodded slowly and eyed the shoe she had in hand. "I think that will look great on you."
"Then your taste needs work."
I blinked at the sudden disagreement.
"No matter, this is fitting for you. There’s only so much these legs can take and still make it work." She hands me the shoe.
"Um... I love my heels, but my ankle will snap with this."
She chuckled richly, the age line showing at the ends of her mouth. "Then all that youth is going to waste. I recall never missing a single chance to try out a collection."
I sneered nervously.
"Then..." She raised a finger and searched for another while dropping the other shoe.
"This will be perfect. Break a leg. They say it’s a metaphor, but for us it actually does."
"Wow..." I eyed the beautiful satin bow pumps. "I think I’ll have to agree."
I’m definitely buying this one. I can already picture feet in them.
"Then your taste is not half bad."
"Why, thank you."
"A lovely ring you have there. Are you married?"
"Yes."
She took off her sunglasses, and I was awed by her eyes; she had heterochromia, one green and one brown, but the brown had little to no shade and appeared almost black.
She gave me a soft smile. "Then you must be a lucky one, that diamond is rare in the market, especially with a cut like that." She took my hand, observing the big diamond.
"I-I think so..."
I never knew this was something rare; I just thought it had unique craftsmanship I could recognize anywhere.
"A humble one you’re, rare too," she complimented.
I kept my smile, standing there in an awkward position as she observed my ring.
"Oh, to be cherished and given special things, to be loved. The joys of a woman."
I noted the longing in her words as her fingers rubbed against the diamond.
"I’m sure someone longs for you too..." I said, hoping to put her at ease.
She moved her gaze to me, and they were suddenly cold. "Once..."
My gaze softened at her words. Maybe she lost someone, and I reminded her of her loss?
"I’m sorry, I—"
"What is your name?" she asked bluntly.
"Catherine King."