Chapter 17

Betty followed Brittany through the racks to the back of the store, where there was a full-length mirror standing. They stood together, looking at Betty's reflection in the mirror. "So tell me, Betty, what is it you want to change." Betty looked down at Beaux Jacques, who laid down on the carpeted floor. She then turned her eyes back to Brittany. Brittany smiled at the woman then said, "You know, if you want, he can take a nap in one of the fitting rooms if you don't want him sleeping by your feet. We may be here for a bit."

"That's a good idea, thank you very much, Brittany."

They walked back to the fitting room, where Beaux found a padded bench and happily jumped up on it stretching out while Betty advised him to stay put. "He's such a good dog, I wish my Shizu was that well-behaved. Instead, he decides that he's always going to act up when I have company."

"Well, I'm very fortunate that he's been this way ever since I met him. He was a rescue that rescued me for certain. I had him trained as a therapy dog. He's one of the reasons I decided to take a break from the fifteen-hour workdays I had before. That and I just needed a change."

After securing Beaux, they walked back to the mirror. Brittany placed her hands on Betty's shoulders, and they studied her reflection together. "So what are we going to do with you? Tell me, Betty, how can I make you feel better?"

"I feel old."

"Okay then, we'll go from there. Um, why don't you just go sit down in the chair by the fitting room, and I'll put you together with some outfits? How's that?"

Betty arched her eyebrow at Brittany skeptically then let out a sigh before it became a chuckle. "Okay, work your magic, but I assure you, I'm not Cinderella. I'm more like Sleeping Beauty. Actually, only the prince never kisses me. That's what it feels like, Brittany. It feels like I've been sleeping for the past decade."

"You'd actually be surprised to hear that statement is uttered here more times than what you think."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. You're definitely not alone in this, Betty."

With that, Brittany went to go retrieve some different pairings of outfits for Betty to choose from. Betty was both excited and nervous. It had been ages since she'd spoiled herself, but she was scared of the change as well. She was used to her business suits and, of course, her loungewear at home or working out. Brittany wanted to soften her image a bit and make sure that others could see a confident, comfortable Betty. She also thought she wanted to pick some outfits for Betty, which emphasized her lust for life and sense of humor. While Brittany was away and Beaux was still comfortably snoozing in the fitting room, she pulled out her phone. Charlotte would have been off work by now, and Betty wanted to give her a heads up on her trip. She jotted down a quick text, "Charlotte… I'm at 'Red,' this is a great boutique. Everyone has been nice, and Beaux Jacques is snoozing comfortably in the fitting room."

Charlotte then texted her back promptly, "Good. I knew they'd take better care of you there. I can't wait to see what you get. I'm excited for this evening. I've made finger sandwiches…you bring the wine."

Betty smiled while reading the text and responded with a smiley face and asked, "What are we celebrating?"

Charlotte texted in return, "Veronica has been on social media sending posts that are directed at you personally. "

Betty looked at the screenshots that Charlotte had sent her and grimaced. Veronica was alleging that she had something to do with the Parker family and the death of Hanna Davis. She just put the thought in her viewership's head that she was somehow connected to the wealthy wine heirs and heiresses because of her recent inn purchase. Betty took a moment to respond to those allegations saying to Charlotte, "I repeat. I never knew the deceased. I really came here just to start over. Veronica can dig all she wants, but she's not going to find any dirt on me. Gotta go now, Brittany is back with some new outfits."

"Don't forget the lingerie." Charlotte had taken the time to put a laughing smiley face as well as a winky face, knowing it would frustrate Betty. Betty only responded with a laughing icon and put her phone up. Brittany returned with an armful of selections. "Well, Betty, what do you think?"

Betty was shocked to find that Brittany had picked several items that were cut to fit her figure and even hug her curves. "Are you sure those will fit me?'

"Oh, Betty, I certainly think they will and will fit you marvelously. Go ahead and try them. We'll have our own little fashion show."

Betty begrudgingly went into the fitting room and came out wearing a low-red sleeveless tunic and a form-fitting pencil skirt, which displayed both her ample curves and generous bosom. Betty ran her hand self-consciously through her long dirty blonde hair, slightly twisting it with nervous energy. Brittany smiled at her chagrin and just said, "What do you think?"

"I don't know. What do you think?"

"You are stunning. Wow, your transformation is amazing."

Betty reddened at the compliment then just said, "Okay. I'll take it."

"Well, that was only the first one. I have the perfect dress for you for the social this year too. I can't wait for you to try it on."

Betty went back into the fitting room once more, where a delicate black dress, which was also low cut hung on the rack. It was shaped so that it hung off her hips and flared slightly at the bottom. It had spaghetti straps and fit her perfectly. Betty looked at herself in the mirror and for a brief moment, envisioned herself standing at the top of the staircase at the Cornerstone with her makeup on and her hair fixed, looking down to see Brannigan staring up at her with his mouth slightly agape, looking handsome in his black tuxedo and bowtie. She was stirred from her reverie when Brittany called out, "Betty? Are you okay in there?"

Betty exhaled shakily and said, "Yeah."

She stepped out of the fitting room onto the posh carpet, and Brittany's eyes lit up. "Wow."

"Yeah. This is the one."