[ ten ]

Julie stared at me with a concentrated expression before raising her index finger and spinning it around. I awkwardly spun around in the long satin green dress as River snickered. She pursed her lips before a short sigh escaped. Her shoulders slumped as she shook her head, “No. This is not it either.” Julie remarked for the umpteenth time.

I swear, I practically tried on all the dresses in the boutique but none of them satisfied Julie. She either thought they were too long, too short, too big, too revealing or the color clashed with my eyes.

River let out an exasperated sigh, “Can she just pick a dress? We’ve been sitting here for hours and all the dresses looked fine.” Julie glared at River, “You and your father don’t understand fashion at all. Patience child, it takes time to find the one.” He rolled his eyes and Julie smacked his arm before she turned to me, “What do you think about this dress, Riley?”

I shot her a sheepish smile, “I think they all look beautiful. To be honest, I’m not really good at these things and I’m getting kind of tired.”

Julie brought her hands together, “Fine, let’s give Riley a break and have River try on some suits. Riley, come sit here.” She patted the seat beside her and I gladly listened. The worker, Lisa, gestured for River to follow her, “Right this way, sir.”

River stepped up the platform and entered the changing place and Lisa closed the curtains.

Julie leaned back into the couch with a hand massaging her temples, “I could really use some coffee now.” I offered her a small smile and she reciprocated it before Lisa drew the curtains.

River turned around to face us clad in a white dress shirt with a black tie and a pair of black dress pants to match with the black vest he wore over the dress shirt. Lisa passed him the black jacket to finish the whole outfit and he put it on, leaving the buttons undone.

I hate to admit it but, he looked good in the suit. He exuded a cool and confident aura that just drew you in. He definitely knew how attractive he looked as a cocky smile crept up his face.

My eyes found his and he threw me a wink. I rolled my eyes and glanced over to Julie who was contemplating whether she liked it or not. She shook her head, “No. This is too basic. Next please!”

The curtains closed once again before opening to reveal the now clad in gray River. Julie sighed again, “No, no, no. He looks like his father now, and River isn’t a forty-five-year-old man! Next, please.” I chuckled slightly at her commentary as River groaned, having to change into another suit.

This time, with both hands, he pushed the curtains aside and walked out.

He was donned in a black dress shirt with the first two buttons open, revealing his chest and a slim fit white suit. Julie gestured for him and he did before running a hand through his brown hair. A pleased sound escaped from Julie’s parted lips as she folded her arms against her chest, “Though this makes you look like some runaway groom, I think it fits. We’ll get this one for you.”

River smirked before going back in to change into his normal clothes as Lisa came forward, with an off-shoulder, long white gown with gold embroidery on the bodice of the dress, “I think this would be a fitting dress for the young Miss,” she suggested. Julie scrutinized the dress and nodded her head.

I loved shopping but I internally groaned, not again. I was tired of trying on different dresses. As River walked out of the changing place, I walked back in with the white gown in hand.

Stripping out of the green dress, I put my legs through and pulled the white gown up my body. With my hands through the loops, I reached for the back to pull and tighten the satin ties. An annoyed sound left my lips as I struggled to pull it tight enough to prevent it from falling off my body.

Having had enough, I called out, “Julie? Lisa? Could one of you help me with the back of the dress? I’m having a hard time tying it myself.”

There was no answer and I called out again, “Hello? Is anyone there?”

There was shuffling of feet before I noticed the curtains pulling apart.

“Mom and Lisa went to get coffee.”

A shriek was sounded as I pivoted on my heel with my hands holding up the dress on my body, only to see River. His eyes scanned me from head to toe and I shivered, “Don’t do that.” A smirk curved his lips, “Do what?” With one hand still supporting the dress, I pointed to his eyes, “That thing.”

He scoffed, “You’re such a child” he said and stepped into the changing room and the curtain fell back in place. I took a step back and he raised an eyebrow, “Don’t you want help, Summers?” I shook my head profusely, “Not from you.”

He folded his arms against his chest, “So you want to wait here with the dress slipping for someone else to help you?” I nodded my head without skipping a beat and he rolled his before taking another step. I wanted to take another step back but his arm shot out and clasped around my wrist.

With a tug, my hands flew to his chest and his hands were on my waist. “Don’t be stubborn.” He turned me around and he was so close that I could feel his warm breath fanning the back of my neck. I could feel his fingers trace down my back and a shiver ran down my spine.

“Fine. Just lace it up and get out.” I muttered.

He grunted in response and he tightened the back. I bit the bottom of my lip and rubbed my arms for some warmth as a wave of cool air from the air conditioner that was directly above, hit me.

Glancing at the mirror that was placed on the side, I caught River focusing on the ties, “Tell me if it’s too tight,” he said. I nodded my head without a word as he pulled it even tighter. His fingers lingered for a while before he finally tied a bow and took a step back.

I spun around and looked into the mirror at my reflection. With it tightened, the dress accentuated what little curves I had and flared out from my hips. Though it was a little constricting, I liked it.

“You look good.”

I felt my heart skip a beat despite snapping my head to River with a dubious look plastered on my face, “Excuse me?” His face revealed nothing as he repeated what he said, “You look good.”

“Did I actually hear that right? The River Jones just complimented me? Damn, it must be my lucky day.” I remarked sarcastically to which he rolled his eyes. He flicked my forehead and I glared at him, rubbing the spot.

“Don’t soak it in too much Summers. I’m only saying it so you can just pick this dress and we can finally go home.”

I deadpanned at him, “Of course. Cause to you, I’m only a pig.” I muttered.

A satisfied smile played on his lips as he patted my head like a child, “You’re such a quick learner!” I slapped his condescending hand away and he chuckled to himself as he exited the changing room.

I glared daggers at his back. Stupid River Jones. He was seriously the bane of my existence!