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“You might think us actor types are all super liberal. And I guess we are. I am. But when it comes to Chloe, I’m conservative with a capital C, underlined and in bold. Please, for the loveof all that is good in this world, please don’t come home with something scandalous. She might think she’s all grown up, but she’s twelve.”

“Dad!—” Chloe is about to complain further, but I interject.

“We won’t.” I salute him. “Scout’s honor.”

“Very well. In that case, I’ll drop her off at Congress Street tomorrow at ten. Give me your number and I’ll send you a pin. And thank you. I’ll use the time to work on the boathouse.”

SEVEN

At one minute past ten, Dan’s car slows and pulls up next to where I’m waiting on the sidewalk.

“Rachel!” Chloe shouts from the open window, all smiles and clearly excited to get started. She hops out, closing the door behind her without so much as a look back.

“Have fun, you two,” Dan shouts through the same open window as he pulls away from the curb and joins the traffic.

“I haven’t been shopping in like, forever,” Chloe beams. “What’s the plan?”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Well, we have a lot to fit in. First, we’re heading to Spring Blossom Boutique to find you the perfect dress for the talent show. Then, it’s off to the spa for some much-needed pampering. If we have time, there might even be ice cream. How does that sound?”

“Amazing! I can’t wait to try on all the dresses!” Chloe claps her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement.

As we head towards the mall, the crisp ocean breeze greets us, carrying the scent of pine from the nearby forests. The charming streets of Portland’s Old Port district bustle with activity as we make our way to the boutique.

The tinkling of the shop’s bell announces our arrival. Inside, an array of colorful dresses in various styles and sizes fill the racks. Chloe’s eyes widen as she takes in the sight, her fingers already reaching out to touch the soft fabrics.

“Welcome to Spring Blossom Boutique!” a friendly sales associate greets us. “Let me know if you need any help finding the perfect dress.”

“Thank you,” I respond with a smile. “Go ahead, don’t be shy, see what catches your eye.”

Chloe doesn’t need a second invitation and immediately gets to work browsing the racks, on the cusp of adolescence, eager to assert her own style and identity.

The store hums with the chatter of other customers and the rustling of fabric as dresses are pulled from hangars and held up for inspection. The air is filled with a sense of possibility and excitement, as if each dress holds the promise of a new beginning.

Chloe pulls out a shimmery blue dress, holding it up to her frame. “What do you think of this one?”

I tilt my head, considering. “It’s lovely, but maybe a bit too fairy-tale princess. Let’s keep looking. We want to find something that really showcases your personality and makes you feel confident on stage. It needs to match the song.”

Chloe nods, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she dives back into the racks. I follow suit, running my fingers along the soft fabrics, searching for that perfect dress.

“Oh, Rachel, look at this one!” Chloe exclaims, pulling out a crimson dress with a twirly skirt. She holds it up to her body, swaying side to side. “It’s so fancy!”

I chuckle, delighted by her excitement. “It’s beautiful, Chloe. Why don’t you try it on?”

Chloe dashes off to the fitting room, leaving me to browse a little more. I find myself drawn to a deep green dress withdelicate lace detailing. It’s not quite right for Chloe, but I can’t resist holding it up to myself in the mirror, imagining for a brief moment what it would be like to have a special occasion to dress up for.

“Rachel, I need help with the zipper!” Chloe calls from the fitting room, jolting me back to the present.

I make my way over and help her with the dress. As she steps out and twirls, the skirt fans out around her, and I feel a lump form in my throat. She looks so grown up, so beautiful.

“Chloe, you look amazing,” I manage to say, blinking back the sudden rush of emotion.

She beams at me, but then her brow furrows slightly. “I love it, but I’m not sure if it’s the one, you know?”

I nod in understanding. “That’s okay. Let’s have a maybe pile. We’ll keep looking until we find the dress that feels just right.”

And so, we do, laughing and chatting as we try on dress after dress. It’s hard not to warm to Chloe, and I’m pretty sure I’m enjoying this shared experience as much as she is. Finally, she emerges from the fitting room in a dress that takes my breath away. It’s a deep blue, like the evening sky, with a sweetheart neckline and a skirt that flows like water around her legs. The fabric shimmers subtly under the lights, and the cut is both youthful and elegant.

“Chloe, that’s the one. You look stunning.”