Page 15 of The Maine Event (Romancing the Workplace #2)

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 with delicate 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.”

She does a little twirl, her face glowing with joy. “I hardly recognize myself in it,” she confesses, a hint of shyness in her voice.

I walk over and place my hands on her shoulders, meeting her eyes in the mirror. “You look like the strong, talented, beautiful young woman you are. You’re going to knock the judges’ socks off,” I tell her sincerely.

“You’re right. This is the one,” Chloe declares, a smile spreading across her face.

I nod, mirroring her smile. “It definitely is.”

As we head to the checkout counter, dress in hand, Chloe’s practically skipping beside me, her eyes sparkling with delight. Suddenly, she pauses and looks up at me with a hopeful expression.

“Rachel, do you think we could do a makeup makeover, too? I want to look extra special for the talent show.”

I hesitate, considering her request. While I want nothing more than to make this day perfect for Chloe, I also know that she’s only twelve. Makeup might be a step too far, especially considering how protective Dan can be.

I crouch down to meet her eyes, taking her hands in mine.

“Chloe, sweetie, I know you’re excited, but I think a full makeover might be a bit much for now.

You’re already so beautiful, inside and out, and I don’t want to take away from that.

Not to mention, the talent show is ages away, so the makeup won’t last until then. ”

She looks a little disappointed, but nods in understanding. “I guess Dad might not like it either, huh?”

“He just wants you to enjoy being young,” I explain gently. “Tell you what, how about we head to the spa next? We can get pampered with some facials and maybe even a mani-pedi. That way, you’ll feel extra special without going overboard.”

Chloe’s face lights up again. “That sounds amazing! Let’s do it!”

With that, I pay for the dress and head out into the bright afternoon sun.

The spa I liked the look of is only a short walk away, nestled in a tranquil corner of the bustling city.

As we step inside, the serene atmosphere envelops us immediately.

The air is fragrant with essential oils, and soft, soothing music plays in the background.

“Welcome,” the receptionist greets us with a warm smile. “Do you have an appointment?”

“We do,” I confirm, giving her our names.

She checks her computer and nods. “Ah yes, I have you here. Come right this way.”

We’re led to a comfortable, dimly lit room with two plush massage tables side by side.

The soothing scent of lavender fills the air, instantly making me feel more relaxed.

Chloe and I change into the soft, fluffy robes provided and settle on the tables, sighing contentedly as the warm sheets embrace us.

Our estheticians enter, their voices low and calming as they explain the treatments we’ll be receiving. As they begin to apply the cool, refreshing facial masks, I steal a glance at Chloe. Her eyes are closed, a serene smile playing on her lips. It warms my heart to see her so peaceful and content.

The next hour is a blissful escape from reality. I didn’t know how much I needed this as skilled hands massage my face, arms, and feet. The stress of the past week, my worries about work, and about not closing the GreenShoots deal melt away, leaving only a sense of pure, indulgent relaxation.

“This is, like, amazing,” Chloe murmurs, her voice muffled. “Can we do this every day?”

I chuckle softly. “I wish, sweetie. But that’s what makes it so special, don’t you think?”

She nods, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “Thanks so much, Rachel. This is the best.”

I squeeze back, my heart full. “My pleasure.”

When I look over, there’s something comical about Chloe lying there with a grin on her face and slices of cucumber on her eyes. I can’t resist taking a photo and sending it to Dan.

As our treatments come to an end, we reluctantly sit up, our skin glowing and our bodies relaxed.

We thank our estheticians and head to the nail salon area, where, despite Chloe’s incredible attempts at wounded indignation, she finally—if somewhat reluctantly—agrees to clear nail varnish for our manicures and pedicures.

Sitting side by side, admiring our freshly painted nails, Chloe and I chat and giggle like old friends. The spa has worked its magic, not just on our appearances, but on our mood. I could get used to this.

“Come on, I promised you lunch.”

“And ice cream,” Chloe is quick to remind me.

“And ice cream.”

As we pull into the driveway, I can see Dan at the far end of the garden putting the finishing touches to some new guttering on the boathouse.

His brow is furrowed in concentration, his movements precise and deliberate.

The boathouse has had a fresh coat of red paint and it’s looking very grand.

It’s clear he’s poured his heart into this project, just as he pours his heart into everything he does for his family.

Chloe calls out to him, waving enthusiastically with her freshly manicured hand. “Dad! Look at us!”

He looks up, a smile spreading across his face as he takes in our refreshed appearances. For a moment, his eyes meet mine, and there’s a flicker of… something. Gratitude, perhaps? Appreciation? I smile back, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the spa treatments.