Free Various States of Undress: Virginia by Laura Simcox

okay.”
    Virginia jammed on sunglasses and hid her hair under a cute bucket hat while she waited for Muscles to scope out the store. A few minutes later, he returned and opened her door, but she hesitated. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. Maybe they ought to just go have brunch.
    â€œCome on,” Stacey said, scrambling out to the street. She slammed the door and bounded around to tug on Virginia’s hand. “Hurry up, Ginny.”
    With a sigh, Virginia stepped onto the sidewalk, narrowly missing a wad of gum. And immediately after that, the doors of Lilah’s flew open, and Dex strolled outside. As she watched, frozen, he adjusted his tie and buttoned his suit coat. And then he inclined his head with a brilliant smile. Oh, God.
    â€œGood morning, ladies.”
    â€œOooh. My opinion of this place might just change. Wonder who the hell that is?” Stacey whispered.
    Virginia swallowed. “Uh, that’s potentially my new boss. Rain check on the stealth shopping?”
    â€œ That’s your boss? No way am I leaving now,” Stacey answered. She took a step forward. Virginia blocked her.
    â€œYes way. Go have brunch and I’ll make it up to you.” She widened her eyes.
    Stacey rolled hers. “Fine. But I’m using the hell out of your bag until I see you again.” She held up the gorgeous white leather tote and grinned.
    â€œFine,” Virginia agreed. “Get out of here.”
    With a laugh and a swing of her hair, Stacey started walking. Virginia turned toward Dex, who hadn’t moved from the store entrance. He smiled again and held out a hand. “Welcome to Lilah’s.”
    â€œThanks.” She stepped forward, flanked by Muscles and Silent. “I didn’t expect you to be . . . that is, I just wanted to take a look around before we meet tomorrow.”
    â€œAnd your friend?”
    Virginia glanced down the block to make sure Stacey was still walking. “Oh, she just . . . rode with me down here. She has a manicure appointment nearby.” It wasn’t the truth, but it was a safe bet that a nail salon would be on Stacey’s list today. Just not in this neighborhood.
    â€œOkay. Come on in,” Dex said. “See what you think.” He held the door open for her, and she stepped into the dim interior, bracing herself as she removed her sunglasses and hat and slipped them into her tasseled bag.
    It was hard to keep a smile on her face as she looked around. The place was oppressive and awful—like a dusty tomb where fashion had gone to die. Everything was gray marble, from the high coffered ceilings held up by pillars, to the dull floor, which was covered with rows of glass-topped wooden cabinets. Stationed behind the cabinets were ladies in smocks—smocks!—and the walls behind them were lined with tall shelves of merchandise. It was like a time machine but not in a fun, fascinating way. More like a sad, pathetic way. There were a handful of shoppers perusing a display of umbrellas. Other than that, the place was deserted. She did the only thing she could do—she nodded. A lot.
    â€œWhat do you think?” Dex asked in a neutral tone.
    â€œWow,” she blurted out. “Wow.”
    He chuckled. “I can respect that answer.” Glancing at the agents, he raised his hands. “Is it okay if I show her around?”
    â€œSure,” Silent muttered, and he went to browse very close to the main entrance. Muscles stepped a few feet away, pretending to look at a circular rack of double-knit polyester slacks. Most of them were white and all of them had elastic waists. Virginia nearly fainted from the horror of it—Stacey had been right. This store might be hopeless.
    â€œVirginia?” Dex smiled at her.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œDon’t freak out on me.” He motioned to the left where Muscles was dutifully fingering the pants. “This is our ladies casual wear department.