Chapter 3: Preparing For the Weekend

Emma took her dishes to the sink and rinsed them off before putting them in the dishwasher then grabbed her purse. “Come on, Em,” Katie said, practically bouncing excitedly. “We’ve got a lot to do if we’re going to get you ready for the weekend.”

Emma groaned lightly but followed her sister to the car. “Are you sure we need to do this? It’s just a weekend trip.”

Katie smirked (she does that a lot) as she started the car. “A weekend trip to Sunridge Amusement Park with the Michaels family. You want to look perfect, don’t you? Besides, this is going to be fun.”

Arriving at the mall safely, Kati practically dragged me into the mall. The first stop was the swimwear store. The walls were lined with every type of bathing suit imaginable: one-pieces, tankinis, bikinis, and even retro-style suits with high-waisted bottoms. Katie’s eyes sparkled as she pulled Emma toward the racks. The brightly lit swimwear store was larger than expected. Racks of swimsuits in every color and style imaginable filled most of the floor space. Katie’s excitement was palpable as she scanned the displays, her eyes immediately drawn to a rack of one-piece swimsuits.

“Alright, Emma,” Katie said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “We’re starting here. One-pieces first. They’re more appropriate when the kids are around.”

Emma trailed behind her, already feeling a little out of depth. “Do we need to do this right now? Can’t I just grab something and be done?”

Katie stopped in her tracks, spinning around to face Emma with a look of exasperation. “Seriously, Emma? That is the most man thing I’ve ever heard you say. ‘Grab something and be done?’” She put her hands on her hips, her voice taking on a mockingly deep tone. “Oh, this works. Whatever, let’s go.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “You’re shopping as a girl now. That means taking your time, trying things on, and finding what actually looks good.”

Emma flushed under her sister’s gaze. “Okay, okay. I get it.”

Katie backed off, her teasing smile returning. “Good. Now, let’s do this the right way.”

Katie pulled several swimsuits from the rack, holding each one up as if picturing Emma in it—putting each one back on the rack as each was rejected. She flipped through the hangers with the practiced ease of someone who loved shopping.

“This one,” Katie said, pulling out a sleek black, backless one-piece with a halter neckline, “is a must-try. Black is classic—it’s always a good choice.” Emma reluctantly took the swimsuit, the fabric smooth and stretchy in her hands. Katie was already reaching for another.

“Oh, and this!” Katie exclaimed, grabbing a bright red suit with thin straps that crossed in the back. “It’s sporty and practical but still cute. Perfect for the pool or the beach.

Emma added it to the growing pile in her arms, but her apprehension remained. “How many do I have to try on?”

Katie ignored her, pulling a lavender suit with a sweetheart neckline and ruched sides. “This one is soft and feminine. The ruching will give you a little shape. You’re going to love it.”

Finally, Katie selected a bold teal suit with a plunging neckline and an open back. “This one’s for fun,” she said with a wink. “It’s daring, but hey, you never know—it might surprise you.”

Emma sighed, glancing at the small pile of swimsuits, “Katie, I don’t know about all of this.”

Katie smirked, patting her on the shoulder, “Trust me. Now go try them on.”

Emma carried the pile of one-piece swimsuits into the fitting room, her heart racing with apprehension. She hung the colorful array on the hook, staring at them for a moment before picking up the sleek black suit Katie had called ‘classic’.

After stripping down to her panties, Emma slipped into the black suit, the soft stretchy material gliding smoothly over her hairless skin. The halter neckline framed her shoulders and the low backless felt ... daring. Adjusting the straps allowed her to keep her back straight without the suit pulling too much between her legs. Emma looked in the mirror. It fit well ... maybe a little too well. Even though Emma was flat-chested, it still showed her nipples. The reflection staring back at her was undeniably feminine and that realization made her stomach flip.

“Let’s see it!” Katie’s voice came from just outside. Emma took a breath, pushed the curtain aside, and stepped out.

Katie’s face lit up immediately, “See? What did I tell you?Black is timeless.You look so sleek and elegant.”

Emma looked at herself in the large mirror on the fitting room wall again, sliding her hands over the fabric. “It’s okay, I guess. I just ... don’t know.”

Katie titled her head. “You’re still thinking like a guy, Emma. This isn’t about what’s ‘practical’ or ‘fine’. It’s about what makes you look good. Keep that in mind, okay?” Emma nodded and closed the curtain to try on the next suit.

The red suit was next. The bright color felt intimidating, but the crossed straps gave her a sense of security. She stepped into it, sliding the straps over her shoulders and looked in the mirror. It looked ... sporty, reminding her of watching Baywatch on Netflix. Taking a deep breath she opened the curtain to let Katie see.

Katie clapped her hands together. “Now, this one screams active and fun! It’s perfect for running around with the kids or splashing in the pool.”

Emma examined herself in the mirror, her lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s bright.”

“It’s cheerful,” Katie corrected, “and it makes you look approachable. Trust me—parents love this kind of vibe.”

Back in the fitting room, Emma picked up the lavender suit. The soft color and the ruched sides felt like the complete opposite of the sporty red. She slid into it, the sweetheart neckline framing her collarbones delicately—if she had breasts her cleavage would be prominently displayed as well. It hugged her in a way that felt ... nice. Though the girlishness of it made her hesitate. When she stepped out, Katie practically squealed. “Oh my god, that is adorable! The lavender is perfect on you.”

Emma fidgeted with the straps. “It’s a little too ... girly, don’t you think?”

Katie rolled her eyes. “Emma, you’re supposed to look girly. That’s kind of the whole point. If you look too manly no one will hire you.”

Emma sighed but couldn’t suppress the flicker of curiosity she felt as she looked at herself in the mirror. Maybe Katie had a point.

Finally, she tried on the teal suit. The plunging neckline and open back made her hesitate for a long moment before she stepped into it. The daring design left her feeling exposed and she crossed her arms instinctively as she walked out of the fitting room.

Katie’s eyes widened as she said, “Wow! That is bold. I love it.”

Emma frowned. “It feels like too much. Like I’m one wrong move away from flashing my flat chest to the whole pool. The one seems a waste since I have nothing to show off—except my butt.”

Katie laughed, “Fair enough. Not every suit is a winner. But hey, now you know what works and what doesn’t. Now we’re on to the fun stuff.”

Emma blinked, her stomach flipping. “Wait—what? Fun stuff?”

While Emma was still wearing the teal swimsuit, Katie grabbed her wrist and dragged her through the store to the bikini section. Emma kept covering her chest while looking around to make sure no one was looking. There were only a few women in the store and none of them were paying any attention to Emma and her sister. But that didn’t stop a nervous Emma.

Emma continued to follow Katie, her steps dragging as she padded barefoot through the store blushing furiously at the tiny pieces of fabric in Katie’s hand. Katie held up a vibrant coral bikini, examining the bandeau-style top and matching high-waisted bottoms. “Bikinis, of course. You can’t go to the pool or beach without at least trying one. You have the curves, Emma, you may as well show them off. You’ll have the boys drooling over you and the girls wanting kill you or be you.”

Emma’s eyes widened in horror. “No way, Katie. There is no way I’m wearing one of those and I don’t want boys looking at me. I’m only interested in girls.”

“Why not? You’ve already rocked the one-pieces. A bikini is just the next step. Besides, they’re cute and you’ll look amazing ... and boys will look at you whether you want it or not. Get used to it.”

Emma tightened her arms across her chest. “Because they’re ... I mean, there’s barely anything there. What if—” she trailed off, her face flushing.

“What if what?” Katie asked, tilting her head.

“What if, you know, something slips out?” Emma mumbled, looking away.

Katie gave her a sympathetic smile and set the coral bikini back on the rack. “Emma, I get it. It’s intimidating. That’s why we’re here. We’ll pick ones that are secure and flattering. Plus, you’ve got the whole tucking thing down, right?”

Emma winced at the mention of it and briefly looked down at his crotch at the mention of it. “Barely.”

“Then we’ll figure it out together,” Katie said firmly. She reached for the halter-top bikini with boy short-style bottoms. “Look, this one is super secure. Nothing’s going to fall out and the boy shorts give you extra coverage. Just try it on, okay? For me?”

Emma hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t know ... Just because I agree to try it on here doesn’t mean I will buy it.”

Katie stepped closer, placing a hand on Emma’s shoulder. “Emma, you’re doing so well for your first time in this situation. This is just another part of being a girl. You don’t have to love it, but you might surprise yourself. If you really hate it, fine—we’ll stick to the one-pieces until you are more comfortable showing off your skin. Deal?”

Emma sighed heavily, her resistance wavering. “Fine. But only a couple—and nothing too revealing.”

Katie’s grin returned in full force. “Deal!”

Emma stood in the fitting room, staring at the small pile of bikinis Katie had handed her. Each one seemed smaller than the last and her nerves buzzed as she picked up the first option—a navy blue halter top with matching boy short bottoms.

“This is ridiculous,” Emma muttered under her breath as she slid the revealing teal one-piece off and the boy shorts up her legs, carefully adjusting herself to make sure everything stayed in place. She tied the halter top around her neck, checking out her reflection. The suit covered more than she’d expected, the boy shorts providing a surprising sense of security. From her ‘boy mind’ perspective, it wasn’t flattering or revealing except for his round butt.

“Let’s see it,” Katie called from outside. Emma sighed, pushing the curtain aside and stepping out.

Katie smiled, “See? What did I tell you? Secure and stylish. You look great.”

Emma looked at herself in the mirror again, her arms wrapped around her middle. “I don’t know. It still feels weird and it shows too much of my abdomen.”

Katie placed her hands on her hips, “That’s because you’re overthinking it. You look amazing, Emma, relax.”

Back in the fitting room, Emma tried on the next bikini—a red and white striped design with a twist-front bandeau top and classic cut bottoms. This one felt a little riskier, the bottoms cut higher on her hips and felt like a pair of granny panties. She adjusted the waistband carefully before stepping out.

Katie’s eyes lit up. “Now that is cute. It’s retro and fun—perfect for a day at the beach.”

Emma frowned, tugging at the bottoms. “It feels like it’s going to fall off.”

“It won’t,” Katie reassured her. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, we can skip it.”

The final bikini was a lavender triangle top with string ties at the neck and back, paired with matching string-tied bottoms. Emma stared at it for a long time, dread pooling in her stomach, but she couldn’t back out now. She stepped into the bottoms, tying them carefully at her hips before slipping into the top and adjusting the cups to cover her nipples.

When she stepped out this time, Katie’s jaw dropped. “Wow! Just ... wow! Emma, you look incredibly stunning. Only the lack of breasts throws it off. You should bet that one. It’s great for sunbathing and will most definitely draw attention to your ... um ... curves.

Ema crossed her arms, shifting uncomfortably under her sister’s gaze. “It’s too much. I feel like I’, practically naked.”

Katie shook her head. “Put your arms down, Emma, it gives off the wrong message—and you’re not naked. Honestly, you’re pulling it off better than the other two, but if you hate it, we can skip it too.”

Emma stared at herself in the mirror, her reflection making her cheeks flush. The bikini was definitely daring, but Katie wasn’t wrong—it looked good. “I don’t know ... maybe. The first one didn’t look right on me and the second looked like I was wearing granny panties. This one—while a lot more revealing—looks better with my feminine curves. I’m supposed to be a boy, Katie. Why do I look like a hot teenage girl?”

Katie smiled as she hugged her half-naked sibling. “We’ll add it to the ‘maybe’ pile, let’s focus on what makes you feel comfortable.”

Emma thought about Katie’s statement, “Comfortable? That would mean getting dressed and forgetting about the bathing suits.”

“If you want to be a girl, even if it’s just for the summer, then you’ll have to get used to wearing a swimsuit and showing off your body. Even as a boy, you have to admit that you have a body worth showing off,” Katie said, winking at Emma.

Finally deciding on which ones to buy they stood at the register as the cashier carefully folded their selections and placed them into a glossy shopping bag. “Two one-pieces and a bikini. After your reaction, I’m surprised you bought the bikini,” Katie said with a teasing grin, nudging Emma playfully. “See? Told you it wouldn’t be so bad.”

Emma rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. “Yeah, yeah, just don’t expect me to wear the bikini anytime soon.”

Katie smirked, as she handed over her debit card to pay for their purchases. “Oh, you’ll wear it. Trust me.”

Emma shook her head, clutching the shopping bag as they left the store. The lavender bikini felt like a bold choice, but Katie’s encouragement made her feel slightly less self-conscious. And the two one-pieces? They were safe, practical, and exactly what she needed for the trip.

As they walked through the mall, Katie looped her arm through Emma’s and steered her toward another section of the mall. “Alright, swimwear done. Now it’s time for dresses.”

Emma groaned, “Dresses? Seriously? Don’t I have enough at home, already?”

Katie raised an eyebrow, her expression amused but firm. “A girl can never have too many cute outfits and dresses. You need at least one fancy dress for dinner at a fancy restaurant, plus some casual ones for the park. Don’t even try to argue—we’re doing this.”

Emma sighed but followed her sister into the next store. The window display featured mannequins wearing elegant evening gowns, playful sundresses, and everything in between. The site made Emma’s stomach flip. She had survived swimsuits, but this? This was a whole new challenge.

Emma stood awkwardly by the entrance as Katie plunged head-first into the racks of dresses as if this was what she lived for. “Okay,” Katie declared, holding up the flowing white sundress she’d spotted earlier. I reluctantly entered the story and walked over to where Katie stood. “It’s light, breezy, and perfect for walking around the park. You’l thank me when it’s ninety degrees and humid.”

Emma sighed, eyeing the dress. “I don’t know. It’s a bit short, it will leave my legs showing. I’ll feel like I’m going to show my panties.”

Katie laughed, shoving the dress into Emma’s arms. “You’ve got to stop thinking like a guy, Emma. Sundresses are meant to be thin and light, girls our age like to wear them short to show off our legs. Trust me.”

She moved to another rack and pulled out a soft yellow dress with cap sleeves and a cinched waist. The floral print was delicate with tiny daisies scattered across the fabric. “This one’s adorable,” Katie said, holding it up. “Casual enough for lunch but still super cute.”

“I’m not sure I’m a ‘floral’ kind of person,” Emma said, wrinkling her nose.

Katie ignored her, adding it to the pile. “You’ll try it on anyway.”

A denim shirtdress caught Katie’s eye next—simple, structured, and versatile. “Now this is a no-brainer. You can wear it with sneakers or sandals, and it has pockets. You’ll love it.”

Emma perked up at the mention of pockets. “Finally, something practical.”

Katie smirked, tossing it on the pile before moving to the next rack. She plucked a bold red cocktail dress off the hanger, holding it up to Emma’s chest. The dress had a 2-inch collar, a fitted bodice with a mesh window over the chest and cleavage, was sleeveless, with a flared skirt that ended just above the knee.

Emma balked, “There’s no way I’m wearing that.”

Katie grinned mischievously, “Why not? It’s stunning. You might not need it for this trip, but you never know when a girl needs a hot, red dress.”

Emma groaned, but Katie added it to the growing pile anyway. “I don’t even have the breasts to fill it out.”

Finally, Katie and Emma made their way to the evening wear section where Katie found the black lace dress that had caught her attention. Its delicate detailing and subtle shimmer made it elegant but not overly flashy. “This,” Katie said, holding it up reverently, “is your dinner and dancing dress. You’ll look like a goddess.” Katie carried the black dress while Emma carried the rest as they headed toward the fitting rooms.

Emma stepped into the fitting room and hung up the dresses in the order that they found them. She started with the white sundress, slipping it over her head, and smoothing it down. The light fabric swayed around her legs and the thin straps sat comfortably on her shoulders.

When she stepped out, Katie clapped her hands. “See? It’s perfect. You look like a summer dream. Although you will need white underwear or a white bikini, I can see your bra and panties.

Looking down, Emma rushed back into the fitting room. “It’s not bad, I guess, but you’re right I will need matching underwear. It’ll be see-through if it gets wet.”

Next came the yellow floral dress. Emma was hesitant at first but slipped it on anyway. The cinched waist, once the zipper was closed, highlighted her slim figure and the soft cap sleeves added another feminine touch.

Katie grinned from ear to ear. “That one’s so cute! It’s sweet but not over-the-top. Total daytime look.

Emma shrugged, though a small part of her agreed. The denim shirtdress was next and as soon as Emma put it on, she let out a small sigh of relief. It felt structured and familiar, almost like a button-down shirt but longer.

“I actually like this one,” Emma admitted, stepping out.

Katie smirked, “I knew you would. It’s effortless but chic. And the pocket? Game-changer.” Emma smiled faintly, spinning to test the fit.

Then came the bold red cocktail dress. Emma hesitated for a long moment before finally slipping it on. The fitted bodice hugged her like a second skin. The vibrant color made her pale skin glow. When she stepped out, Katie’s jaw dropped.

“Emma. Oh, my god. You have to get this.”

Emma fidgeted with the hem, feeling self-conscious. “It’s too much.”

“It’s perfect,” Karie insisted. “Even if you don’t wear it now, you need it in your wardrobe.” Emma wasn’t convinced, but she nodded, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and pride.

Finally, Emma tried on the black dress. It was elegant and understated, fitting like a glove. She stared at her reflection for a long moment before stepping out. Katie’s face lit up.

“Now that,” Katie said, her voice reverent, “is a showstopper.”

Emma slid her hands over the fabric of the dress, feeling more confident. “It’s nice.”

Katie grinned, clearly satisfied. “We’re getting it. As a matter of fact, we’re getting all of them.”

After trying on the dresses and paying for them, Emma and Katie walked out of the store with more shopping bags in hand. The girls carried the bags to the car and set everything in the back seat before heading back inside to find something to eat before heading to the last store.

“Alright, next up—shoes. You’re going to need comfortable shoes for the park, sandals for casual outings, and maybe some heels for the red and black dresses.” Emma groaned but followed her sister.

“We’ve got dresses,” Katie declared, “now we need the right shoes to match—and no, Emma, sneakers don’t go with everything. That’s how a boy thinks.”

Emma sighed, walking behind her sister, “I know, I know. You’ve already made that clear.”

The store was lined with rows of shelves showcasing everything from casual flats to towering stilettos. Katie immediately headed toward the heels, scanning the options with an expert eye.

“For the black dress,” Katie said, holding up a pair of sleek black pumps with a modest 3-inch stiletto heel. “Classic, elegant, and perfect for those dinners with a dress code. Those are close to what you wore last night, so you’re already a pro.”

Emma slipped off her flats and slid her feet into the pumps more confidently than she’d had the day before. She stood and immediately felt her weight on the balls of her feet and how the pointed toe squeezed her toes together. Walking around the store allowed her to experience how they would feel when worn with the dress. The click of the heels on the tile floor of the store caused a rush of excitement, a slight smile came to Emma’s face.

“See?” Katie asked with a grin. “You’re a natural. I told you those heels from last night would pay off.”

Emma gave her a half-smile, “Yeah, except my feet were killing me by the end of the night. I can feel my toes being squeezed together with the weight I put on the balls of my feet. I won’t be able to wear them longer than the event they are meant for.”

Katie waved a hand dismissively, “That’s normal. A little discomfort is the price of looking fabulous.”

Next, Katie grabbed a pair of strappy, open-toed red heels with a slight shimmer. “For the cocktail dress,” she explained, holding them up for Emma to try on next. “This will add a pop of sparkle.”

Emma slipped them on, testing a few steps. The open toe allowed her toes to spread out some when her weight was put on her feet. They were so much more comfortable than the pumps. They were similar in height to the black pumps but had a slightly narrower heel. “Okay, these are a lot more comfortable but the narrower heel makes them harder to walk in.”

Katie chuckled. “You’ll be fine It’s all about posture. Keep your back straight and your head up. Stop looking at your feet.

Emma straightened her back and walked more carefully, her steps becoming steadier, “Better?”

Katie gave her a thumbs up, “Much better and they look amazing on you.”

They moved to the casual section where Katie picked out a pair of simple white canvas sneakers. “For walking around the park,” she said, handing them to Emma. “Comfortable and goes well with the sundress and the denim dress.”

Emma slipped them on, immediately relieved by how familiar and supportive they felt. “Finally something normal.”

Katie laughed. “Don’t get too excited—we still need sandals.”

In the sandal section, Katie found a pair of tan leather sandals with thin straps that crisscrossed over the top of the foot and wrapped around the leg to just above the ankle. “These are perfect for casual outings,” Katie said. “They’ll go with just about anything and the rubber sole makes them comfortable to walk in for extended periods.”

Emma tried them on and had to admit they were comfortable. “Oh, I like these.”

Katie added them to the growing pile of shoes they were accumulating. “Last but not least, flip-flops for the pool and the hotel,” Katie said, grabbing a simple black pair with a foam-cushioned sole. “Can’t forget the basics.”

By the time they left the store, Enna was carrying bags with several pairs of shoes: black pumps, red heels, white canvas shoes, tan sandals, and flip-flops. Her feet were tired from all the trying on and walking in different shoes, but she couldn’t deny that she was more comfortable in heels than she’d expected.

“You’re all set now,” Katie said, grinning. “Shoes for every occasion.”

Emma gave her sister a wry look. “You know I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think you’re right about the heels. At least they weren’t as bad as I thought they’d be.”

Katie beamed. “Told you. You’re turning into a real pro, Emma. Just wait until you have a favorite pair of heels.

Emma groaned but couldn’t help smiling. Despite the exhausting day, she had to admit that Katie’s enthusiasm was contagious. Together, they carried their bags back to the car, ready to tackle the next part of their preparations for Emma’s trip to Sunridge Amusement Park.

Katie popped the trunk with a flick of her wrist, arranging the shoe boxes neatly inside. “See? Plenty of room left for the rest of the trip. I’m a packing genius.” ’Genius, right!!’ Emma thought, looking into the trunk and seeing enough space to fit a couple of bodies. The bags were in the bag seat.

Emma stood by the side of the car waiting for Katie to unlock it. “I don’t know how you managed to fit it all so perfectly,” Emma said teasingly.

Katie grinned, shutting the trunk with a satisfied thud. “Years of experience. This isn’t my first mall marathon.”

Emma slid into the passenger seat. The backseat was tidy with shopping bags holding the new clothes, tucked neatly against the cushions leaving plenty of space for their purses and anything else they might need later. “Okay, I’ll admit it. You’re better at this than I thought, but what’s with all the drama earlier? It’s not like we bought out the entire mall.”

Katie climbed into the driver’s seat, flashing her a smirk. “What’s life without a little flair? Besides, it’s all about the journey.”

Emma rolled her eyes, buckling her seatbelt. “Spare me the hallmark slogans. Where are we going next?”

Katie’s grin widened as she pulled out of the parking lot, her tone playful, “Oh, just somewhere that’s going to make all of those new outfits really pop.”

Emma frowned, glancing at her suspiciously. “Why do I feel like I’m about to regret this?”

Katie shrugged, the picture of nonchalance. “Because you’re a chronic overthinker. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. You agreed to dress as a girl so you could get babysitting jobs—this will make you more convincing in your new role.”

“Yeah, right,” Emma muttered, leaning back against the seat. She eyed the road ahead, trying to decipher where they were headed. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Katie said with a mischievous laugh, “but let’s just say it’s going to tie everything together. The dresses, the swimsuits ... you’ll see.”

Emma sighed, crossing her arms. “You know, for someone who claims to be helping me, you sure enjoy keeping me in suspense.”

Katie cast her a quick glance, her smile softening. “Hey, that’s what big sisters are for. Besides, if I told you in advance, it would give you time to refuse or make excuses. Just sit back and relax. I promise this will be worth it.”

As they drove on, Emma couldn’t help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Katie’s surprises always seemed to walk the fine line between helpful and overwhelming, but deep down, Emma trusted her. Whatever was coming next, it was bound to be ... interesting.

After almost an hour in traffic, they finally arrived at their destination. The store was tucked into a quiet strip mall at the edge of the city near a lower-middle-class neighborhood; the exterior blending seamlessly with the neighboring shops. The glass front was tinted for privacy, giving only a faint glimpse of the softly lit interior. A tasteful sign hangs above the window bearing the store’s name in clean, modern lettering.

“TRUE YOU BOUTIQUE”

Next to the name is a small elegant logo—perhaps a stylized butterfly, symbolizing transformation and authenticity. Beneath the name, a tagline reads, “Empowering your journey, one step at a time.”

The front door was unassuming, with a small decal stating “By Appointment Only” in subtle friendly font, ensuring visitors know their time and privacy are respected. A tasteful window display features mannequins dressed in provocative attire and lingerie with accessories like scarves and gloves, hinting at the wide range of items available without being overly specific.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Emma glanced at the nearly empty parking lot and then at the storefront, reading the words, “True You Boutique” aloud. The tinted windows and elegant signage gave off a professional vibe, but the tagline—“Empowering your journey, one step at a time”—made her stomach twist with nervous anticipation.

“What is this place?” Emma asked, turning to Katie.

“It’s a surprise. You’ll love it,” Katie responded with a grin. Katie parked the car near the front door and Emma climbed out slowly, unsure that she wanted to be there. Emma hesitated, eyeing the By Appointment Only decal on the door. “By appointment only? Did you book this without telling me?”