My Colors are you

Chapter 19

Rory met up with Charlotte the next day. She was available and because Maggie and she hadn't spoken; she preferred to avoid being cooped up all day.

Charlotte had her hair pinned up messily, something Rory could relate to at a deep level. Then, when she noticed Charlotte's outfit, she felt a bit intimidated to go shopping. Charlotte wore grey boots and black jeans with a black long-sleeved sweater and a checkered jacket. All Rory wore was a pair of jeans, her old sneakers, a warm long-sleeved shirt, and her usually brown coat.

"Hi."

Charlotte responded, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"No," Rory swung her arms lightly, "Not at all."

Charlotte nodded her head. "I wanted to apologize for not acknowledging you properly yesterday. Edmond scolded me over the phone, so I figured this would be a great way to make amends."

So that was what happened. Rory wanted badly to pry and know what he said. She had to convince herself not to.

"So," Rory spoke in awe, "Please tell me you are willing to assist me with my wardrobe."  She looked down at herself, gesturing to her clothes with a hopeful glint.

Charlotte laughed. "You look comfy. Comfy is also fashionable. But if you like my outfit, then I'd be happy to give you a few tips."

Charlotte was, to no surprise, the owner of a small fashion boutique in town. Rory learned about it the night before. What she hadn't known was that Charlotte began designing her outfits when she was still in high school. That made Rory curious about how her shop looked.

Rory was never interested in her outfits and rarely bothered to look good. But Rory was open to change if Charlotte guided her. Charlotte's style fascinated her. She always wore neutral colors that looked chic and comfortable. It was so simplistic yet pleasing to the eye.

They walked around a few shops, walking in and out. Charlotte knew exactly what she wanted at an affordable price. She picked out a beautiful blend of clothes for Rory. From the pile, Rory was most excited to see the purple suede ankle boots and a pair of green dungarees. Rory usually opted out of dresses, but Charlotte convinced her to buy a white dress that she could put a vest on with.

By the end of their little shopping spree, Rory and Charlotte were sitting outside a restaurant, having a casual lunch. It surprised Rory how good of deals and discounts she could get. Normally, spending a lot of money on clothes was something she'd avoid, but Charlotte knew her way around. She sat down with a sigh of satisfaction after a joyous day.

"Any day is a wonderful day when you go shopping," Charlotte hummed, pulling her sunglasses up to her head.

Charlotte was a rather gleeful person with dry humor, something Rory found amusement in.

"Thanks for inviting me out. I think my closet is going to be shrieking with happiness now," Rory teased.

Charlotte laughed out, amused by Rory's words. She seemed to have been watching Rory closely throughout the day. "I'm glad. But you know that's not the full reason for wanting to hang out with you."

Rory settled down and listened intently.

"I like you. I knew it from the second you got along well with Edmond. He is rather good at picking friends. He's also too kind for his good..."

Rory got it. Charlotte was testing her out.

"You and Edmond are childhood friends, right?"

"Yes, we are. I'm surprised he told you that."

"He mentioned it casually," Rory recalled. "He says you two take care of each other."

"I'm protective of him. We look out for one another. It's what we do."