Skating on thin ice

Chapter nine: shopping spree

Jossan

Brooke: "Okay, be honest," Brooke said, striking a pose in front of the dressing room mirror.
Brooke: "Does this make me look like I'm trying too hard?"

I tilted my head, studying the bright yellow crop top and low-waisted jeans she was wearing.

Jossan: "The top is cute, but maybe in a different color? Yellow isn't really your shade."

Brooke nodded, already pulling the top over her head.

Brooke: "You're right. Maybe in that rose color we saw earlier?"
Jossan: "Yes! That would look amazing on you. I'll go grab it while you change."

I found the rose-colored top and was heading back to the dressing rooms when a glittery dress caught my eye.

It was short, sparkly, and absolutely perfect for the upcoming school dance.

Jossan: "Brooke!" I called out, holding up the dress.
Jossan. "I think I just found my soulmate!"

Brooke poked her head out of the dressing room, her eyes widening as she saw the dress.

Brooke: "Oh. My. God. You have to try that on right now!"

I didn't need to be told twice. I practically sprinted into the empty dressing room next to Brooke's, stripping off my clothes in record time.

As I slipped the dress on, I could feel my excitement building. The fabric hugged my curves in all the right places, the glitter catching the light with every movement.

I stepped out of the dressing room, doing a little twirl for Brooke.

Jossan: "Well? What do you think?"

Brooke's jaw dropped.

Brooke: "Holy crap, Jossan. You look like a disco ball threw up on you... in the best possible way! You have to get that dress."
Jossan: "Oh, I'm definitely getting it. Dad's credit card is about to take a hit."

Brooke laughed, shaking her head.

Brooke: "Must be nice to have an ex-NHL player for a dad. My parents would have a heart attack if I spent that much on a dress."

I shrugged, still twirling in front of the mirror.

Jossan: "What can I say? Being John Wood's daughter has its perks. Besides, he always says he'd rather I spend his money on clothes than on bailing me out of jail."
Brooke: "Fair point," Brooke said, slipping on the rose-colored top I'd brought her.

Brooke. "Oh wow, you were right. This color is perfect!"

We spent the next hour trying on practically every item in the store. By the time we finally made it to the checkout counter, we were both carrying a ton of bags.

Jossan: "Food court?" I suggested
Brooke: "God, yes," Brooke agreed.
Brooke: "I'm so hungry I could eat one of those plastic mannequins."

We made our way to the food court, our shopping bags swinging at our sides.

Jossan: "Okay, what are we feeling? Pizza? Chinese? Overpriced smoothies that will make us feel healthier than we actually are?"

Brooke tapped her chin thoughtfully.

Brooke: "How about all of the above? We can get a slice of pizza, split some fried chicken, and wash it down with a smoothie. You know, for balance."

I laughed.

Jossan: "I like the way you think, Brooke. Let's do it!"

We split up to gather our things, meeting back at an empty table a few minutes later.