ALL MINE 2

four

[i hope you guys enjoy this chapter. 🩷]

There was a quaint store in the heart of Manhattan that Dominique loved going to. She was friends with the owner and was privileged to get the good stuff. The owner reached out to her whenever she collected vintage pieces.

Summer assumed the boutique was normal and simple due to its plain exterior. However, the beautifying interior of the building made up for everything. She stepped inside and took in the decor of the place. The walls were coated in a pastel pink, along with the white floors.

There were shelves and display stands with a variety of clothing and shoes. Summer noticed a soft white sofa accompanied by another sofa and coffee table. Soft music played in the background; Summer wasn't sure who the artist was.

Dominique and Summer sat on the couch, waiting for the owner to appear. In the midst of waiting, a young woman walked inside the room. She had inky black hair that was combed into a bun. The young girl was dressed in a nice sweater with jeans and sneakers. Large glasses sat on her face, and she wore no makeup.

"May I offer you both some refreshments?"

"Uh, yes. Thank you for asking, Hana. Could you bring us a bottle of champagne—Dom Pérignon. We'll also take whatever snacks you have back there—surprise us."

Hana ran off to grab their refreshments while Dominique and Summer continued to talk with each other.

"Just go with the flow. I got you." Dominque told her with confidence. "Have you ever been to a boutique before?"

"I have, but...not like this." Summer looked around with a curious expression. She was used to visiting boutiques that sold CDs, cheap perfume, and candy in the front near the register. This was her first time experiencing a prestigious store.

"You have nothing to be worried about. I know these people—they're cool." Dominque assured Summer. "The owner, Yasmine. She's down to earth and always keeps me in the loop when she gets rare vintage pieces."

Summer didn't get the chance to reply since Hana reappeared with a cart carrying the bottle of expensive bubbly, two flute glasses, and a tray filled with crackers, fresh fruit, and cheese.

Hana proceeded to open the new bottle of champagne and poured the pink bubbly liquid into the flute glasses before setting it on the coffee table. Dominique thanked her kindly and proceeded to chomp on the fruit. She grabbed her glass and instructed Summer to do the same.

"Let's make a toast to...." Dominque trailed off while glancing at the ceiling.

"To a peaceful Christmas and New Year." Summer filled in.

"To a peaceful Christmas and New Year!" Dominque agreed with a bright smile. "Cheers." They consumed the champagne and continued to converse on various topics.

Summer didn't care for the champagne, but she wanted to feel as grown as Dominque was, so she sipped it until her glass was empty. It felt good following after Dominique. In Summer's opinion, the young woman was perfect.

"I was wondering when you would show up."

Summer's eyes peered over her shoulder. She stood there, shocked by the person speaking. Her mouth dropped in bewilderment when she laid eyes on the boutique owner.

"Yasmine, don't start with me," Dominique spoke with such familiarity. "I told you I would be up here." She nudged Summer softly and said, "By the way, this is my friend."

Yasmine tried her best to smile at Summer. She leaned her head and said, "Nice to meet you..."

"Her name is Summer."