Weeping Willows

Torture in Retail

Chapter 32

What Elizabeth thought was going to be a short outing to a small store ended up becoming a mini road trip. Apparently, there were no local lingerie stores in Crystal Springs, so they had to travel to the nearest bigger town which was nearly three hours away. The girls had been busy plotting what was needed for the excursion after she had gone to bed last night. There was a small cooler in the back with drinks, a tote of snacks, and every rest stop and public bathroom had been mapped out for Addison. Someone had even made a play list for their little adventure. It was no wonder they weren't going to let Elizabeth out of the plan earlier. They were well prepared and excited to get out of town for the day. She had to admit, by the third song she was catching their enthusiasm and singing along. They all had the windows down and their hair tied back while they belted out song after song probably scaring the wildlife as they went. Elizabeth laughed with abandon feeling freer than she had in a while. It was no secret that shopping wasn't something she enjoyed but today she was looking forward to it. She had been shut away in her house for too long in self-imposed exile.

Three hours and six bathroom breaks later they were pulling up to a boutique. Elizabeth exited the car stretching and looking around. She had assumed that they would just be going to a mall but that didn't seem to be the case. Addison, Jenny, and Jan were talking animatedly about what they were going to be looking for. It was clear they had all been here before and by their excitement Elizabeth guessed it was a favorite place for them to shop. Jenny walked in behind Elizabeth as she stood there gawking at the building and started lightly pushing her forward.

"Come on Lizzy were burning daylight just standing around." With a sigh she gave in and began following the other two inside. A little electronic chime sounded as they entered the brightly lit store. They were greeted right away by a young salesclerk who was smartly dressed but in a more relaxed style. Elizabeth barely noticed her arrival however as she was too busy glancing about the place. The mannequins were shining under individual spotlights making them appear to be made out of pitch-black liquid. They were artfully arranged about the room showcasing different frilly, silky pieces. At the back of the store there seemed to be a separate room that was not quite as lit as the rest of the store.

"What's back there?" Elizabeth interrupted curiosity getting the best of her.

"That's for customers with a little more daring taste." The clerk explained smiling kindly at her. Elizabeth couldn't imagine anything being more risqué then what was already on display in the main store. Jenny giggled and leaned in to whisper to her.

"Leather and bondage pieces." Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up into her hairline in surprise. Surely Jenny didn't shop back there but there was no other explanation for her knowing that.

"I got curious too the first time I came here. I wouldn't wear any of it myself, looks too uncomfortable, but it's definitely intriguing to look at." Jenny explained while shrugging her shoulders indifferently as if it had been no big deal. Elizabeth's face would have been flaming red from embarrassment just peeking in from the doorway.

"Were you wanting to take a look?" The clerk inquired causing her to sputter, unable to respond. Thank goodness for her friends or she may have found herself back there despite not wanting to otherwise.

"She's a newbie at this actually. From seeing her collection the other day, I'd say she buys sturdy cotton briefs by the packs."

"Ah, I see. Then the back room is definitely a no for now." Elizabeth was slightly offended by the judgement that came with the description. There was nothing wrong with what she wore.