Riley was having a good time picking clothes.
The attendant tailed behind her, buoyantly at her beck and call.
Riley put her fingers on her chin, contemplating on what would fit Irene best.
Though this best friend of hers was already a big name, she still couldn't for the life of her dress herself up.
She was actually taken aback when she saw Irene and the entrance of the apartment complex wearing a plaid skirt. Normally, she would just go for the denim jeans. Except for work, Irene's everyday clothes were as bland as it could be.
She thought that this buddy of hers was finally hit on the head and had a fashion revolution. So, under this optimistic impression, Riley made it her goal today to buy "fashionable" clothes for her friend.
She swept her gaze, trying to find the one.
The attendant noticed her action; she sensed she may have a chance in this month's performance award.
She eagerly asked Irene with her bright eyes. "Do you have something specific that you're looking for, ma'am?"
The attendant's expectant gaze made Riley discreetly rub her arms. Too much greed. (。ノω\。) She let out a hesitating smile and said, "Where are your new releases?"
Riley's words caused the attendant's eyes to glisten. Her choice was right. She hugged a thick thigh this time!
The latest releases usually summed up three months of her wage without commission.
Now a prospective buyer has appeared; she shouldn't let this opportunity slip.
Her eyes went from brown to dollar signs and ardently led her to the dresses.
Among the line up in front of Riley, a fiery red cocktail dress snared her attention.
The silky fabric had a tulle embroidered with a golden pattern of flowers and overarching leaves over it.
The fine needlework sat on the midriff of the dress, accentuating the waist of its model.
Riley was mesmerized. This is it!
Just thinking of Irene wearing such a dress caused Riley's heart to explode. She was so excited, anticipating for Irene to fit the attire herself.
Like greased lightning, she walked and called Irene over, skipping steps.
She recognized Irene's tall frame out of all the customers in the store. Riley excitedly called, "Iren-"
Her voice was stuck in throat when she caught a glimpse of the woman facing Irene. F*ck! How could this woman be here?!
Multiple heads turned toward Riley when she shouted; they cast her a weird stare. Meanwhile, the attendant was dumbfounded and remained in her place, mouth ajar. A skewed smile formed on her lips.
Huhh... She felt a secondhand embarrassment for her..
It was safe to say that the resounding cry attracted eyes toward the brewing tension in front of them.
Riley gnashed and said, "Hattie, nice to meet you."
To think that they'd meet here, ugh.
Wearing a stiletto paired with her Prada bag, Hattie Rios stood parallel to Irene. Her smug look and condensing eyes drove Riley's head boiling.
Hattie haughtily said, "Looks like you two are still together, huh. If I were you, I would've long dropped this friend of yours, Irene. She's just munching off your fame."
Since high school, Hattie and Riley have never seen eye to eye. For Hattie, Riley was like a leech, sucking blood from everyone close to her.
Hattie never knew Riley's background, and Riley, herself, wasn't privy to disclosing their family's financial status. Out of all her classmates in high school, only Irene knew her family.
As a result, Hattie saw Riley as a pretentious girl looking to gain favors by using money. Plus, she never knew where the money came from, and seeing that she only rode the bus every time she went to school, it led her to believe she was doing some sketchy stuff.
Thus, she spread rumors about Riley's secret nightlife.
Everything was perfect, except for Irene. She always protected Riley. Hence, she made it into her hated group.
The original Irene was confused about how she got into this girl's bad side, but it didn't stop her from defending her friend. Occupying this body, Irene would also do so. She said to Hattie, "You're right. That's why we're not friends."
The people who overheard their conversation were dumbfounded. Irene's reply was slick and painted Hattie's cheeks red.
Hattie was furious. I'm obviously helping her, hinting her about Riley's muddy character. And this is what I get?!
Inside this tense atmosphere they created, Riley's words came through. "You better stop right now, if I were you." She hated if this day would be ruined.
She knew Hattie had some beef with her; she even orchestrated those scandals flying around school about her. But she didn't really care. In fact, she was grateful. Because of that, she learned who her genuine friend was, and till today, their friendship remained strong.
Overtime, seeing Hattie in the vicinity irritated her because of the contemptuousness she consistently threw at Irene. She made Irene feel inferior for being friends with her, and that, to her, was never okay.
She could slander her all she wished, but bringing Irene into the scene was a foul move, and she would make sure she paid for it.
Irene added, "Take a note of where you are. To actually stroll without masking your identity, are you stupid?" She didn't give a damn if she wanted to fish for clout, just never pull her in.
Lilian: "Irene, come. Don't bother with that leech. Haha." A snicker forced its way out.
Riley grabbed Irene's wrist and merrily fled toward the attendant.
The backs of the two made Hattie seethe. She looked at the crowd observing her and felt ashamed. She wanted to stomp her foot, but was blocked by her assistant. "People are watching."
Her act halted, and she scanned the surroundings. People were holding their phones, expecting her to make a fool of herself. Sh*t.
She didn't wear any face covering since she wanted to be "candidly" shot by paparazzi, make it on the trending list, and create a buzz for herself. But she didn't expect to see Riley and Irene. Now, it backfired. She messily dug a pit and jumped on it none the wiser.
Before the people could capture more scoop about her, she made a prudent decision to leave. She swallowed back the raging inferno in her and resentfully left the store with her assistant in tow.
With the play finally over, the customers and staff went on with their business. Meanwhile, those who captured the scene on full HD couldn't wait to go home and share this juicy bit. That was Hattie Rios, ah. High traffic was already in the bag.
But who was she fighting?
A customer said, "That lady wearing a mask looks familiar."
"True, but I can't pinpoint who." Grappling to contemplate who, one attendant presented them with new clothes.
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