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me out? You know, cleaning, getting things ready, helping in the kitchen? I’d make it worth your while if you’d come in when you get off work at noon on Saturdays for a couple of weeks. We’ll have some lunch and then get to work.”
    “I’ll be glad to help you, Mrs. Lowe.”
    “Oh, Celeste, you’re a good girl! How does five dollars an afternoon sound to you?”
    “That’s fine, Mrs. Lowe.”
    “You’re a good girl,” the woman repeated. “I’ll pick you up at the store at noon. No need to waste time with the bus.”
    “Yes, ma’am, that’s fine.”
    On the way home, Celeste did some quick calculations. Ten dollars would be a start on the velvet dress.
    ****
    After work on Monday, as she stepped out onto the street, consumed with excitement about her errand to put the blue velvet dress on layaway, she bumped into someone. “Oh, I’m sorry, I…” She looked up into Kent’s eyes.
    “This isn’t a safe place to be when you’re around,” he teased. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
    “Why are you still here?”
    “I stayed an extra day to talk to a prospective customer.”
    “Oh.”
    “So where are you going, and can I come, too?”
    “No, I mean, I’m going to put that dress on layaway. I got the chance to make some extra money.”
    “Hey, that’s great. I’m glad for you.”
    Celeste nodded. “So I have to go before they close.”
    When she started off, he fell into step with her. “You’re going my way.”
    “What?”
    “The hotel, remember? It’s this direction.”
    In front of the department store, Celeste paused to gaze at the dress again. “I hope I’m not making a mistake, but it’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.”
    “It’s not a mistake. You’ll be beautiful wearing it.”
    Celeste chewed her lip. “Well…I’d better do it if I’m going to.”
    “I’ll come in with you. Buy some socks or something.” He opened the door for her.
    “You figured it out,” the saleslady greeted her.
    “I’ve lost my mind,” Celeste said, fingering the skirt of the blue velvet dress, “but I’m going to do it. I may be paying for it from my grave, but…”
    The woman whisked the dress from the rack. “It was waiting for you. Nobody else has even tried it on, so far as I know. I’ll go upstairs with you, and we’ll get this tucked safely away right now.”
    All the way upstairs, Celeste felt sure the prince—or Kent—was holding her hand.
    ****
    Kent grinned at her as the elevator door opened again. “It’s a done deal, huh?”
    Celeste nodded. “I guess so.”
    “How about a soda to celebrate?”
    She glanced at her watch. “I can’t. I have to meet…catch my ride home.”
    “I see. Well, maybe next time. And don’t forget, I’ll be back through here next month. I’ll count on seeing you.”
    “Maybe. I’ve got to go.”
    She dashed through the door ahead of him and hoped he wouldn’t follow her. Standing beside the car, her father scowled. “Who’s the man?”
    “Nobody, Daddy.”
    “You were with him.”
    “He just opened the door for me,” she lied. “That’s all.”
    “Well, get in the car, and let’s go.”
    Celeste hurried around to the passenger side and slid in. Turning her face to the window, she thought of how the dress had shimmered in the light and how soft it felt beneath her fingers. Then she thought of Kent and was sure her father could hear her heart beating.

Chapter Three
    “I did it,” Celeste told Coralee when she called on Wednesday. “I put the blue velvet dress on layaway, though heaven only knows when I’ll get it out.”
    “I’ll send you some money.”
    “No, I’m going to do this myself. That’s important to me.”
    “Why?”
    “I’m not sure. It’s like, well, maybe like I’m turning over a new leaf for myself. Or something.”
    “Or something. Are you going to wear it?”
    “Sometime.”
    “Where? Dancing?”
    “I was thinking about it. Sister, do you believe in dreams coming