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listed, but that wasabout all the email said. At the thought of seeing John the next evening, she felt a little flutter of excitement in anticipation of it. Leaning back in her chair, she looked over at her open closet, wondering what she might wear. She had no idea what would be appropriate. The dress she wore to dinner with him was the nicest she owned. Ashley’s closet had little more than hers, so that wouldn’t be an option. Since her new car arrived, Ashley had asked a million questions. Chelsea’s only response was that she traded her old car in. Other than that, she offered no other explanation.
    Grabbing her phone, she dialed Irene’s number. When she answered, Chelsea said, “I received your email, and I‘ll be there. But can you give me some idea of what I should wear? I’ve never been to anything like this.”
    Irene smiled at Chelsea’s lack of sophistication. From the outset, she’d been supportive of John’s decision. No matter the girl’s age, Irene was just glad to see him willing to have some companionship. She’d been with John since the early days, more than eighteen years. When he married Tracy, Irene was at his wedding. When Tracy died, she was at her funeral. Since that time, John had hardly lived life outside of work. There was a season when he spent time with a string of women, but she knew that was his way of trying to overcome his grief after losing his wife. Since then, he’d shut down emotionally. Over the past few days, however, she noticed a new spark in his eyes. He seemed almost happy, something she would have once believed impossible.
    “It’s a finer gallery, so I would think a cocktail dress would be appropriate.”
    “Hmm, okay. Well, if I can’t get something like that, what would be next best?” Chelsea had a credit card and was considering charging a dress, with the intention of paying it off once John gave her some money.
    Irene hesitated for a moment, wondering if it had to do with what she could afford or if she was simply unsure of what was proper. “Would you like to meet and pick out something together?”
    “Really? You would do that?” Chelsea sighed, relieved. She was so far out of her element that she hardly even trusted her own judgment as towhat to wear. In her world, there was never a need to get that dressed up. Back home, even at weddings you just wore your Sunday best. A cocktail dress? Why, she’d never even had a cocktail.
    They agreed to meet that evening after Irene got off work. Irene suggested Rodeo Drive, which caused a knot to form in Chelsea’s stomach. Whatever she found there would cost much more than she was comfortable charging on her card. Regretting having agreed to meet Irene, Chelsea wished she had never called her. Too late to get out of it, she decided she would look around with Irene, then when they were done, she would go elsewhere to find a dress, something discounted.
    After hanging up from Chelsea, Irene went into John’s office and held out her hand, saying, “Give me your credit card.” Without asking why, he did so. On her way out of his office, she said over her shoulder, “I am taking your little girl shopping for big girl clothes.” Hearing him chuckle behind her, she never looked to see his face, but she was sure he was amused.
    Chelsea feigned interest in a few things at the first two shops, but decided on nothing. Never agreeing to try anything on, Irene watched as Chelsea looked at price tags even prior to looking at the dress, which answered the question in the back of her mind. Chelsea was clearly concerned about the cost. Smiling at that thought, she wondered if Chelsea had any idea the kind of man she was keeping company with. John was worth millions, maybe even nearing the billion dollar mark. To walk in on the arm of John Keller, Chelsea needed to look extraordinary, not simply off-the-rack. He could certainly afford whatever they purchased that evening, and Irene intended to see that she was dressed