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foot of anger leaned on the gas pedal. She followed Rene into the parking lot of the Westland Hills Mall and parked in front of the food court.
    Ava stepped out of her car and walked around to Rene’s door. “What’s the verdict, counselor? How much was it?”
    Rene sat back in her seat. “Three hundred and seven dollars! Can you believe that?”
    â€œDang. I’m sorry, girl.”
    â€œIsh is the sorry one.”
    Don’t say a word, Ava. Holding her mouth shut was like closing a stuffed suitcase. But she managed.
    Rene locked her car. “I figured we could do some shopping after lunch. I’m not ready to go home anytime soon.”
    â€œWhatever you want to do. I have a training tomorrow that starts at ten o’clock so I can hang all day if you like.”
    â€œGood.”
    They entered through the automatic sliding doors. Ava asked, “What do you have a taste for?”
    â€œI don’t know if I’m really that hungry. You pick the place.” Rene looked up and read the sign above the first store. Her eyes lit up. “Ooh, there’s that store 5-7-9. I thought they went out of business. Wanna go in there for a minute?”
    Ava smacked her lips. Was she serious? “Girl, please. I ain’t five, seven, or nine! I’m more like five plus seven plus nine! What I’ma do in there? Get a bracelet?”
    Rene laughed. “Ava, you are too funny. But yes, they have jewelry and other accessories. You may see something you like.”
    â€œNo, you go ahead.” Ava smiled. “I’ll run down to the big girls’ shop.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll meet you back in the food court in twenty?”
    â€œSounds good. I feel like Chinese, so I’ll meet you over at Chinatown Grill.”
    Ava turned and walked down the row of specialty stores until she reached her destination. Full-figured women calmly searched through racks and tables of clothes. Ava scanned the entrance to see how many people walking by noticed her going in the big girl store.
    â€œHi. Welcome to Avenue.” A smiling clerk greeted her. “Everything’s half off today. Looking for anything in particular?”
    â€œNo, just looking.” Ava joined the other shoppers in their search for the perfect outfit. Well, forget perfect. Something that fit would do.
    Last time she tried on clothing she was a size twenty-two. The same size or a miraculously smaller size would please her. She picked up a pair of black slacks with plaid buttons, and then grabbed a plain navy V-neck top.
    Ava took a deep breath, looking at the sales associate. “I guess I’ll try these on.”
    â€œSure. Here you go, ma’am. Let me know if you need anything.”
    Ava placed her wallet on the bench, hung the outfit on the clothing hook, and removed her clothes. She took a minute to look over her body in the full-length mirror and poked out her lips. As she stepped into the pants, one leg at a time, she could tell that these were not the pants for her.
    She gave them a good tug over her belly, and attempted to button them up, but was unsuccessful. Holding in her breath, she tried again. This time, victory. But the button held on for dear life. For fear the pants would burst open, she unfastened them.
    After she removed the pants, she threw the V-neck over her head. Ava viewed the shirt straight on and then turned around to see the back view. The roll that hung over her bra was not what she wanted everyone to see when she walked away from them. Next, she fumbled with the sleeves that looked glued to her arms. This is ridiculous. I gotta do better.
    â€œAva? You in here somewhere?”
    What was Rene doing in here? Could she not find anything in the itty-bitty store? “Yes, I’m in the last dressing room.”
    â€œI decided to come find you. I need my girl right now. Want me to find you a cute outfit?”
    Not really. “Sure, girl. Go crazy.”
    Moments