Chapter 35
They y got to the street and it was like stepping back in time. There were groups all decked out in vintage gear that made Whitney and Lina feel like they’d jumped into a history book. What really snagged their attention, though, was how the old buildings were straight–up beautiful.
They strolled by a creek, and Lina leaned on the railing, taking in the view. “It’s picture–perfect. Imagine you in some old–timey clothes. You’d
shine.”
Whitney smiled lightly, feeling that Lina was being exaggerated.
lly turn
When they wandered further, a guy in a vintage costume sauntered over. “Hey, Miss! You’d rock one of these outfits. You could totally heads. Wanna rent one and shoot some pics? I’m a TikTok guy, got like 10,000 folks following.”
Whitney wasn’t tempted. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.” She already had a million followers of her own; she didn’t need the extra buzz.
Just then, Lina’s phone rang, and she answered the call, “We’ve arrived.”
Whitney was confused. “Who’s that?”
Jonah,” Lina said, hanging up. “He’s chilling at some shop up ahead. Let’s go find him.”
Whitney nodded, realizing she hadn’t seen Jonah in a while. Ever since he spat out his feelings for her last year, Whitney had kept her distance, not wanting to lead him on when it wasn’t anything serious.
Lina tugged at Whitney’s arm, and they walked on. The trio had been buddies for years, so even if hangouts were rare, their bond stayed tight.
They got close to the store and spotted Jonah by the entrance. Lina waved and yelled, “Jonah!” As they got closer, Lina gave Whitney a sly grin. “You know, Jonah’s actually a catch. Too bad you’re head over heels for Thiago.”
Whitney just shook her head with a small smile, “Jonah’s like a brother to me. And Thiago? We’re worlds apart now.” Her smile had a bitter
twist
Lina wasn’t having it. “Look, you’re talking about your own feelings, not Jonah’s. And about Thiago, only I can see right through you. You wouldn’t be so hot for an apology if you didn’t care.”
Whitney wasn’t about to dive into that conversation, so she picked up the pace. “Let’s not leave Jonah hanging.”
When they stopped before Jonah, the latter only cared about Whitney, ignoring Lina completely. Lina felt dissatisfied and complained, “Hey, I’m the one who called you. Why do you only look at Whitney but not me? What, am I invisible?”
Without a word, Whitney dragged her into the store. “Let’s see if there’s anything your style.”
Shopping was Lina’s jam, so in they went, checking out the vintage vibes all around. Soon, Whitney took a liking to a hairpin in a glass cabinet in the middle of the store. The hairpin was mainly composed of emeralds, which looked particularly attractive at a distance.
“How much for the hairpin?” she asked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper glanced at it. “You’ve got an eye, miss, but that piece isn’t for sale.”
Whitney frowned. “Not for sale? Then why’s it out here for all to see?”
With a grin, the shopkeeper said, “It’s special. It’s gotta choose the wearer. Otherwise, it’s just money down the drain.”
Whitney was stumped. “Can I take a look at least?”
Chapter 35
The shopkeeper checked Whitney out with a crafty smile. “Sure, but you might wanna try on some vintage threads and come back. Seems like the pin might pick you.”
Whitney didn’t get it but she felt drawn to the hairpin, bent on making it hers.
Jonah saw Whitney was crushing on the hairpin but didn’t seem keen on dressing up old–school. “What’s the price tag on that hairpin?” he asked the shopkeeper. “I’ll pay whatever.”
The shopkeeper shook his head. “Like I said, it’s not about the cash. The pin’s gotta pick you.” He didn’t seem to care about the money factor.
Lina thought this whole thing was turning into a big headache and pulled Whitney to leave. “What’s the big deal? Just try on some old–timer clothes, won’t you? There’s even a place next door.”
Whitney wasn’t down to change but was still hooked on the pin.
When they hit the vintage shop, a classy lady in her forties welcomed them. “Looking to buy some retro threads?”
Lina chimed in right a
away.
“Got anything that’d look great on my friend here?”
The lady studied Whitney, checking out her curvy waist and overall balanced build, but plain face. She figured vintage would be perfect for Whitney and picked out a dress. “It’s rare to see a woman with your figure. This dress has been waiting for someone like you.”
Feeling shy but nudged by Lina, Whitney ended up in the fitting room. Lina was getting antsy outside, hollering, “Whitney, how’s it going? If it’s a no go, we’ll find something else.”
Then Whitney stepped out, a bit unsure, the dress with soft pink rose designs rustling around her. Even without fancy hair or makeup, Whitney was a knockout, like some kind of delicate fairy. Lina and Jonah were speechless, gawking at her.
“Is it that bad?” Whitney twirled around, a bit flustered.
But Jonah was shaking his head like crazy. “Nah, you’re stunning.”
Lina agreed. “Totally gorgeous. Like a magnet for eyes, just like the guy said.”
Whitney chuckled, thinking Lina was just big–talking. But a peek in the mirror sparked an idea–maybe she didn’t waste her time coming here after all. She was stuck brainstorming for next season’s jewelry line–every cool idea seemed taken. Now, an old–school twist might just be the fresh take she needed.
Just then, the fancy lady strutted in, holding that coveted hairpin. “Just like I thought, you’re a vision. A fairy, for real.” She passed the hairpin to Whitney. “It’s a fit. You’ve got the magic for both these treasures. That’s rare.”
“So, I can finally buy the hairpin?” Whitney was hopeful.
“Not quite,” the woman said. “Neither the dress nor the pin are for sale. But consider them yours. They’ve been waiting for you.”
Whitney was gobsmacked. The woman handed over a card. “Faye Massey’s the name. Call me Mrs. Massey. Those pieces are yours by destiny. But I’ve got one small ask.”
