Home > A Christmas in the Alps(5)

A Christmas in the Alps(5)
Author: Melody Carlson

“No, of course not.”

“I’m sure it’ll be a pretty trip. You’ll see a lot of French countryside.”

“That sounds nice.” If only she could take a train from LA to France!

“And look at this.” Andrea pointed to a photo of an old-fashioned building. “You could stay here in Avre. It’s called Château Edelweiss, and it’s got high customer ratings. Isn’t it perfectly adorable?”

As Simone studied the pictures of Avre and the hotel, she almost relaxed. “It does look charming.”

“Great. We’ll book you through Christmas. Of course, you could always switch accommodations if you find something better. Or if your relatives want you to stay with them. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Simone couldn’t imagine having French relatives, let alone being a guest in their home, but she never would’ve imagined any of this just a week ago. She felt like her brain was about to explode. And yet, at the same time, she felt excited. She was really doing this!

“So, we’re all set.” Andrea handed the credit card back. “Good thing you’re so rich, girlfriend. For all we know, you’ll be even richer when you come home. I wouldn’t mind having an heiress for my best friend.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” Simone stood, pocketing her credit card as she thanked Andrea for her help. Okay, it did feel slightly intrusive, but she knew her friend meant well. Besides, Simone told herself as she returned to her room, she could cancel the whole trip if she wanted. Sure, Andrea would probably throw a fit and disown her, but it was a comfort to know she could pull the plug if necessary. And, short of a miracle, it would be necessary. But a miracle would be much nicer!

 

 

Chapter 3


ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, Andrea presented Simone with a workbook. “Jerrod picked this up for you as a thank-you for babysitting the girls tonight.”

“Soar Above the Fear of Flying.” Simone laughed, reading the cover. “Clever concept.”

“He said it’s highly recommended. A work associate swears it changed her life.”

“You honestly think this will help?” She waved the flimsy booklet in the air.

“Well, it can’t hurt. I took a peek. Some of the exercises seemed well thought out. Just promise you’ll try it, okay?”

“I’ll give it a look after I get your girls to bed.”

“And good news.” Andrea grinned. “Jerrod agreed to another daddy day tomorrow.”

“That’s nice. Big plans?”

“Yes. You and I are going clothes shopping.”

“Clothes shopping?” Simone frowned. “I already have too much crammed into your spare room as is. In fact, I was just bagging things to donate.”

“That’s great. You should donate all of it. Hopefully Goodwill won’t reject it.”

“Thanks a lot.”

Andrea laughed. “Hey, you have to admit your wardrobe’s gotten pretty sad.”

“Well, my work clothes were practical. And it’s not like I dressed to impress while caring for Grandma.” But Simone knew Andrea was right—her wardrobe was pretty pathetic.

“Yeah, I noticed.” Andrea frowned at Simone’s basic outfit of worn jeans and a torn sweatshirt, then patted her back. “High time you stepped it up, girlfriend.”

“Hey, these are babysitting clothes.”

“Babysitting, caregiving, house-packing, you name it. Those are the only kinds of clothes I ever see you in anymore. It’s depressing.”

“You’re probably right.” Simone smiled sheepishly. “I’m in a rut.”

“Well, since I plan to live vicariously through you—I mean, on your trip to France—I want us to do it with class. Tomorrow we’re getting some stylish clothes and respectable luggage. We will do this thing in style.”

 

On Saturday Simone attempted to “step it up” by wearing a hand-knit sweater and a newer pair of jeans. But compared to Andrea, who’d actually donned a stylish skirt and jacket plus fashionable boots, Simone felt drab. She really did want to make a change.

“I thought we’d start here.” Andrea drove her minivan into an upscale mall that Simone had never even seen before.

“Looks kinda spendy.” Simone read the designer names on the store signs. Not labels she’d ever bought—or wanted to.

“Hey, you can afford it.” Andrea pointed to a store as she parked nearby. “I really like this place. In fact, I asked Jerrod to get me a gift certificate here for Christmas.”

“I don’t know.” Simone studied the sleek window display. “It seems a little pedestrian to me.”

“Pedestrian?” Andrea turned to stare at her as she shut off the ignition.

“You know, everyday, uninspired, ho-hum.” Simone pointed to the storefront. “That outfit looks like something a corporate executive might wear to work. Too stiff and conventional for me.”

Andrea laughed as they got out of the minivan. “Well, didn’t you suddenly turn into the little fashion critic.”

“Hey, I’m going to France. You said I should go in style.”

“Absolutely. So what do you have in mind?”

“To be honest, I’m not even sure what I like anymore,” she said as they stepped inside. “I mean, I loved boho chic back in high school. But I guess that’s not really trending right now.”

“I don’t know about trending, but if you ask me, anything goes with fashion. Now that you mention it, you did like artsy clothes growing up. I’ve always been more into traditional styles, but with your height and that head of auburn hair, you can pull off drama. You’re so right, this store is totally not you.” Andrea paused to look around. “But I know some shops you might like—just a couple of miles from here. They’re kind of unconventional and free-spirited.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I want to look like a gypsy or a hippie,” Simone said as they got back in the van. “I just don’t want to look like a legal secretary.”

“I get that. You should wear clothes that express your personality and make you feel good.” Andrea frowned at Simone’s lackluster outfit. “And sorry, sweetie, but that’s not cutting it.”

The next selection of shops looked more promising. After browsing through a couple of shops that were close but not quite right, Simone discovered a boutique that seemed to speak her language. It was even called Bonjour! The interesting shop had an amazing selection of both new and vintage clothes—everything from unique shoes to big, floppy hats. Before long, Simone was trying on flowing skirts and interesting belts and colorful scarves. A young salesgirl named Clive really got into the spirit of things, bringing Simone item after item, helping her to put together fun outfits with personality and flare.

“Now, this just makes me happy,” Simone told Andrea and Clive as she stood in front of the big mirror outside the dressing room. She wore a vintage lacy top, cinched in with a thick woven belt, over a longish tapestry skirt, topped with an oversized cardigan and set off by a pair of really cool boots.

“And you could switch out the skirt for jeans if you want,” Clive told her.

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