But here nobody knew her. One more local out doing their shopping. A bright window display caught her eye and she stopped—a mannequin dressed in bright red capri pants and a multi-coloured blouse. On impulse, she walked in.
"Hi, how can I help you today?" The cheerful voice belonged to a young girl tidying up the racks.
"Um, just looking, thanks." Sami gazed around the bright shop and contemplated walking out and going home.
"Well, you let me know if I can help with anything."
"Sure." She wandered around until she found the collection of pants and pulled out a pair.
"They would look good on you, you have the legs to wear them, I mean." The sales girl was now standing behind her.
"Really, you think so?" Sami held them against her hips.
"Seriously, you don't? Hell, I wish my legs were as long as yours. Go and try them on." The salesgirl pushed her toward the change rooms. "For a special occasion or are you spoiling yourself?"
"Um, a winery thing I have to go to this weekend." Sami walked in and pulled the curtain closed.
"Really, I'm going to one over at Mason's." The curtain whipped open before Sami could pull down her old jeans. "Wouldn't be the same one would it?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I live next door to him."
She cringed at the squeal coming from the excited girl. "Holy heck, you must be Samantha. Oh my goodness, how awesome to meet you." She thrust in her hand and grabbed Sami's, shaking it furiously. "I'm Eliza. Eliza Holden. So pleased to meet you."
"You too. And call me Sami, please." She could feel the heat racing up her skin and couldn't make up her mind whether she should flee from such an exuberant creature.
"I live down the road from you guys, how cool is that?"
"Really, great." It is isn't it? Garth would be pleased I've met someone at least.
"I can't wait to tell Mum, she will be thrilled you are here. We were wondering what you would be like." She burst out laughing when Sami frowned. "Sorry, that sounds so bad but you know what it's like, small town and all. Everyone knows someone."
"Sounds like where I came from."
"Oh I don't mean that in a nasty way, don't get the wrong idea or anything. People are really nice here and not too in your face if you know what I mean." A flush raced up Eliza’s cheeks, and she shrugged. "But then if you need anything, well, you only have to ask. And you are so lucky moving next door to dreamy Mason. He would have to be one of the nicest guys around. How he manages to stay single is beyond me, but anyway. Listen to me, spouting off not letting you get a word in. Sorry, I talk a lot."
"Um, that's okay. Since you know all about this do tomorrow, do you think these pants will be alright? I mean, I don't want to make my first public appearance looking like something from the bush."
"Oh no, they are perfect. These things are pretty laid back and cruisey anyway. Why don't you try those on and I'll get you a couple of tops to go with them."
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Letting the curtain drop, Eliza raced off in search of tops to match. Sami slid her jeans off and pulled on the crisp red pants. They hugged her butt and zipped up tight against her flat stomach. Looking down she noted they finished just below her knee showing off a long slim calf and dainty if unloved feet.
"Here, try these on." Eliza thrust a couple of coat hangers through the door and whistled. "Told you they would look great with your legs. Let me see if I can find some strappy sandals too."
She dropped the curtain and shot off again. Sami looked at one blouse and discarded it immediately. Not a fan of lace and frills. The other top was soft and hung gracefully on the hanger. The tag touted the softness and durability of bamboo fibre as well as a hefty price tag almost made her say no to it.
Slipping off her T-shirt she dropped it to the floor and pulled the soft garment over her head. It fell from her bare shoulders to cling to the tops of her breasts and finished at her waist. It was stunning. She wasn't sure about the collared neck and no sleeves though.
"Oh my God, you look hot." Eliza was standing at the door, strappy red sandals in her hands. "I could never get away with that shade of green but on you it's gorgeous, makes your eyes really stand out. Here." She dangled the sandals in front of Sami. "Try these on and come out."
Sami leaned down and slipped the sandals on. Grimacing at the state of her feet she vowed to go to the chemist next for some girly products. A file might be more appropriate though. She took one more look in the mirror before walking out of the dressing room.
Eliza was waiting for her and grabbed her arm, pulling her toward a huge mirror in the back of the shop. "There, what do you think?"
They both looked at the reflection, Eliza beaming at what she had put together and Sami unsure of what she saw.
"I've never worn anything like this before. It's always been jeans and a work shirt." Turning, she looked at the back view before coming around to face the mirror again.
"I think you look stunning. Wait until Mason sees you, his eyeballs will drop out."
"Phftt, like I care. I'm only going to
