Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Abby

I arrive at the shopping center in the neighboring town, and the excitement bubbling inside me is almost palpable.

The dress at the Alpha gathering reminded me just how much I used to love getting dressed up for fancy occasions. After Karl and I got divorced, the most I would really ever get dressed up for was the club or going out to a nice restaurant; which is to say, not all that dressed up at all.

Growing up in a well-to-do family, I was always attending some event or another. My parents kept their wealth on the low-key side, but we still always had holiday parting and business events to attend. However, with our relationship distancing further and further over the years, especially since I moved to the city, that option slowly dwindled.

But now, things have changed—or so it seems. Now, for the second time in just a couple of months, I find myself going out to buy a dress for a fancy occasion. And although I can’t help but feel a little guilty as my mind whirls with thoughts of whether I'm taking this too far with Karl, I can't deny my excitement.

Heading into the formal gown store, I'm almost immediately greeted by a lovely sales attendant who seems genuinely excited to help me.

"Good afternoon, Miss,” she says with a smile as I approach. "How can I help you today?”

“I'm looking for something very specific,” I say as my eyes scan the racks of increasingly fabulous— and expensive—gowns. “A dress for a masquerade.”

Her eyes light up at the mention of a masquerade. “Oh, how exciting!” she exclaims. “That sounds like fun. Right this way; I've just gotten some new stock in that I'm certain would go well with your complexion.”

She guides me through the racks of gowns, offering suggestions and pulling out dresses for me to consider.

As I browse through the elegant fabrics and styles, I can't help but feel like a kid in a candy store. It's been so long since I've shopped quite like this that it feels like I'm in an entirely different world. She helps me pick out several gowns to try on, each more beautiful than the last.

The process is both thrilling and maybe a little overwhelming as I step into different styles and colors. The sales attendant offers her expert opinion, and we share laughter and small talk throughout the fitting.

But it's when I slip into a breathtaking ball gown that I finally feel like a princess.

The gown is a dark shade of midnight blue, its fabric flowing gracefully around me. The bodice is adorned with an intricate layer of lace, and the full skirt billows out in layers of tulle. I turn to admire myself in the mirror, the fabric shimmering a little in the light.

As I'm lost in the enchantment of the dress, however, I suddenly remember the need for a mask. I turn to the sales attendant, a hint of urgency in my voice.

“Do you know if there are any shops around here where I could find a mask?” I ask, my eyes searching hers.

She smirks, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Actually, we have a selection of masks right here in the store. I'll be right back with some options for you.”

I watch her disappear into a back room, my heart still fluttering from the thrill of finding the perfect dress. Moments later, she returns with a tray of masks, each one more intricate and stunning than the last.

Eventually, I settle on a Venetian mask that steals my breath away. It's simple, a muted gold tone with a delicate filigree around the border. It covers the top half of my face, leaving the lower half exposed.

I think, in the dim light of the party, it'll be enough to keep people wondering who I might be. With the dress and mask chosen, it's time to make the purchase. I follow the sales attendant to the counter, but despite my excitement, there's also a hint of apprehension there.