"Yes dear, that's part of the deal being in a relationship with a cop." She really is so cute. She went on and on about date night. I excused myself to use the bathroom. I made a call; the bathroom thing was a ruse.
When I came back I brought up spending the night downtown. "I want to take you out to dinner too. Our reservation is at seven." She wanted to know where. "It's a surprise." Cop eyes; she's not buying it. "We're going to Nordstrom and the outfit will be my treat." She bitched a bit about that. I tried to do cop eyes; she laughed at my pathetic effort.
We were finally in the car on the way to a UPS store. Yes, Reenie had a spare uniform at work. Good, we could spend the night together. She would have to get up early. We would deal with that. The return address, on the package with the sweater, was the house he locked me out of. Vindictive? Moi? Damn right!! After all, revenge is best served as cold as his heart. Oh, and the name above the address: Ginger Butler!!
We headed back to the hotel after the store. We spent so much time gabbing that we had to get moving if we were going to shop, check in, and have dinner. I knew what dress I was going to wear. I put it, shoes, and a few other things in a garment bag. I don't use it often but it was perfect for tonight. I dressed as I would dress for work tomorrow. Reenie only had the clothes on her back. We were close enough in size, although her shoulders were broader (muscles). She found a short sleeve top and a skirt that fit well enough to wear to Nordstrom. We did pause long enough before leaving for a very fabulous kiss. This had turned into another of those 'us' days that I cherish.
I asked for a Personal Shopper. A very pretty brunette said hello and gave her name: Alicia McTigue.
"My name is Ginger Butler and this is Maureen Henry. I had a wonderful experience with a Personal Shopper in St. Louis not long ago. We're having a special night out and I want something special for my girlfriend."
It was actually pretty comical. Alicia looked Reenie up and down, took her to a rack of clothes, and picked out two dresses. One was a gorgeous dark purple. Reenie looked at me; I smiled. The next was just stunning. Red, front ruffles ... but Reenie shook her head. Oh, I know why. It was sleeveless and emphasized her shoulders. The next one was black; I loved it immediately. It had a V-neck, was pleated, with not much in the way of sleeves, but enough to flatter her figure while hiding the shoulders. I begged her to try on the purple dress and the black one. It was her dress and her decision of course. While she was in the dressing room Alicia asked me what she did.
"Reenie is a Dayton police officer." She nodded. I guess it helps to know something about the woman wearing it.
Oh my god, she looked just wonderful! Alicia agreed. Reenie looked in the mirror and shrugged. She went back to try on the purple dress. Alicia told me the black dress was a Suzi Chin. I stopped her. Whether it was for Reenie or me, I didn't care who made them. I just wanted to look good. I was nearly certain Reenie had never set foot in a Nordstrom. The purple (currant per Alicia) dress was breathtaking. While the pleats on the black dress were vertical, the purple's were horizontal below the bust. The sleeves came just past her elbow. The black dress had an empire waist, this had nothing special added. Both of them highlighted all the good things about her figure. (Stop drooling Ginger!)
Alicia asked, "May I show you one more?" Reenie said sure. Alicia took a green dress off the rack, took Reenie's hand and led her to the mirror. She slipped the dress in front of Reenie. If it fit it would be breathtaking. I saw Reenie's eyes widen. She smiled, took the dress and headed to the dressing room.
Alicia said to me, "This dress is a bit risky. It has to be just the right fit because of the material and the way it's cut." She held up her hands with crossed fingers. The green, like the black, set off her red hair perfectly. I wasn't so sure about the purple, though I loved the dress. Reenie came out with her hundred watt smile. I looked at Alicia; she nodded.
Reenie absolutely preened in front of the mirror. She turned to me. "I love it Ginger. It's gorgeous." My eyes filled. She looked so fabulous; I couldn't wait to get it off of her. Alicia asked what shoe size Reenie wore; Reenie told her. Alicia made a phone call and told whoever answered about the dress, the customer, and the shoe size.
"Judy will be here in a few minutes with some selections. She's
very
good." Judy lived up to her billing. Reenie tried on six pairs; they were all wonderful. Reenie picked the one she liked. Wow, black patent leather, opened toed, two inch heel with a silver buckle. I admit to being prejudiced when it comes to my redheaded beauty, but she looked stunning in the dress and shoes. I could tell she felt it too. Judy and Alicia were smiling as Reenie strode back and forth in front of the mirror. Alicia whispered to me, "She doesn't dress like this very often does she?" I smiled and shook my head. I handed her my credit card; she smiled. I asked for her card, she asked for my phone number and email address. "I'd like to be your Personal Shopper, Ginger. Do you prefer to be contacted by phone or email?" Email.
Reenie came out with the dress and shoes. The dress got put in a dress bag; the shoes in a plastic bag. Alicia asked for Reenie's phone and email. Uh oh; I saw the cop eyes. I had to stifle a smirk as Alicia physically shrank under the gaze. "No thank you. If I need something either Ginger and I will come see you or I'll call." Alicia nearly broke her neck nodding. Reenie was very gracious when she shook Alicia's hand. "Thank you for all your help. You really know your stuff." I also thanked Alicia, who looked grateful. We left, headed to the car, and I drove to the hotel.
Reenie's jaw dropped when I pulled up to the Crowne Plaza. I laughed and told her it was okay; it would be my first time here as well. I asked the doorman if he could keep the car near by. We had a dinner reservation at seven. The bill I slipped him insured a positive response. I checked us in and we went up to the room.
We each fussed with our hair, put on makeup, and dressed. I had the gorgeous red dress Janice picked out for me as well as the necklace and leggings. I loved the outfit and how I looked and I felt like a peasant compared to my honey. She was a sight to behold. I did both - hold
and
behold her. I kissed the lipstick off each of us. I told her, with wet eyes, that I'd never been so proud or so happy to have such a gorgeous woman by my side. We headed to the car. The doorman looked at the two of us all dolled up. He handed me my keys and pointed to the car.
As we approached Pacchia Prima, Reenie let out a little shriek. "I always wanted to come here, Ginger." I was making another little dream come true. She kissed me and said, "Thank you." I handed the valet the keys after we exited the car. I smiled as he gawked; dream on dude.
Oh, this was
so
sweet: "Reservation for two -- Butler." Reenie whined a little about them not having beer. "This really isn't the type of place that would serve beer." Reenie is so cute. She stared at the menu with a 'what the fuck' look on her face. I ordered for us both: the Jazzy Caesar salad, which we'd split, the Campanelle for her, and, Halibut (wink) for me. I asked the server, "Would you please pick a white wine for us ... something that's suitable with our dishes?"
When the wine was poured I took the surprise from my purse and set it in front of my gorgeous redhead. She stared at the ribbon-covered white box and looked at me. "Open it honey. It's a little something for you." She tugged on the bow, opened the box, moved the tissue paper, and gasped. She took the sculpture by its black base and set it upright. She looked at me with tears. It's called 'Coming Closer Together.' I found it at the Crystal-Fox Gallery (that I didn't share). There was a little card inside that explained the meaning. All you lovers out there -- look it up. It's elegant, simple, and beautiful. I leaned in and kissed her, murmuring, "I love you Maureen. May