Lorren drove up to the nondescript two-story building and parked right out front. Plain gray stone with plain white trim made the understated building blend in with the others on the block.
She checked the piece of paper resting on the passenger's seat. Yeah, this was the right address, she thought. Her friend Anita recommended this place over a month ago, but Lorren wasn't the least bit interested. Now she was at least ready to try.
She checked her reflection in her rear-view mirror. She shook out her thick auburn hair, styled in an easy, swinging bob. She stroked her cinnamon-colored skin. Not bad, she sighed as she admired herself from different angles. At least it's much better than before. At least she's no longer hideous.
Hands shaking, she got out of the car and pressed the button for the intercom. Waiting, she frowned as she looked at her reflection in the glass door. Her loose, gray sweater and simple white denim skirt had once been one of her favorite outfits, but not anymore. Today, all she could see was the dated look of the plain garments.
Lorren's figure was lean, but she pinched her waist anyway and snorted in disgust at the bit of extra flesh she felt there. The usual butterflies in her stomach fluttered as what seemed like an eternity passed. Finally, a deep, yet sensual feminine voice boomed over the intercom.
"Yes?"
Lorren's voice shook. "Hi. I'm Lorren Tate. I have an appointment?"
"Hi Lorren. Come on up to the second floor."
A buzzer went off and the door unlocked. As Lorren walked in, she was immediately greeted with the sight and scent of an assortment of vanilla candles. In addition, tiny tea lights placed well around the room also gave the area a soft, warm glow.
The lower level of the building reminded Lorren of an upscale lounge; it was furnished with a soft black leather sofa and loveseat in the center and had small tables and plush chairs around the perimeter. An expensive Oriental rug lay over beautifully finished hardwood floors. This would be a great place to entertain, Lorren thought. At one point, she loved to throw parties and have friends over, but recent events in her life made that impossible. She sighed heavily, a wave of sadness suddenly rushing over her.
Lorren finally spotted the staircase in the corner of the room. As she climbed up, her palms began to sweat. Nervous, she unconsciously wiped them on her skirt. "Oh, shit," she said as she instantly realized her mistake. Her handprints left marks on the white fabric. "Damn it," she grumbled. "I can be so careless sometimes."
She sighed as she continued up the stairs but when she reached the landing, she was surprised to see strands of scarlet beads hanging from the upstairs doorway. As she parted them and stepped in, she gasped, awestruck at what she saw.
In and around the room were racks and racks of the silkiest and sexiest lingerie Lorren had ever seen.
Royal-blue corsets were positioned across from pink bra-and-panty sets. Jet-black silk robes and pale yellow sheer nighties were located right next to candy-apple red silk teddies. Racks of tiny silk and satin panties hung neatly from hooks fixed to the walls.
Scores of sexy stockings and garter belts were displayed in glass cases throughout the shop. Several colorful feather boas were also draped around the room.
Lorren was especially struck at seeing so many styles of black patent leather heels housed in their own display case. She also noticed that the mannequins in this store had various sizes and shapes. Very different from the usual mannequins she saw. That put her a bit at ease.
"Welcome, my dear," Lorren heard the sensual voice say. She turned to see a tall, slender woman stride gracefully from the back of the shop.
The exotic woman had soft, smooth, kissable skin the color of rich, dark espresso. Her stunning almond-shaped eyes were highlighted with smoky black and brown shades. Her bright and pretty smile was decorated with a vibrant berry lipcolor. Her jet-black hair hung in loose waves well down her back. Her nails were artfully manicured, as her neck, wrists and fingers were adorned with delicate gold jewelry. She wore a black lace wrap dress that hit above her knee, showing off her toned calves. Four-inch jet-black heels gave her legs the ultimate sleek and sexy look. "Hi Lorren. I'm Miss Lila. Welcome to Summer Rose Lingerie."
By this time, Lorren's face was beet red. She couldn't believe that she'd stared at the woman that long. She quickly composed herself. "Hi Miss Lila." She looked around. "You have a very nice place here. But I have to admit: I'm not too sure about this..."
Miss Lila held out her hand. "Come. Sit." She gently led Lorren to a set of leather chairs in the center of the room.
"Is anyone else here?" Lorren asked.
"No. This is a private appointment. We're the only ones here." Miss Lila took a seat directly across from Lorren and looked into her timid brown eyes. She quickly read Lorren's apprehension and decided to be upfront about it. "Now why are you so nervous? Are you uncomfortable here?" Miss Lila asked
"No, I'm not nervous," Lorren said abruptly. "I'm just not sure if this is for me." Lorren looked over and spotted a gold string bikini hanging on one of the display racks. A vision of herself in the bikini flashed in her mind. Ugh, she thought. "No. This place isn't for me."
"Why not?"
"This stuff," Lorren waved her hand around, "this stuff is for...other women. Not me." She suddenly grabbed her purse. "I have to go. I'm sorry if I've wasted your time."
"Lorren, why are you so tense? You're gorgeous. And you deserve luxurious things just like anyone else."
"No," Lorren protested. "Don't say that."
"It's true." Miss Lila reached out to gently stroke Lorren's cheek. "You're a beautiful woman, Lorren."
"You say that now," Lorren said. "But you wouldn't have said that a year ago..."
"Why not?" Miss Lila asked.
Lorren fell silent but she balled her fists tightly.
"Lorren? Why not?"
Lorren still refused to speak but dug her nails tighter into her own flesh.
"Lorren?"
"It's because I was...heavier back then," Lorren whispered.
"Heavier?"
"Actually, I was huge." Lorren hung her head down.
Miss Lila looked at her questioningly.
Lorren sighed. "Not too long ago, I was over a hundred pounds overweight."
