Until Sunrise - Page 56/75

No, she thought miserably as she stopped before a shop’s window display. She feared she would cry again if she allowed herself to remember the upsetting conversation any longer. She forced herself to focus on the items displayed on the window.

Short sun dresses in varying colors draped headless mannequins, while chiffon tops danced from invisible strings. Her reflection superimposed over it all.

She focused on it slowly, the sensible bun, the tailored blouse with a crisp bow tied beneath her chin. She was sickened by the reminder that Flora was right. She started to walk away but stopped and slowly turned back around. But she didn’t have to give up, she told herself as she starred at her reflection. She could change things. She remembered Jerome’s words, she had few days to come up with his money. Oh God, she prayed silently, let it be long enough to perform a miracle.

CHAPTER NINE

Once Ricky reached his room and crawled into his bed, he had second thoughts of staying in Westfield. He wanted to leave but something was holding him back. It was Flora.

Damn, she was something, he thought as he punched his pillow up beneath his head. He imagined her features and shook his head in regret. “I should have met her under different circumstances.” He muttered.