Four hours later, the bedroom was filled with squeals and gasps as Aurora finally caught Candace up on everything that had happened with Felix the night before.
...
"Okay! Since you're finally showered and dressed, let's get you ready to knock this guy's socks off," Candace said, marching over to the walk-in closet.
"Let's figure out what you're wearing first."
"No."
"No."
"Absolutely not..."
The rejection loop went on for twenty minutes until both of them were completely exhausted.
"Girl," Candace groaned, throwing her hands up in pure exasperation.
"Why are all your clothes like you're going for a business meeting or are just... plain sweatpants??" She sighed.
Aurora crossed her arms defensively.
"You know what...?"
"What?" Aurora turned to look at her.
" There's only one last resort now," Candace shared, glancing at Aurora with 'those eyes'
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Aurora asked.
Reading Candace's mind, Aurora shaked her head.
"No, I'm not doing it"
"I don't want to go..." her voice trailed off.
"Oh yes, you are".
Before Aurora could fight back Candace grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out the the house into her car and over to the biggest mall in Eldlyria.
In the bustling mall, Candace dragged Aurora through the grand corridors, scanning the storefronts for the perfect dress.
As they entered the first boutique, Candace's eyes widened.
"Ooh, let's try this one!" she exclaimed, grabbing a flowy red dress off the rack.
Aurora vacillated, unsure, but under Candace's persuasion, she grabbed it and marched to the dressing room to try it on.
When she finally came out, Candace gasped in affirmation. "You look stunning!"
"This color definitely is your color, you really need to wear red more often"
Aurora admired her reflection, twirling slightly. "Well, I'm definitely going to get it but I'm not sure...this is the one for tonight."
They both knew she looked good in the dress, but if she didn't want to wear it, who was she to disagree.
So, they paid for the dress and left to explore other boutiques.
It took three more stores and a dozen different tries, but finally, they found it.
The moment Aurora stepped out in the dress, Candace beamed with absolute pride. Aurora grinned, a wave of relief and pure excitement washing over her.
...
By the time they got back to Aurora's house, it was around 3:00 pm.
Since the date was at 7:00pm there was no need to rush.
They rested, had a good afternoon snack and engaged in endless chatter.
...
About half past five they got to work.
Candace took charge of the makeup, carefully applying the finishing touches while Aurora slipped into her new heels and accessories.
When they were finally done, Aurora stood before the full-length mirror. The transformation was breathtaking.
She looked deeply glamorous, like a true goddess.A radiant smile broke across her face. "Thank you so much, Candace,"
Aurora squealed, turning to hug her friend.
"Don't just stand there thanking me! Get out there and make him swoon," Candace laughed, shooing her toward the door.
"I will!" Aurora yelled back, rushing out to her driveway.
As she stepped into the backseat of her luxury sedan, her personal driver stared in brief astonishment before offering a polite bow. "Madam, you look absolutely stunning tonight."
"Thank you, Thomas," she said, her heart doing a nervous little flip in her chest.
She took a deep breath and smiled. "Can you kindly drive to The Grand Reserve?"
"Sure thing, Ma'am," he replied, shifting the car into drive.