Alexander’s face went red. Whether from anger or embarrassment, I couldn’t tell. Probably both.
For a long moment, we just stared at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, Alexander sighed.
“Fine,” he muttered. “Get the dress.”
I tried not to let my surprise show on my face. Had I actually won this argument? I had expected more of a fight. But Alexander just turned away and pulled out his wallet without looking at me.
“I’ll go pay for it,” he said, standing and storming off.
As he walked to the counter, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I hardly recognized myself—flushed cheeks, bright eyes, standing tall and confident in a dress I would never have dared to wear just a few months ago.
It was a small victory, really. Nothing more than an
