"First thing we are doing is getting you a hot lunch," Trinity said.
"Then, we're going to the salon for manicures and pedicures," Jasmine added.
"After all that fun we're doing some shopping and don't you dare shake your head at me. It looks as if you haven't pampered yourself in a long time. I've demanded Ryan's credit card and your day's on him. Seriously, you've got to quit shaking your head at me. The man isn't going to go broke because you purchase a few outfits," Trinity said.
Nicole was thinking there was no way she was going to spend Ryan's money. He'd already forked out an arm and a leg on Patsy's operation but she could live with that because it wasn't for her. She didn't find it acceptable to have him buying her personal clothing, though.
"We can argue about it more once you're fed and pampered, then I'll feel better winning because my opponent doesn't look like she's about to blow over in a small wind," Jasmine said with a smile.
The three women ate an amazing lunch, which had Nicole groaning and wishing she could unbutton her jeans. On the way to the salon, she realized that she'd never had either a pedicure or manicure and the thought of that luxury was out of the world. She sat back in the plush chair, while a woman rubbed lotion over her feet and knew in that moment she'd died and gone to heaven. If there was a greater pleasure in life she wasn't sure what it was.
"Okay that was a slice of heaven, now let's do some shopping," Trinity said with a pleased look on her face.
"Seriously, the lunch and the salon were amazing and I really am feeling much better but Ryan and I have just started seeing each other and I'm not comfortable with him buying me clothes," Nicole told them. She couldn't tell them she was basically selling herself to the man for her sister's operation.
"Nicole, we can do this the easy way or the hard way," Jasmine once again threatened.
"Why don't we wander around and I can be with you guys while you get new things," Nicole tried to compromise. The two women smiled at each other and dragged her off toward some fancy store.
Nicole ran her hands along the silk of some gowns and knew it was all beyond her normal price range. She wouldn't even be able to afford a pair of panties in a store like the one the girls had brought her to. When Patsy graduated and she was able to get some more education, maybe she'd be able to spoil herself a bit but that would be several years away. She really didn't mind the menial sacrifices though, as long as her sister turned out okay. It would be a miracle considering the parents they were unfortunate enough to have received.
"Derek and I are throwing a masquerade ball and you need a stunning gown for it," Jasmine told her.
"I probably shouldn't go to a party and leave Patsy, anyway," Nicole said with reluctance. The thought of going to a large party was very appealing, especially all dressed up. It would be really nice to feel like a princess for a night but she couldn't justify spending the funds.
"Patsy will be well taken care of and it would truly hurt my feelings if you didn't come," Jasmine said, sealing Nicole's fate. She wouldn't want to hurt either of the two women who'd been so good to her.
"Okay, I guess it wouldn't hurt to get one dress but seriously it doesn't have to be extravagant," Nicole conceded. Both Jasmine and Trinity squealed with delight and by the end of their shopping day Nicole was regretting those few simple words.
She didn't know how the women had managed it but she ended walking from the stores with several bags and the most stunning dress she'd ever seen. She'd felt like amazing when she tried it on. She couldn't imagine how she was going to feel when her hair was all done and she had on the heels and accessories. She was looking forward to the masquerade but she was terrified to know how much she'd spent. She was determined to pay every cent back.
Trinity and Jasmine had refused to let her see any of the totals but she would tell Ryan she wanted to know the amount and she would pay him back. She wouldn't allow him to refuse her. She felt too much like a call-girl, with him buying her clothes.
"I'll take your dress and accessories back to my place. I want you to come over early so we can all get ready together," Jasmine told her. She'd still not let her see what she'd bought to go with the dress.
"That would be nice," Nicole told her. By the time they headed back to the hospital, Nicole realized she'd had an amazing day but she was certainly exhausted. The women left her and she quickly fell asleep in the cot the staff had brought in for her.
It was her first night to sleep soundly, the whole night, since the surgery. She was grateful Patsy had been sound asleep herself, or she figured her little sister would've carried through on her threat and made her leave until the morning. Nicole would've been too stressed to sleep at the house and besides she was trying to avoid Ryan. She really didn't think she'd be able to resist him.