Page 64 of Proof

“Yes. We know that you are not happy unless you are on a mission,” Chi-Chi needled her.

They walked to the counter while the salesperson carefully wrapped each item in tissue and placed everything into two rigid burlap shopping totes. Luna handed over her credit card.

“But you do not know how much it is going to cost.” Chi-Chi looked at her with concern.

“It doesn’t matter. I checked the prices when I was online and knew what I could afford. The sale was a bonus!” Luna’s eyes grew wide.

“Do you need new shoes?” Chi-Chi didn’t want to encourage her friend to spend more money, but it was a valid question. If you’re going to do something, go all the way.

“Probably a pair of booties.”

The salesperson added her two cents. “They’ll look great with the outfits you chose.”

“Can you recommend a store?” Luna asked as she returned the plastic to her wallet.

“There’s a boutique around the corner. Cute, trendy, but the prices are reasonable.”

“Great! Thanks!” Luna grabbed her bounty of fashion goodies. “And thanks for your help.”

“My pleasure. Have a nice trip!”

“Thank you!”

“Goodbye.” Chi-Chi nodded and smiled.

They meandered over to the shoe store, and Luna checked the time. “We have about an hour for the next phase of my transformation. Coffee?”

“I am not sure if caffeine is what I need to watch your transformation. Perhaps decaf.”

Luna chuckled. “Let’s check out the shoes first.”

“You are the leader in this adventure.”

Luna spotted a pair of Doc Martens in the window. Chi-Chi guided Luna’s attention to the Sofft slouch boots. “Those are much more feminine. You do not want to look like a lumberjack, do you?”

“You’re right. Besides, I have a similar pair, and they’re just a little beat-up.”

“Then I suggest you try those.” Chi-Chi pointed to the Sofft boots again. “You can take your mechanic boots to a shoemaker and have them refurbished.”

“Good thinkin’. See, that’s why I needed you here.”

“I have come to realize that you truly do need adult supervision most of the time.”

Luna poked Chi-Chi with her elbow. “Hey. You’re starting to sound like my brother.”

“I have learned a lot of things from your brother.”

Luna gave her a sideways glance. “Am I going to have to kill him now?”

“You had better not.” Chi-Chi wagged a finger at Luna in jest.

Luna approached a young man behind the counter. “Hi. Do you have the Sofft slouch waterproof in a seven?”

He looked over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Let me check.” He then disappeared into the back of the store.

Luna mumbled to Chi-Chi, “And let’s not forget new glasses, too. He reminded me how dated they look,” she chortled.

“We should wait until after your salon appointment.”