Preface

Cole had just turned 18, and getting his driver's license had been the highlight of his year. The open road felt like a symbol of freedom, and he jumped at any opportunity to get behind the wheel. So when his mom, Natalie, asked him to help her run errands, he didn't hesitate---until she mentioned the details.

"We'll be shopping for a dress for your sister," Natalie said casually, packing her purse.

Cole groaned. "Didn't you already go shopping for dresses with Dorothy last week?"

"I did," Natalie admitted. "But I didn't find anything I liked."

"Then take her again," Cole said, trying to get out of it.

"No," Natalie replied firmly. "Dorothy slowed me down. This time, I'm going alone to make it faster." She smiled sweetly. "And you'll be driving me. It's great practice."

Cole reluctantly agreed. The chance to spend all day driving was too tempting to pass up, even if it came with the price of dress shopping.

Chapter 1.

The day started off great. Cole adjusted the seat and mirrors, put on his sunglasses, and pulled out of the driveway with confidence. Natalie offered a few driving tips here and there---"Watch the stop sign" and "Ease into the turn"---but mostly, she let him enjoy the drive.

Their first stop was a small boutique. As they stepped inside, Cole immediately regretted his decision. The shop was filled with racks of frilly, pastel-colored dresses, sequins glinting under the fluorescent lights. Natalie dived into the racks with the enthusiasm of a treasure hunter, pulling out dress after dress.

"Hold this up for me," she said, handing him a pink tulle dress with glittery accents.

Cole frowned. "Why do I have to hold it? You could hold it yourself."

"I need to see how it looks," Natalie replied. "And I can't hold it at the right height and get a good look. You're taller---it'll help me picture it on Dorothy."

Reluctantly, Cole held the dress against his chest. It barely reached his waist, making him feel utterly ridiculous.

"Perfect," Natalie said, stepping back. "Now, stay still---I'm taking a picture."

"A picture?" Cole asked, horrified.

"Yeah," she said, snapping a photo with her phone. "That way, I can compare how the dresses look later."

Cole groaned, but Natalie was already onto the next dress. "Hold this one up," she instructed, handing him a lavender gown with lace sleeves.

"Mom," Cole complained, "this is worse than taking Dorothy with you."

Natalie ignored him, snapping another picture. "Oh, this one's nice. But let's see more options."

This routine is repeated at every store. At the second shop, Natalie handed him a yellow dress with ruffles. "Higher, Cole," she instructed. "I need to see how it flows."

By the third shop, Cole had resigned himself to his fate. Natalie handed him patterned tights and insisted he hold them up alongside a green dress.

"Do these work together, or do they have too many patterns?" she asked, holding her chin thoughtfully.

"How am I supposed to know?" Cole muttered, awkwardly holding the tights in one hand and the dress in the other.

"Just humor me," Natalie said, snapping another photo.

The next stop was a shoe store, where Natalie deliberated over tiny sparkly shoes. "These ones have a bow," she said, holding them up. "Do you think they match the pink dress?"

"They're fine, Mom," Cole said, barely looking.

"You're not even paying attention," she scolded. "Hold these for me." She dumped the shoes into his hands and disappeared into another aisle.

By the time they reached the accessories store, Cole was thoroughly miserable. Natalie picked out purses, necklaces, and bracelets, holding each one up for his opinion.

"This purse or that one?" she asked.

"They're both purses, Mom," Cole said flatly.

"Don't be difficult," she said. "This is important."

Finally, they arrived at a hairstylist's studio, where Natalie consulted with a professional about styles for Dorothy's hair. She flipped through a book of intricate braids and curls, occasionally holding it up for Cole.

"Which one do you think would look best for a six-year-old?"

"Mom, I don't know anything about hairstyles," Cole said, rubbing his temples.

"That's why I'm asking," Natalie said, as if it made perfect sense.

By the time they were done, Cole was exhausted. His arms ached from holding up dresses, tights, shoes, and purses, and his brain felt fried from answering endless questions about patterns and colors. And to top it all off, Natalie hadn't bought a single thing.

As they walked back to the car, Cole finally spoke up. "You didn't even buy anything today."

"I know," Natalie said cheerfully. "But now I have a better idea of what I'm looking for. Thank you for helping, sweetheart."

Cole sighed but didn't say anything. As much as he hated the shopping, he couldn't deny the thrill of driving. He'd navigated busy streets, tight parking spots, and even a tricky roundabout, and he felt more confident than ever behind the wheel.

"At least I got some good driving practice," he muttered as he parked the car in the driveway.

Natalie smiled at him. "You did great today. I'm proud of you."

Cole grumbled under his breath as he climbed out of the car. Despite everything, he knew he'd say yes again if it meant more time on the road. But next time, he'd make sure Dorothy went along.

Chapter 2.

Two weeks later, Natalie announced that she needed to go shopping again. Cole's heart sank.

"Mom, seriously? I thought you figured everything out last time," he said, trying to dodge another torturous day.

"I did," Natalie told him, "but now I know exactly what I want. This will be quick."