Part xxiii
The journey from Mersea to Colchester was non eventful and I changed the subject swiftly as we left Mersea, we discussed music and holiday destinations before we turned our attention to retail therapy in Colchester, Marion visited fairly regularly and knew a good parking location that resulted in a walk through a park and past the castle, Marion had earmarked Boots first for a few essentials, we walked in and Marion headed straight to the makeup counter, she started with mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow and even some fake eyelashes, then concealer, foundation, blusher, highlighter and then we moved to the lips and a sales assistant appeared and could see how many items we had an asked if we needed a basket or any assistance and I said a basket would be helpful and Marion agreed and some assistance, as the assistant returned with the basket I placed the items inside and as she turned to Marion and asked how can I help, Marion calmly responded I need a couple of lipsticks and lip gloss, one in pink and one in red but I need them to make the lips fuller and more plump, the assistant replied certainly madam what brand do you use currently and Marion quickly responded with oh it’s not for me it’s for partner and with that she turned to me and placed her palm near my face, well I went immediately bright red so no need for blusher and the assistant said certainly not a problem I would be happy to help shall all go over to my counter? I thought well it’s too late to say or do anything so just said that would be lovely and we all went to her counter and she picked out some products and thankfully Marion agreed to try them on so I could see the effect and colours. We found a very nice red lipstick and Marion insisted on getting a hot pink lipstick and gloss and I agreed and the assistant scanned all the items and I paid - as we left I said to Marion my makeup is not cheap and she replied you have to spend well to look this good and I wholeheartedly agreed… As we left Boots Marion said OK let’s try Debenhams and see if we can get you some underwear and a couple of dresses as she grabbed my arm and we walked closely together to Debenhams, as we entered Marion said let’s start with dresses, we spent a good 20 minutes looking at various dresses and selected a black ribbed bodycon dress and a more conservative red dress that’s sleeveless, we picked out size 12’s and Marion persuaded the assistant at the changing rooms to allow me to assist her in trying them on as she had a shoulder injury that prevented her lifting her arm, she was very convincing and the assistant didn’t batter an eyelid and said of course that’s fine and directed us to the last changing room which was bigger, as soon as we got inside Marion looked at me and I started to get undressed, we started with the bodycon dress and it was a snug fit but it looked amazing and I couldn’t contain my excitement, the red dress was next and once again it fitted and although a little snug on my shoulders it was a keeper! Marion hung the dresses back up as I got dressed, we waited for a minute before leaving to let things settle and as we left Marion handed me the dresses as we walked towards to assistant, how are they she asks and I say oh yes we like them and will take them. As we pass her and turn to leave the changing rooms the assistant calls out excuse me and we stop and turn, she walks up to me and removes a piece of red cotton from my neck and says let me get that for you, it must have come from the red dress! I swiftly respond with thank you and what good eyes you have to which she replies oh I don’t miss a thing and gives me a cheeky wink and says enjoy your dresses and I respond with I’m sure I will as we leave. We move to the lingerie section and I whisper to Marion I don’t need a bra fitting OK and she laughs and replies with I know your size so we just pick one set and get them with the dresses, you don’t need stockings as I have a good selection and I’m assuming you didn’t want tights and I reply with I wasn’t expecting buying anything like this today but thank you and she well you are paying!
Marion takes the lead and points out a few items and then sees a black and red set that consists of bra, knickers and suspender belt and as Marion turns to look at me and she sees the look on my face and knows that’s the one! Marion goes through the sizes and gets a bra, knickers, thong and suspender belt, we take all the items to rhe counter and make idle chit chat with the sales assistant as she removes the tags and puts the items in a bag and I pay, she comments to Marion is it your birthday or something and she replies no but it soon will be his as she gives me the bag and walks away, the assistant is stunned and doesn’t reply so I say is that my receipt and hold out my hand and she quickly tears it from the till and hands it to me so I say thank you and turn around and leave. When I get to the door I see Marion outside waiting and she is smiling, I walk out the door and take her hand and give her a kiss and say shall we go and she responds with well we could pop into Ann Summers on the way out!!
To be continued… |
