Milan had to have been six feet tall, with curves that reminded me of Marilyn Monroe and white-blonde hair that was styled into magnificent finger waves. Neon purple lipstick, black and white striped high-waisted pants, and something that best resembled a leather bralette. She was over the top, and yet pulled it all off so effortlessly.

"Good afternoon, good afternoon!" she greeted, air-kissing Lori’s cheeks and then mine.

She held my hands at a distance and grinned at me. "Lori here has told me all about your gala. I could not be more excited to fit you into my schedule. I think we will find you something absolutely fabulous."

"I’m excited, too." I smiled at her.

I actually was getting a bit excited. Something about the woman made you want to follow her to the ends of the earth, even just moments after meeting her.

Her boutique was stunning. The floors, walls, counters, and furniture were all a spotless ivory white. Then there were splashes of color, which seemed so haphazardly yet so artistically done. A statue of a greyhound that was highlighter-yellow, pale pink feather boas, royal purple throw pillows. It showcased a fun and vibrant side to Milan’s personality, all while contrasting with her professionalism.

Surprisingly for a boutique, however, no dresses were on display.

She guided us to the dressing rooms and got us each into a stall, instructing us to strip down to our comfort level. Then, she left to get dresses. Milan went to Lori first, and I could hear them giggling and making small talk.

After a while, Milan came into my room. It felt a bit strange to stand there in my bra and panties, but Milan didn’t even seem to care or notice.

I tried to study the dress she was helping me into, but it was just a collection of sparkles, tulle, and color. Then, once it was around my chest, Milan tightened the corset and used clips to make it as form fitting as possible.

When I tried to get a look at it, Milan tutted me.

"Let’s go out to the mirrors, eh?"

So we did, stepping out of the dressing room and into the main room once again.

That time, I noticed the curtains had been drawn closed.

Then, my eyes fell on Lori.

I both wanted to laugh and squeal at the same time. She was in a glittery fuchsia mermaid dress, with a silver skirt that stuck out like a Russian ballerina, with a matching hat. "You look like a runway," I chuckled as I moved over to her.

"Milan, how do you come up with these things?" Lori snickered.

"I make what I dream of," she grinned back.

I moved into the mirror and let out a little gasp.

I didn’t expect myself to so much as like anything we found in there, but I actually loved it.

It was an emerald green, with a deep-plunged sweetheart neckline and corset top that had black sequin ribbing. The dress then morphed into some sort of bow shape at the waist. It fell into a long, flowing skirt with massive slits to show off my legs.

"This is stunning," I breathed, looking over at Milan.

She wagged a finger at me. "Don’t get attached to the first one, child! We have so many more to try on! You have me for two whole hours."

The next two hours passed in a fantastic blur. I tried on some stunning ballgowns with unique and high fashion features, and some absurd dresses.

There was one that was a v-neck plunge all the way to my belly button, made of black mesh material, with sequined stripes being the only thing to give me any sort of coverage... that was, until it flared out at my knee into a full ballgown skirt made of feathers; it was accompanied with a birdcage hat.

Another that was a regal blue that had one sleeve made of fine lace, a fitted look, and a long train that had a sheer overlay that made it look like blue flames.

And one I sort of loved, but didn’t think was appropriate for the event, that was a kimono-styled dress with a severe high-low skirt line with a train. The fabric was a somehow silky feeling tulle fabric that was opaque, pale pink, and had dried flowers covering it; and had a pastel purple sash around the waist. Gorgeous, but it was a little too short in the front, and I didn’t think that I would be comfortable in it for an entire gala.

Lori picked out her dress first, which was a huge, ice-blue number. It looked like a regency ball gown, but with a high-low skirt, and the fabric was made completely of choppy tulle. It was finished off with accents of lace, gems, and sparkle.

"Imagine the hairstyles I could pair this with," Lori beamed.

"It’ll be so fabulous!" she clapped. "What dress have you decided on?"

"I’m still thinking about that first one," I admitted to her.

"Amuse me. Let’s try on one more," Milan stated from behind me.

I nodded at her and we moved together back to the dressing room.

She instructed me to keep my eyes closed while she dressed me. I noticed the breeze on my legs, giving away it was a short dress; making me think I wouldn’t much like it.

She guided me out, with her hands over my eyes, as we moved to the mirrors in the main room.

"One, two, three," Milan cheered before lifting her hands from my eyes.

I gaped at my own reflection.

It was a silver baby-doll dress, with a small corset that looked like knights armor. It connected to shoulder plates that had long strips of sheer fabric that hung down low, reminding me of a princess gown. Then, embroidered onto the skirt of the dress, were flowers.

I looked like an elegant, high fashioned knight that was still touched by innocence and beauty.

"That HAS to be the dress!" Lori breathed from next to me.

"I think you’re right," I replied breathlessly.

In near unison, Lori and I turned to Milan and hugged her, thanking her for her service.

Milan hugged us back and was all smiles. "I knew that one would be the perfect one. It’s why I saved it for the end," she snickered.

"Now, both of you go get dressed and leave the dresses hanging. I’ll have them altered to your sizes before the gala."

"I hope you’re able to come," Lori grinned at the woman, clutching her hands.

"My darling, I wouldn’t miss it for the world," she smiled.

We hurried off to the dressing room, and, admittedly, I got mesmerized in the mirror for a few minutes.

I noticed that there was a pale pink underskirt under the layers of silver tulle. You couldn’t see it unless you swayed about. It was just so beautiful and perfect.

I couldn’t believe it.

Reluctantly, I removed the dress and put back on my tights and sweater-dress.

I snapped a quick picture of the dress on my phone, wanting to be able to look at it later. When I emerged, Lori was already tucking away her wallet, and Milan were chatting away about the catering that would be at the gala.

Milan reached across the counter and squeezed my hand.

"I think what you’re doing is beautiful. I’ve had some family members get lost in the world of the streets. You helping women... Well, it warms my heart."

"Thank you," I breathed. "I just want to help where I can. Make a difference while I’m still around to do so."

"And you will go down in this town’s history because of it. I’m sure of it," Milan chirped.

She sighed and guided us to the door. "You ladies have a beautiful day and stay safe, alright?"

"Thank you so much, Milan," Lori beamed back at her.

As soon as the door shut, I looked curiously at Lori. "You didn’t have to pay for the dresses. I could have done that."

"Silly thing," she stated, shaking her head.

"Milan donated them to us. Her gift to the gala."

"Oh," I breathed, looking back at the shop, though the curtains were still drawn.

Lori linked arms with me. "I think she didn’t actually have an opening. She cancelled on someone to squeeze us in."

I was touched by the idea.

I guessed that she really was touched by the premise of the charity. It gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling to know that people were already appreciating what I was doing. My only hope was I would make them all proud.

It was pressure, but, surprisingly, a good pressure. I wanted to make Milan proud, and I hoped that one day, just maybe, I would find my way to helping whatever family member she had in mind when she thought of my charity.

I felt reaffirmed I was doing the right thing. Kristen had meant well with trying to deter me, but I knew I had to see it through.