422: Dress and Decisions

The morning air was crisp as Emma stepped out of her car, ready for a day that promised a mix of professional challenges and personal decisions. Bauer had insisted on accompanying her to buy a dress, a plan that seemed simple enough but was laden with the complexities of their evolving relationship. As they walked into the boutique, the soft chime of the doorbell echoed their entrance, and they were immediately enveloped in the scent of lavender and fabric softener. Bauer led the way with a familiarity that suggested he had done this before. The rows of dresses, from vibrant reds to deep blues, lined the walls like a rainbow. "So, what's first?" Emma asked, her voice light but her mind still on the meetings scheduled for later in the day. "I think you'll look stunning in red. Or maybe something bold like a midnight blue?" Bauer suggested, pulling a few options from the racks. Emma touched the fabrics, her fingers trailing over the luxurious textures. Each dress was more beautiful