After trying on the outfits in the fitting room, they walked out of The Row boutique. Just as they stepped into the corridor lined with other luxury shops, two familiar figures emerged from the boutique next door.
"Erisia?" Soraya's voice reached them just as Erisia and Rita turned toward another display window. Both women turned around in surprise.
Erisia's eyes lit up. "Soraya, Ciara — what a coincidence." She smiled brightly, genuinely pleased. "I was just about to call you both so we could meet tomorrow."
"Really?" Ciara laughed, her bracelets softly clinking as she adjusted her bag strap. "Well, lucky for you, huh? How have you been?"
"Great, thank you. What about you two?"
"We're both doing fine." Ciara's gaze shifted to Rita. "And who's this?"
Erisia placed a hand lightly on Rita's shoulder. "This is my friend, Rita. Rita, these are Soraya and Ciara."
Ciara extended her hand with an easy grin. "Nice to meet you."
