The Boutique's Unexpected Hire (3/4)

Tina clutched her purse tightly, her fingers gripping the soft leather as she followed her mom into the boutique. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, each step feeling more uncertain than the last. This wasn’t like Aunt Marianne’s boutique. No pastel décor, no racks of trendy clothes. The lighting was dim, the mannequins in the window dressed in far more provocative outfits than she was prepared for, and the scent in the air was a mix of leather, perfume, and something else she didn’t want to think about.

Her mom’s friend, Vanessa, greeted them with a warm smile, her sharp eyes scanning Tina from head to toe. “Oh, she’s perfect,” Vanessa cooed. “She’ll fit right in.”

Tina swallowed hard, forcing a smile as she was ushered toward the back. The interview passed in a blur. Something about scheduling, expectations, a uniform—none of it truly registered. All she knew was that by the end of it, Vanessa was shaking her hand and welcoming her to the team.

Much to her dismay, she had a job.

A few weeks later, Tyler sat slouched at his desk, struggling to stay awake. His head bobbed slightly before a sharp snap of fingers jolted him upright.

“Dude, are you even listening?”

Tyler blinked rapidly, his mind still sluggish. “Oh, sorry! I—” His breath hitched as the soft, feminine lilt of Tina’s voice slipped out. His eyes widened in panic, and he quickly cleared his throat, forcing his tone lower. “Uhh… didn’t sleep well. Kinda out of it.”

Matt gave him a strange look, his brow furrowing slightly. But after a second, he shook it off. “Right… Anyway, I was asking if you’re free to hang out this weekend.”

Tyler’s stomach twisted. His job immediately sprang to mind—the uniform, the routine, the way slipping into that role had become disturbingly easy. He tried not to blush as he scrambled for an excuse. “Uh… I’m busy. Again.”

Matt exhaled, shaking his head. “Man, you’re always busy these days…”

Tyler forced a weak chuckle, keeping his eyes down on his notes. He didn’t dare look up.

That weekend, Tina sat at her vanity, carefully applying her makeup. The process was second nature now—foundation, contour, soft smoky eyes, a neutral gloss that made her lips look plump and inviting. She barely had to think about what she was doing anymore.

She reached for the uniform laid out beside her. The black dress was tight, the neckline dipped low, and the short skirt barely covered anything. The small apron tied around her waist was purely decorative, meant more to enhance the look than serve any practical purpose. Sliding into the dress, she adjusted the puffed sleeves, smoothing the fabric over her curves.

Then came the heels. Tina eyed the glossy black platforms, their towering stiletto heels looking just as intimidating as they had the first time she put them on. With a practiced motion, she slipped her feet inside, fastening the delicate ankle straps. The thick platform gave her a commanding height, while the steep arch forced her into a delicate, precise stride. They were exhausting to wear for hours, but Vanessa had been clear—they were non-negotiable.

She took a deep breath, rising effortlessly onto the staggering heels. The shift in posture was automatic now—back straight, hips swaying, each step confident and deliberate.

With a final glance in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and headed out.

Work was… manageable. The store didn’t get too many customers, and the few who did come in were strangers—older men, couples, no one she recognized. In a way, it was a relief.

As she stocked a shelf, she reminded herself of that fact. It could’ve been worse. At least here, she was anonymous. At least here, she—

Ding.

The sound of the bell at the entrance made her turn on instinct. Slipping into her practiced routine, she straightened her skirt, flashed a polite smile, and spoke without thinking.

“Welcome, sir. How may I serve you?”

The second the words left her lips, she froze. Her stomach dropped as she registered the familiar face standing just inside the store.

Matt.

His eyes widened, taking her in—her styled hair, her flawless makeup, the skimpy uniform, the impossibly high heels. For a moment, he looked genuinely shocked.

Then, slowly, his lips curled into a smirk.

“Looking good, Tyler.”

Tina’s breath hitched, her hand flying to cover her mouth.

Oh no.