In A Pinch | Solitary Refinement

Me Time is Girl Time

In A Pinch | Solitary Refinement

“Welcome to The Chrysanthemum House,” the waiter’s greeting came with a slight bow as Soon-Hee took a seat.

“Thank you.  Could I have a White Chocolate Mocha Deluxe, please?  A little bit of caramel for sweetener.” Her voice was more melodic than she intended, but she was in a good mood.  The waiter matched her dazzling smile before giving her a nod.

“Consider it done, miss.”  With another bow, the waiter headed back inside while Soon-Hee enjoyed the patio.  While she waited, she took her phone out and started browsing Instagram. Her phone buzzed - a text from Carol.

“I’m running late, I’ll meet you there soon!” Carol’s text revealed.  Soon-Hee rolled her eyes and typed out a response.

“See you soon, hurry up!”  Carol was a wonderful friend and the perfect shopping partner, but she was never on time for anything.  Yet even Carol’s chronic lateness couldn’t spoil her mood - she had a brand new outfit and a credit card given with express permission to max it out.  Compliments of Kevin and his desire to repay her for all she did. Her initial response was to give the card back but part of her couldn’t resist the temptation of retail therapy.  

“Have fun, enjoy yourself,”  He told her before she left. “Letting you run up my card is the least I can do for you.”  Even if she didn’t want to admit it, she had to agree with Kevin. She had played the part of the dutiful girlfriend to perfection - making him look good however she could.  Lately, she had accompanied him to a few business dinners with clients and she had helped add a level of charm to the evening. While Kevin had proven his prowess as a businessman, he still attributed much of his success to Soon-Hee.  Who was she to say no when he wanted to treat her so well?

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At first, she contemplated going out as Sonny, but that seemed almost comical at this point.  While Sonny had never been a big man, everything he owned was positively huge on her frame now.  She had lost more than inches around her waist. . . she was physically smaller than before. Even her older outfits were ill-fitting these days.  It was a perfect excuse to go out and buy something new, so she headed to her favorite store to try something new - buying a new outfit off the rack and wearing it right out of the store.  From head to toe, inside and out, Soon-Hee selected everything brand new and had it fitted on the spot. She even bought a new lingerie set that made her feel especially feminine and sexy to wear underneath her new blouse and skirt.  Even her shoes and purse were brand new. She walked out of the store leaving her old clothes along with a very happy salesgirl. It was just the start of the day and she couldn’t wait.

“Here you are,” the waiter placed the cup in front of Soon-Hee, shaking her out of her daydream.  “One white chocolate mocha Deluxe - extra caramel.” He gave her another smile as he placed a muffin in front of her as well.”

“I didn’t order this,” she pointed to the muffin, but he was already walking away.

“Something extra sweet for the extra pretty lady.” he looked over his shoulder to her and winked, still walking away.  One corner of her lip turned upward, picking up her cup. The foam on the top was shaped into a heart while the cup sleeve had writing on it.  Tyler. Call me. 555-XXXX. A little heart with an arrow next to the phone number. She burst into a fit of giggles, glancing up to see him giving her a slight wave.  She smiled, glancing away as she brushed a bit of hair out of her face. He was cute. Sadly, she knew she would throw the cup away when she was finished.

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Still, it was a very pretty display of art in the foam.  She took her phone out and took a picture and posted it to her Instagram.  It was amusing to her that SHE had an Instagram now. Another link to the real world. . . pictures of herself, posing with her friends and  various outfit selfies. And Kevin. More links to to reality. . . proof that Soon-Hee was real. She flicked through her feed, glancing at the images before she pointed the phone at herself.  A cute pose, click. Another selfie. More proof. Another footprint.

As Soon-Hee exited the cafe, she pondered what else she could do with her day.  It was rare to have so many options. She had not had girly time by herself since before she walked down those stairs so many months ago.  It had been a diversion back then. . . something born out of her love of feminine things and admiration for the women in her life. She had always admired her mother  - a beautiful woman who stole many hearts when she was younger. She remembered watching her mother get ready to go out, sitting at her feet while she carefully painted her face and adjusted her outfit.  She was looking more and more like her these days, something she was more proud of.

Of course Soon-Hee would shop - it was going to be fun to be the big spender for a change.  But with her recent changes, she could go to a spa enfemme. A lovely soak in a spring bath and a massage would be heavenly.  She could even go in for a full pampering treatment at a salon; have the works done complete with a full makeover and a hairdo.  She and Carol could go together and leave looking fabulous. Then it would be fun to see Kevin’s face when she walked in the door. . .

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She smiled at the thought of her friend.  Lately he has been . . . something else. They functioned less and less like roommates these days.  Kevin didn’t flinch anymore when Soon-Hee walked around the loft instead of Sonny. He no longer questioned why she stayed enfemme, something she found a relief considering the situation.  She had not told him how far her situation had progressed. He would check up on her, but he didn’t know that very little of Sonny remained.

Kevin was still a problem that she had not not found a solution.  There was tension between them. It grew heavy and thick in the air of their apartment as they both fell into roles that fit their new life.  Soon-Hee still worked on the side with the local theatre troupe but she had taken to the domestic role. She kept their loft clean, washed their clothes and had grown into a excellent cook.   Kevin has become the breadwinner, yet he deferred to her directions when it came to the home. She picked out his suits for work and helped with so much of his calendar that she often felt she functioned as his personal assistant.  

Not that she minded.  He was wonderfully attentive to her needs, often buying her favorite things and making sure she wants for nothing within his abilities.  It didn’t hurt that Mirim was always looking out for her. The woman continued to draw Soon-Hee into her atmosphere of influence, urging her to take a position working with Mirim’s non-profit.  It was a tempting job - something she could easily do. She found she had a talent for planning and organization. She could still continue acting but the money would be wonderful . . . Still that would make Soon-Hee more real. . . more tethered to reality.  

Her phone buzzed with another notification.  Carol. “I’m here! Parking right now!” She smiled as she walked around, ready to dish with her friend.  As she made her way to the meeting spot, another notification popped up on screen. This time it was Kevin.  

“Are we still on for tonight?”  Her heart fluttered for a moment, a deep breath rising in her bosom. Their usual night to hang out.  But it felt like so much more. . . a perfect opportunity. She texted him back.

“Yes.  You are taking me for dinner.”  she smiled as she hit send, noticing Carol coming into view.  She waved at her, her mind racing at the possibilities. One thing was for sure.  She was going to do everything she could tonight to make sure Kevin saw Soon-Hee as all woman.