Mia arrives

Before Harper can respond, Ava and Lily join them, their own selections in hand. Ava has decided on the red dress, bold and eye-catching. Lily doesn’t look like she’s listening to a word her friend is saying about the married man things just blew up with. Mia arrives just then, breezing into the boutique with an air of casual confidence. She’s dressed in her usual bohemian-chic style, a flowing dress and oversized sunglasses perched atop her head. She greets everyone with a warm smile and hugs, immediately diffusing some of the tension in the room.

"Sorry I’m late," Mia says as she kisses Elena on the cheek. "What did I miss?"

"We’re just finishing up," Elena says, eyeing Mia with a hint of curiosity. "Found anything yet?"

Mia shrugs, wandering over to one of the racks. "I’ll find something. Always do."

As the others go about their own searches, Mia returns to Harper lingering by the mirrors. She’s staring at her reflection with a troubled expression. "Not feeling it?" she asks.

Harper stares at herself. "It’s just... a lot." Though Mia is only wearing a shapeless green dress, and Harper is practically dressed to the nines, from the very moment they stand together it’s clear who draws the eyes. Mia’s long, blonde hair falls down her back, making her freckles look striking rather than boyish. "You don’t have to wear it if it doesn’t feel right, you know. You should feel like yourself."

"Thanks. But I think... I think I need to push myself a little tonight."

Mia studies her for a moment, then nods. "Just don’t push too hard, okay?"

Before Harper can respond, Elena returns, her energy infectious as she pulls the group toward the checkout.