Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Blood Ties. They are all Tanya Huff's creation.

Characters thoughts are in italics.

Thanks to my beta, Lena. You always ensure I stay true to the characters. Thanks for the help on mannerisms and dialogue too.

Chapter 2

"Wake up, Vicki." Coreen said while shaking her.

A paper was affixed to the PI's cheek as she slowly lifted her head. She removed it and returned it to a pile of papers on her desk.

"Long night?" The Goth inquired while handing her a cup of coffee.

She took a sip. "You can say that again."

Coreen's face wore a puzzled expression. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." The PI replied trying to think of a way to change the subject.

The dark haired young woman continued to press the issue as she took a seat in front of Vicki's desk.

"Don't nothing me. What happened last night?"

"Henry asked me out." Vicki stated in a voice which was barely audible.

Coreen scooted forward in her chair. Her sky blue eyes brightened. "And? Did you say yes?"

"Yes, I did." The blond haired woman with glasses said in a matter of fact way.

"Try to contain your excitement." The Goth deadpanned.

Vicki threw her a dirty look.

"It's just that I don't know whether I'm ready for another relationship." She admitted after a moment of silence.

"You'll never know unless you try. You can't keep your guard up all the time. Sometimes you have to let your hair down."

Vicki pondered Coreen's words as her mind raced.

I've been through a hundred dates and they all ended in disaster. The last time I went out with someone beyond the third date was with Mike and that didn't work either despite the fact that we were friends and partners for a couple of years. This one date could easily ruin everything I've built with Henry so far. He's become my closest friend in the time I've known him and I can't afford to lose that.

"Maybe I should just back out of it."

"No, it's just one date, Vicki. Not a marriage proposal.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm over thinking this whole date thing."

"That's the spirit." Coreen grinned at her boss. "So when's the date?"

"Tonight."

"Do you know what you're wearing?" The Goth continued to grill her on the matter.

"I'm sure I'll find something in my closet."

"In your closet? Forget that. We're going shopping."

Vicki shook her head. "I don't think so. I just woke up and I'm sure there's plenty of work to do."

"Can't you just play hooky for a day? How about this? You go home and freshen up and then we go shopping. I won't take no for an answer."

Vicki glanced at her watch with resignation. "I'll meet you back here in an hour."

She held up one finger. "And about shopping…One hour tops."

"I'll take it." Coreen started pushing her towards the door.

Vicki paused in the doorway. "I still have to call the cab company."

"I'll take care of that. Just go outside and wait."

Vicki saluted her. "Maybe I should call you drill sergeant."

The Goth threw her a decidedly not amused look.

Vicki raised her arms in surrender. "All right, I'm going."

Several minutes later the cab arrived and the hack took off.

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As the cab sped off, Vicki just shook her head.

How did I let her talk me into going shopping for a dress? I must really be losing my touch.

Before she knew it, the cab had arrived in front of her red brick apartment building. She paid the fare, walked under the green awning and went inside.

The blond haired woman opened her apartment door and strolled into her apartment. Checking her voicemail, she found no new messages. She peeled off her clothes and went to take a shower. Thirty minutes later she was dressed and preparing to head out the door. Someone outside was laying on their horn. She peaked through the curtains and saw Coreen's familiar black Volkswagen.

So much for meeting back at the office. Did the girl think I'd would chicken out or something?

The PI switched off the lights and went to meet Coreen.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Coreen drove through the Fashion District until she found a spot to park. She dragged a not so enthusiastic Vicki into the first shop they saw. Povich's Dress Shop was filled with all types of dresses. The section in the front was devoted to business attire while a section on the right held more casual dresses. In the back of the store was evening attire.

"Come on, Vicki. Let's start trying on some dresses."

Vicki groaned. The Goth was a little too perky today. I did agree to go so I guess I'll make the most of it despite clothes shopping not really being my thing. And by the way what exactly possessed me to agree to this?

The PI had been looking through the clothing racks for a while but nothing had caught her eye. She was starting to suspect that whatever skills were needed to actually shop for clothes in places like this, she did not possess them. If she didn't find something in the last rack, this little shopping spree would be over. Flipping through the various colored dresses she found one that might work.

Coreen came over. "You should totally try that on. I think that would really look fantastic on you." She looked at the price tag. "Plus it's on sale."

Vicki, still having some doubts, walked into the fitting room. She slipped the dress on, walked in front of the mirror and looked at herself critically. I guess it's not bad and it's not like I have a lot of dresses.

The Goth came beside her. "Wow, Vicki you really look amazing. Henry's going to love that."

"What really matters is that I like." The ex-cop stated in a tone of finality.

The raven haired woman exited the fitting room and waited for Vicki. The PI paid for the dress and soon after they returned to her office.

Author's note: I never intended for this chapter to be about Vicki going dress shopping but it just turned out this way. The next chapter will get into the actual date. I fabricated the dress shop but the Fashion District does really exist in Toronto. I hope this chapter is not too slow.