The Dior store on Fifth was sparkling with gleaming marble floors, brass railings, and the generous use of glass and mirrors. Emerald felt terribly glamorous. She recalled Mummy taking her and Raven to such palaces in Chicago. There was always another fascinating corner of each store requiring close examination.

Even from across the retail floor, Asha was impossible to ignore. Or to miss. The stunning Somali model-thin woman and mom of four stood six feet tall in her tan Chanel ...