AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It went very well, I text back. I’m coming soon. So excited for our shopping session! I really want to get a new dress to celebrate the sale.
The last time I went shopping with Lili at De Bijenkorf was for Christmas, so I’m beyond excited to finally go back with her. It’s also a great opportunity to spoil her a bit. I head to my favorite department store, reminding myself that growing up we never had been able to even think going near it.
Walking into a couple of high-end boutiques with Lili by my side, it doesn’t take long before we find a couple of perfect dresses for the signing event and the cocktail celebration that will ensue. Business casual, not too provocative, just as I like.
We walk further down the mall and suddenly there is a Cartier store looming beside us. On an impulse, Lili grabs my arm, pushing me back closer to her, so we can stand in front of the store. “Look, at those earrings,” she says, pointing out to a rose gold pairing. “They’d look exquisite for the signing event.”
The glass display cases are of course right behind a glowering security guard, and everything is locked up tight. No way a couple of innocent women could get into the cases and make off with what is inside. And the nice thing is, we don’t even need to.
Lili looks through the display cases and when she sees some of the prices her eyes go wide, and she gasps immediately. I knew that it is a bit of a step up from what we are used to. The fact that I can bring my family into the world that Andries is a part of, and especially because it is my money that is going to be the catalyst, and not his, is even more satisfying. Six million minus some legal fees, is definitely going to make a great difference. Plus that is on top of what I’ve already saved up over these last five years.
“True, let’s go inside so you can try them on,” I tell her, and when she turns her head, she almost looks shocked. It’s hard not to laugh when I see her expression, but it isn’t her fault that she has no idea about things that cost so much. Mama has given us lives of relative frugality and frugal habits die hard.
Because their lives have changed so much along with mine, I want to give my sister everything. “C’mon, let’s go in.”
Despite her reluctance, I finally manage to drag her inside, and a store clerk immediately comes by with a welcoming smile. Lili looks closer at a few of the items and then points. “That one is really nice.” And then another, “And that one.”
“Excuse me,” I say, turning toward the store clerk. “Can she try on those earrings, please?”
“Of course.” The gloved lady comes over, and delicately takes her rose gold earrings outside of the case, inviting Lili to go face the mirror to put them on.
I stand behind my sister, and then lean forward just enough to see my reflection and hers in the mirror. “Look at you!” I say, her smile rising with pride as she turns right and left to contemplate herself. “They look wonderful on you, Lili.”
“Have you seen the price, though?” she asks in a whisper. “It’s seven thousand euros for a freaking pair of earrings.”
“It’s my gift to you.” And before my sister can protest, I turn around to find the store clerk and say, “She's taking them.”
While the clerk is sorting out her earrings, I pace around the store, my eyes scanning across the marvelous jewelry in the displays. All of a sudden, I instinctively stop in my tracks when my eyes lay on the section of engagement rings and I can’t help wondering if Andries will propose with one of those. Not that it matters of course, I’m a big girl and can afford one of those rings myself, but it’d be a nice gesture, nevertheless.
“Any that you like in particular?” Lili asks, sneaking in beside me.
“That one is beautiful, actually,” I point at a platinum and emerald-cut diamond solitaire.
“Can she try it on?” Lili is already asking to the lady and I feel a pang of embarrassment for her unapologetic request. I guess it’s just pay back from earlier on.
“Of course.” The clerk is smiling up to her ears when she takes the ring out with her gloved hands. “May I?” she asks, taking delicately my left hand.
I nod once, and she places the diamond ring on my finger.
“Look at that! How beautiful!” Lili exclaims and my heart does a little somersault in response. “Let me take a few shots for you.” She grabs her iPhone and starts taking pictures of myself with the ring on. It is indeed a very beautiful ring. But as I sneak at the price tag, even I can’t help but gasp. Six figures for a ring is beyond outrageous!
When I notice Lili typing something on her phone, my interest is suddenly perked. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing, just texting Robin…” After a few more seconds, her attention returns to me and she plugs her phone back into her purse. “Well, shall we?”
My adrenaline is already pumping at the thought of Andries having already arrived at my place. While he still has his apartment with his books, clothes, and other belongings, he’s been sleeping with me nearly every night—just like before. When I get into the living room, my eyes lay on him sitting on the couch, his eyes focused on a book. I’m not sure if it’s for college or not, but I take a moment and stand by the doorway to observe him, letting myself revel in how handsome he is. Jeez. I can’t help but think about that ring I tried earlier at the shop and how after selling my agency, he could become my fiancé… After everything we went through this year, it feels like the worst is finally behind us.
“How was your day?” he asks, when he finally lifts his head to look at me, while I’m still leaning against the doorway. “Is everything okay?” He shuts his book and rises from his seat, pacing in my direction. When he stands in front of me, he leans down just enough to kiss me, sending a thrill up my spine.
“It was great. I went to do some shopping with Lili, and I even ended up getting her a pair of earrings for the cocktail party. She was so happy.” There is just enough of a playful lilt to my words to cause him to smile, except he doesn’t. He remains thoughtfully looking at me.
“I heard that you went pretty soft on Karl?” Suddenly my amusement dissipates and I swallow past the lump in my throat when I meet with his inquiring gaze. “Was that on purpose?”
“I didn’t go easy on him I was just… normal. He’s just a distant memory that I want to resolve and get rid of, nothing more. After all…” I close the short distance between us, wet my lips, and take a hold of his chest, letting my hands drift acrossthe surface of his sweater. “We have so much to look forward to. The sale is going through, and once we can figure all that out then our problems are done and over with. We can move on together….” When I look up into his cerulean eyes, I know that I’ve made the right decision.
While he remains undecided for a moment, he eventually leans in and kisses me gently, and what is a soft kiss becomes harder at every passing second, and I find myself breathing hard with my body responding to his touch.
39
