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I chuckled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "How about a shopping spree instead?"
Her eyebrows shot up. "Seriously? Ben used to take me shopping all the time, and honestly, it felt... I don't know, condescending."
I smiled, "This isn’t about me trying to buy your affection, Paisley. Let's make it fun. We can both shop, find something absurd or extravagant, and wear it tonight. A bit of lightness to wash away today's drama."
She considered it for a moment, then her face broke into a wide grin. "Okay, on one condition. I get to choose something for you, and you have to wear it, no matter how ridiculous."
I raised an eyebrow, a grin on my face. “Challenge accepted.”
New York's shopping districts were alive with the hustle and bustle of the late afternoon crowd. The sun dipped below the skyline, casting golden hues over the city streets. Paisley's excitement was contagious as she tugged me from store to store, examining pieces with the precision of a seasoned shopper.
At one of the high-end boutiques, I found myself holding dozens of dresses for her as she ducked into a changing room. The roles were reversed when she picked out an extravagantly patterned suit for me, complete with a flamboyant tie that I wouldn’t normally be caught dead wearing.
"Come on, Austin! Let's see it!" she called out, a note of gleeful anticipation in her voice.
I emerged from the changing room to a burst of laughter. She had her hand over her mouth, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You look...amazing."
I struck a pose, playing along. "I feel like a peacock that’s had a run-in with a paint store."
She giggled, coming closer and adjusting the tie slightly. Her fingers grazed my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "You make even this look good," she murmured, her breath warm against my ear.
I tilted her chin up, the playful atmosphere suddenly charged with tension. "You're enjoying this far too much," I whispered, leaning in.
She inched closer, her lips a hair's breadth away from mine. "Guilty," she breathed.
The sound of someone clearing their throat brought us crashing back to reality. The shop assistant, looking slightly embarrassed, informed us of the total.
Later, laden with shopping bags and laughter in our wake, we stopped at a street-side café. The city lights twinkled, and the hum of the city provided a soothing background noise.
Paisley looked at me, a soft smile on her lips. "Thank you, Austin. I haven't felt this light in a long time."
I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. "There's more to come, Paisley. We’re just getting started."
Her eyes searched mine, filled with promise and hope. “Let’s make tonight unforgettable.”
I nodded, squeezing her hand. “Absolutely.”
The glow of the Broadway marquee cast a warm light onto the bustling street. The roar of the crowd, the vivid posters, and the hum of excitement all added to the atmosphere. For a moment, I could see Paisley's face illuminated by the lights, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"We're really doing this?" she asked, a touch of disbelief in her voice.
I leaned close, so she could hear me over the clamor. "I told you I'd make tonight unforgettable, didn't I?"
The corners of her mouth lifted, that infectious joy radiating from her again. "You're full of surprises, Austin."
We entered the theater, and the opulence within was nothing short of mesmerizing. The ornate ceiling, plush red seats, and the grand stage took her breath away. We found our seats, settled in, and as the lights dimmed, I took her hand in mine.
The performance was incredible, a whirlwind of emotion, drama, and dazzling displays of talent. Yet, amid the singing, dancing, and storytelling, I could feel Paisley's mind wander. The tension in her grip was unmistakable.
At intermission, she pulled me aside, her face pensive. "I need to make a call," she said, her eyes darting away from mine.
Before I could respond, she was already stepping outside, phone in hand. Curiosity piqued, I followed at a distance. I tried not to eavesdrop, but the concern in her voice was hard to ignore.
"Benjamin," she started, taking a deep breath. "Look, can we meet again? But just the two of us this time."
There was a pause, a muffled voice responding from the other end of the line. I felt a sharp pang of jealousy and annoyance. I had to remind myself that this was about the papers, nothing more.
She nodded, though Benjamin obviously couldn't see. "Tomorrow. A public place, okay? A café, mid-morning."
