Page 33 of Learning to Love

Hinchbootie stands up tall again.

“I’ll get the car brought around,” he says and leaves the room.

“What are you planning?” Elodie comes to me when I hold my hand out to her, and I pull her into my lap.

“Dresses can be purchased. Hinchbootie is arranging a shopping trip to a high class establishment as we speak.”

“What? I can’t let you do that.”

“I can do it because I want you at my side, and as a result, I want to buy you a beautiful dress.” Leaning forward, I kiss Elodie’s lips. There’s a faint taste of her cherry Chapstick still lingering.

“All right, I’ll come. I’d like to be at your side, but I have money, and I’ll buy my own dress.”

“We’ll see.”

I nudge Elodie off my lap as Hinchbootie comes back into the room to tell us the car is ready. Elodie and I follow him out to a black Mercedes. Elodie is holding a small clutch bag, which she purchased the day after we left the yacht. It’s big enough to fit her phone, wallet, and a few other essentials in but not like the cavernous one she used before. It’s sophisticated and suits the white pants and lemon blouse she’s wearing.

“Where are we going?” Elodie asks.

“Saks Fifth Avenue will be cleared for you. The security team has gone ahead to ensure it’s safe,” Hinchbootie informs us.

“In Miami?” Elodie splutters.

“Isn’t the function there tomorrow? Why don’t we relocate there for the night and stay at a suitable hotel?” I question. I’ve not been to Miami since arriving, but I know it’s a vibrant city, full of color and exotic cuisine.

“I’ll look into that, sir, and approve it with the palace.”

I let my head sink back and give out a loud puff of frustrated air.

“No, Hinchbootie, let’s live a little and do what we want. I’ll deal with my father afterward. Let’s go have some fun. Book the Four Seasons on the beach and let’s enjoy ourselves today before the monotony of tomorrow.”

“I swear you are going to put me in an early grave…but, all right. I’ll sort everything here and follow on later. You and Miss Nash enjoy your shopping trip.”

Elodie and I quickly escape into the car like a couple of naughty school children.

“Is it wrong that I’m excited about all of this? I can pretend I’m inPretty Womanfor the next couple of days and dress in fancy clothes,” she says with a smile.

“I preferred the dress Julia Roberts wore at the start of the film.” I chuckle back in response to Elodie’s excited ramblings.

“Typical man.” She rolls her eyes at me before we fall into a comfortable silence and watch the scenery flow past us.

It takes just under an hour to reach the store. A few shocked passersby take pictures to send to their friends, but we’re ushered in with minimal fuss. I know when we leave there’ll be a lot more people milling around, and the press will be there in force. I'm not going to mention that to Elodie, though. I want her to enjoy this experience.

“Welcome, Your Highness, Miss Nash. I’m Margo, and I’m here to help you today,” a lady greets us with a curtsy.

“Thank you, Margo.” I hold my hand out to shake hers.

“I’ve been informed what you need. I have a selection of dresses already picked out for Miss Nash to try on.” She smiles sweetly at Elodie and points to the row of gowns lined up.

“Wow!” Elodie exclaims, her eyes going wide at the glittering assortment. “I can’t wait to try them. But please, call me Elodie. Miss Nash seems so old.”

Margo looks at me for confirmation that it’s all right. I nod.

“Let’s get this started then. Elodie, would you like to come this way?”

Elodie and Margo disappear behind a curtain while I take a seat in a comfortable armchair. On the table next to me is an assortment of my preferred snacks and drinks. There’s a list of my requirements that’s always sent ahead whenever I visit anywhere. It’s not that long. I’m not one for demanding everything be given a fresh coat of white paint before I arrive. I pop a lemon sherbet, my favorite candy, into my mouth and suck on it as I wait for Elodie to return in the first dress.

It doesn’t take long, and when she appears, I’m blown away by how beautiful she looks. I knew she had a stunning figure, but the tight fitting black dress seems to accentuate all her curves.

---